Skip to main content

Legal Research and Writing Instructor for AY 2021-22

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position overview

Position title: Lecturer in Law
Salary range: Approximately $85,000-90,000

Position description

Legal Research and Writing Instructor
UCLA School of Law

UCLA School of Law is seeking a full-time instructor to teach two sections of the first-year J.D. course in Legal Research and Writing. The opening is for the 2021-22 academic year. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to start as soon as practical after July 1, 2021.

Each section of the Legal Research and Writing is a year-long five-credit course, designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of legal reasoning, the structure of objective and persuasive arguments, legal research methods, statutory interpretation, and additional skills, such as oral advocacy, fact investigation, and client counseling. Students complete a variety of written assignments, both graded and ungraded, designed to reinforce the overarching lessons of the course.

Each of the two sections will meet for approximately 90 minutes, twice a week, during the fall semester (approximately the third week of August until Thanksgiving) and the spring semester (mid-January through April). Most instructors find that their work grading and responding to students about grades continues through mid-June. Each section has approximately 25 students. In addition to the class meetings, instructors are expected to hold regular office hours and meet with students to counsel them about their writing projects, career interests and other matters of academic or professional concern. Students in both sections complete several major writing and research projects over the course of the year, with the instructor providing extensive individualized written feedback along with individual meetings on each assignment. Candidates have the benefit of developed materials for both courses, although they will be expected to develop and update the course materials for Legal Research and Writing to incorporate cutting-edge problems. The candidate would be expected to work closely with other Legal Research and Writing instructors in developing materials which fit program and School goals.

This position requires evidence of past or potential ability for:

• Effective classroom teaching (including command of the subject matter, ability to organize and present material, and ability to awaken student interest, curiosity, creativity, and achievement).
• Effective and timely feedback on written assignments with extensive oral and written comments on student work product.
• Counseling of students on a wide range of professional and career topics.

The successful candidate should also expect to do the following:

• Collaborate with other Legal Research and Writing instructors in developing assignments and coordinating due dates.
• Supervise and train second and third-year students who will assist the instructor with critiquing first drafts of the ungraded student writing and assignments.

The candidate will also engage in other teaching duties such as assisting in a clinical course and in supervising student externships.

This is a full-time academic, non-tenure track appointment as a Lecturer in Law. The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $90,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

All candidates must hold a J.D. or equivalent degree. We seek candidates with an excellent academic record; substantial legal writing experience; a strong desire to teach; proven ability to provide constructive feedback; and at least 2 years of practice experience as an attorney in any jurisdiction (5 years preferred).

Confidential review of applications, nominations and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue until an appointment is made. To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by Wednesday, June 9, 2021, but will be considered thereafter through July 16, 2021, or until the position is filled.

Please apply online at https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF06427 by submitting pdf copies of a CV or resume, a cover letter, and the names and contact information for at least three professional references. Applicants with teaching experience should also include their teaching evaluations, a summary thereof, or other testimonials concerning their teaching experience.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender transition status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services, including protected veterans. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy at https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/DiscHarassAffirmAction.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

J.D. or equivalent

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Cover Letter - A letter discussing your interest, qualifications and/or experience.

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • List of References - Names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references

  • Statement on Contributions to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - An EDI Statement describes a faculty candidate’s past, present, and future (planned) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. To learn more about how UCLA thinks about contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion, please review our Sample Guidance for Candidates and related EDI Statement FAQ document.

  • Teaching Evaluations - Applicants with teaching experience should also include their teaching evaluations, a summary thereof, or other testimonials concerning their teaching experience.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references

Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF06427

Help contact: sasis@law.ucla.edu

About UCLA

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.

Job location

Los Angeles, CA