Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge

The mission of the Maurice A. Deane School of Law is to prepare, challenge and inspire our students to make a difference in the world while we advance important ideas through the legal academy, the profession and society — making an impact of our own. Since 1970, Hofstra Law has provided more than 13,000 students with an education rich in both the theory and experiential skills needed to produce outstanding lawyers, business executives, and community leaders.

The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University is pleased to invite applications for an opening for a Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge position commencing in either the Summer of 2026 or Fall of 2026. This position will be on a year-to-year renewable contract.

Building on a long-established history of preparing, challenging, and inspiring its students to make an impact in their communities through its clinics, practicums, and pro-bono programs, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University has operated a Federal Civil Litigation Practice Clinical Practicum (the “Practicum”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York’s Central Islip Courthouse since 2019. The Practicum provides limited scope legal assistance for pro se litigants involved in civil proceedings (excluding cases brought on behalf of incarcerated individuals). The services offered by the Practicum may include:

1. consultation with pro se litigants before they file a complaint to determine whether their case belongs in the EDNY, consistent with jurisdictional and other procedural considerations;
2. explanation about timing deadlines for filing required pleadings and forms, as well as instructions for amending pleadings;
3. assistance in filling out forms and pleadings or responsive pleadings;
4. guidance about various court rules and practices, including any requirements for specific judges;
5. advice about requirements and purposes of motions practice and discovery requests and responses, as well as available methods for informal discovery and fact investigation;
6. assistance with settlement of cases;
7. identification and screening of cases that may be appropriate for referral to pro bono legal service providers;
8. referral to social services organizations and relevant alternative-dispute resolution programs; and
9. production of informational resources for pro se litigants.

No permanent attorney/client relationship is formed and pro se litigants are required to review and give informed, written consent to a limited representation retainer agreement. However, where appropriate, the Practicum may provide recurring assistance to clients on any of the above services.

The Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge is responsible for overseeing the Practicum and supervising students who volunteer or are enrolled for credit, and for teaching the Federal Civil Practice Skills course that students enrolled in the Practicum must take and other students may take. The Practicum provides services four days a week, both on-site at the Central Islip courthouse, with drop-in hours and scheduled appointments, and via remote consultations. The Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge also holds weekly supervision meetings and case rounds at Hofstra Law. Specific duties will include: (1) responsibility for teaching the Federal Civil Practice Skills course and conducting orientation for the law students who work with the Practicum, (2) outreach and communication with existing and potential community partners and referral sources, including representatives from the EDNY, (3) oversight of practices and protocols for the Practicum, (4) drafting grant applications and reports and cultivating sources of support for the Practicum, (5) collecting, assessing and reporting case data and information, (6) promoting community engagement and collaborations, including public speaking and written communications about the Practicum, (7) creation of informational materials for pro se litigants, and (8) other administrative responsibilities such as maintaining malpractice insurance, case management systems, and a budget for the Practicum.

The Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and Attorney-in-Charge will be encouraged and expected to engage in the life of the Law School. The Law School provides administrative assistance, payment of malpractice insurance coverage and bar dues, as well as office and technological supplies and support for the Program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A J.D. degree is required. Admitted to practice law in New York State or another jurisdiction and admitted or eligible for admission in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York; A minimum of two years of litigation experience in federal court, especially in relevant areas of pro se practice, including civil rights, discrimination, federal employment claims, as well as the willingness and capacity to self-teach new areas of law and/or legal skills; Experience supervising, managing, and/or evaluating legal work of law students and/or new attorneys; Demonstrated professional judgment and problem-solving skills; Demonstrated commitment to and/or experience with the provision of high-quality legal services to low and moderate-income client communities; Excellent writing skills, particularly with respect to federal litigation-related documents; Solid understanding of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; Experience in law office and case management; Commitment to teaching, training, and mentorship of law students, including ability to instill reflective practice and provide constructive feedback; Sensitivity to ethical issues and ability to analyze the rules of professional responsibility; Fluency in a language other than English is preferred; Successful candidates will have demonstrated a commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applications should be submitted electronically at https://hofstra.peopleadmin.com/postings/7413 and include the following: a letter of application, CV, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Successful candidates will be required to provide official academic transcripts and professional letters of recommendation.

Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled. Due to volume of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted to participate in additional application processes as specific needs arise.