WASHBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW invites applicants for a visiting assistant professor for the 2022-23 academic year to teach in the Washburn Law Clinic and may assist in the Third Year Anywhere™ program, which allows students to increase their practice-readiness by externing in the geographic area where they plan to practice after graduation. We are particularly interested in applicants who wish to teach a transactional law clinic, but all subject areas will be considered, including criminal law. The position could convert to a tenure track position after the 2022-23 academic year. We seek engaging candidates who value and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and to pursuing teaching excellence at Washburn University, including a dedication to developing inclusive teaching practices.

Founded in 1970, Washburn University School of Law’s in-house, live client clinical program has been an integral part of the law school curriculum staffed by tenured and tenure-track positions. Our current clinical offerings include Family Justice & Immigration Law, Civil Litigation, and Small Business & Nonprofit Transactional (SBNT) Law. Washburn also hosts a Criminal Appeals Advocacy section of the Clinic administered in cooperation with the Appellate Defender Office. The SBNT Clinic was initiated in 2005 and continues to be the only law school clinic in Kansas that represents businesses and nonprofit organizations. 

The Washburn campus is located in the heart of Topeka, Kansas, blocks from the historic state capitol. Topeka features affordable housing; beautiful, historic neighborhoods filled with well-maintained parks; and a nationally recognized public library. It is also the home of the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Site. 

Washburn University School of Law is committed to diversity in its faculty and encourages applicants whose backgrounds will enrich the law school. We offer competitive wages, an excellent benefits program, a supportive leadership team, and a healthy work/life balance. At Washburn, we strive to ensure a campus climate that supports the success of every employee and appreciates the unique skills and expertise each contributes to serving our students. 

Responsibilities: 

• This visitor will fulfill teaching expectations associated with an appointment as a visiting assistant professor and as outlined in the faculty handbook. They will teach full-time in the clinic and/or part-time in the clinic with other courses as assigned.
• If the position is converted to a tenure-track appointment, the incumbent is responsible for fulfilling teaching expectations associated with a tenure-track appointment. Teach a full workload as outlined in the faculty handbook.
• If the position is converted to a tenure-track appointment, the incumbent is responsible for fulfilling scholarship expectations associated with a tenure-track appointment.
• This visitor will fulfill service expectations by engaging in service activities in the department, university, and profession.
• If the position is converted to a tenure-track appointment, the incumbent is responsible for fulfilling service expectations associated with a tenure-track appointment.

Application Procedures: 

• Review of applications will begin January 31 2022, and continue until the position is filled. (All faculty appointments are contingent upon funding.)
• Interested candidates should send a resume, a cover letter and the names/addresses/phone numbers of three professional references to facultytalent@washburn.edu and include “Visiting Assistant Professor, F2771221” on the subject line.
• If you have questions about the position, please contact Professor Michelle Ewert, Chair, Clinic VAP Screening Committee, at michelle.ewert@washburn.edu.
• The successful candidate will be required to submit to a background check prior to hire.
• Official transcripts are required once hired.

Washburn is an EOE and is dedicated to providing a student-centered and teaching-focused academic and work environment. We seek candidates who are committed to Washburn’s efforts to create a campus climate that fosters the growth and development of a diverse student body, and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented and/or marginalized in higher education.

Washburn University provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or marital or parental status.

Required Qualifications: 

• A JD degree from an ABA accredited law school.
• A demonstrated commitment to clinical legal education.
• Must have a Kansas bar license or be eligible to apply for a restricted license to practice in a clinical setting for the length of the appointment, which does not require the taking of the Kansas state bar exam.
• A demonstrated commitment to developing inclusive teaching practices that engage students from diverse backgrounds.