Assistant Professor of Clinical Education (Criminal Defense Clinic)
POSITION SUMMARY
Willamette University School of Law seeks applicants for a full-time visiting faculty position for the 2026-2027 academic year to serve as the primary instructor for a clinical law program that will be offered in partnership with the Public Defender of Marion County. The position is renewable based on performance and continued State funding in subsequent academic / fiscal years. The instructor will teach and supervise clinical law students who will be assigned to defend clients in misdemeanor cases.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Teach an average of 12 clinical students in both the Fall and Spring semesters, and up to 8 students in the summer, by providing classroom instruction, timely written feedback on assignments, and individual academic counseling on progress towards course learning objectives. Supervise criminal misdemeanor cases defended by students.
- Engage in criminal defense representation as needed to serve clinic clients.
- Regularly review and, where appropriate, establish or revise processes and procedures to operate the Criminal Defense clinic.
- Collaborate with the Public Defender of Marion County on designing and revising the structure of the clinical program.
- Refine and/or develop and implement programming to assist students in preparing for academic success while in law school and in building their professional identity.
- Participate in faculty meetings, faculty committees, and other service work commensurate with expectations of other visiting professors.
- Complete requirements associated with state funding, such as reporting and other requested follow-up documentation.
- Other duties consistent with the position as assigned by the Dean.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school.
- Three to five years' experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law.
- Current member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing, or eligible for reciprocity admission.
- Eligible for misdemeanor attorney qualification by the Oregon Public Defense Commission.
- Proficient in the use of computers for word processing and electronic communication.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Knowledge or enthusiasm to learn about student preparation for the Oregon Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination.
- A genuine enthusiasm for student success.
- Excellent organizational and planning skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues.
- Ability to work independently as well as establish and maintain harmonious relations with staff, faculty, students and professionals in the community.
Preferred
- Teaching experiential, clinical, or legal writing courses in an ABA-accredited law school.
- Familiarity with the operations of public defender offices in the State of Oregon or other jurisdictions.
- Experience either prosecuting or defending criminal cases.
Salary: $129,100
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