"Chair in Mining Law and Finance"

The Faculty of Law at Western University invites applications for the Chair in Mining Law and Finance, an endowed position made possible through a generous donation from Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP to promote high-quality academic programming in this important field. Thanks to additional support from Western Law graduate Stephen Dattels (LLB ’72), the Faculty has become a national leader in mining law and finance education.

We are seeking a strong researcher with a demonstrated or emerging international reputation who will help raise the profile of mining law and finance at Western and contribute to our broader strengths in business law. The successful candidate will bring a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to their work and play a key role in shaping research, teaching, and public dialogue at the intersection of law, natural resources, financial systems, and the environment.

The appointment may be a probationary (tenure-track) position at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, or a tenured appointment at the rank of Associate Professor or Professor, depending on qualifications and experience. Candidates may also be considered for a Limited Term appointment. The term for the Chair is five years, renewable.

Qualified applicants must hold a JD, LLB, or equivalent degree, as well as a relevant advanced graduate degree or equivalent. Candidates for a probationary appointment must demonstrate a superior academic record and strong potential for excellence in research and teaching. Candidates for a tenured appointment must have an outstanding academic record, a strong publication record, and significant teaching experience. Limited Term candidates should have advanced legal education or a substantial record of successful practice in fields relevant to mining law.

Western Law offers a robust mining law program, including a suite of academic courses and experiential learning opportunities. We regularly welcome leading scholars, practitioners, developers, regulators, and Indigenous and NGO leaders to engage with our students on key issues across the mining cycle. Our students benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations, including recent participation in the Khepri Asteroid Mining Mission, and have opportunities to engage with the broader mining community through our membership in the Foundation for Natural Resources and Energy Law and our active presence at the PDAC Convention.

The successful candidate will be expected to teach and mentor undergraduate and graduate law students, establish a productive research program, and provide leadership in mining law and finance initiatives. They will also have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in Earth Sciences, Geography, Indigenous Studies, and the Ivey Business School, as well as with partners in the mining industry.

Western Law offers a rigorous and inclusive academic experience that equips students with the skills, perspective, and confidence to lead in a rapidly changing legal world. Our flexible curriculum, wide range of experiential offerings, and strong mentorship culture allow students to shape a legal education that reflects their passions, ambitions, and values. More information about Western Law is available at www.law.uwo.ca.

Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with the Collective Agreement. The preferred start date is July 1, 2026, though this is negotiable.

Applicants are asked to submit a completed Application Form (available at http://www.uwo.ca/facultyrelations/faculty/Application-FullTime-Faculty-Position-Form.pdf) along with the following materials: a cover letter identifying their areas of interest in research and teaching, and their experience with and commitment to institutional service; a detailed curriculum vitae; a copy of JD, LLB, and graduate transcripts for all degrees obtained since 2016; a research agenda (discussing prior and prospective research) of no more than 5 pages; a teaching statement (discussing teaching philosophy, teaching interests, and teaching experience (if applicable)) of approximately 2-3 pages; and up to three sample publications the candidate regards as representative of their research.

Electronic applications are preferred and can be submitted to lawdean@uwo.ca or mailed to: Dean Mohamed F. Khimji, Faculty of Law, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 3K7. Applicants should provide the names and contact information of three academic referees. The Faculty will contact referees directly to request confidential letters of reference. Applicants who currently hold faculty positions may wish to contact Dean Mohamed Khimji at lawdean@uwo.ca in confidence.

Review of applications will begin on September 15, 2025, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.