Clinical Fellow

Position Summary

Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law seeks a qualified individual to teach in its Clinic for Asylum, Refugee & Emigrant Services (CARES) as a Clinical Fellow during academic year 2026-27. The CARES Clinic represents refugees seeking religious or political asylum in the United States. The Clinical Fellow position is a 12-month, temporary position beginning in Summer 2026, with the possibility of an additional 12-month term if further funding can be obtained.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Co-teach the CARES clinic seminar, including classes focused on lawyering skills, professional development, and ethical practice, employing clinical teaching methods.
• Supervise student practice, employing clinical teaching pedagogy.
• Serve as the attorney of record in Clinic cases.
• Organize an annual symposium on immigrant justice.
• Assist in the administration of the CARES Clinic, including but not limited to conducting outreach to clients; selecting cases; collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data; reporting to funding sources; and maintaining files.
• Assist with teaching, student supervision, and serving as the attorney of record on immigration related matters of the Farmworker Legal Aid Clinic (FLAC), which represents low-wage agricultural workers and their families.

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education: A Juris Doctor degree and bar membership

Work Skills:

• An understanding of, and commitment to, clinical teaching methodology
• Relevant legal practice experience, including experience litigating asylum matters
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in and aptitude for student supervision and teaching
• Expertise in relevant substantive areas of law

Preferred Qualifications

• Pennsylvania bar membership (or an ability to waive into the Pennsylvania bar) is preferred.
• Prior clinical teaching experience is preferred.

Special Message to Applicants

This position is funded only for the 2026-27 academic year. Any renewal of the appointment would be contingent on both performance and securing further funding.

All applications must include: Application cover letter, Current and complete curriculum vitae, Statement of teaching philosophy, List of 3 references. We will contact the references for finalists only., Unofficial academic transcripts are required to submit application. Official transcripts will be required from finalists only., Finalists will be required to submit a statement on their contributions to the University Mission and Enduring Commitments.

Review of applications begins upon receipt and continues until the position is filled.