F0267W

Clinical Asst/Assoc/Prof of Law, & Director of the Community Law Clinic

William & Mary Law School embodies a commitment to training practitioners truly learned in the law through doctrinal, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning; a devotion to the academic study of law, for the sake of preserving what is best in our legal regimes, reforming what can be improved, and, above all, contributing to the world’s understanding of this fundamental human institution; and a dedication to educating citizen lawyers who will serve with distinction in their communities, the nation, and the world.

The Clinical Assistant, Clinical Associate, or Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Community Law Clinic provides legal services to low-income members of the community, supervises law students in providing these services, assists in training students in a clinical legal education environment, and provides education and outreach activities.

As the founding Director of the Community Law Clinic, the Clinical Assistant, Clinical Associate, or Clinical Professor of Law and Director will set the strategic vision for the Clinic, including what areas of law practice are aligned with the needs of the local community. Areas of law that the Director may focus on include housing, consumer law, public benefits, or family law.

The Community Law Clinic delivers client services to low-income members of the community in subject matter areas determined in accordance with the strategic vision of the Director. The Community Law Clinic also trains law students in a clinical law school setting to be thoroughly familiar with difficult areas of law, to develop basic and advanced law office management skills, to refine research and legal writing abilities, to interview clients and witnesses, to negotiate and mediate with opposing counsel and other relevant parties, to draft complaints and petitions when appropriate, and to create relationships with clients and investigate and advocate on their behalf both orally and in writing.

The Clinical Assistant, Clinical Associate, or Clinical Professor of Law and Director will be responsible for all aspects of the Community Law Clinic operation, including:

- Clinical Teaching: Responsible for leading seminar instruction on relevant substantive law and practice skills needed to execute the case work of the Clinic; evaluating student performance and the status of cases through regularly scheduled student meetings; assessing student success; preparing students for different legal practical experiences through training and planning; evaluating student performance after legal experiences; guiding and advising students on all aspects of casework and work with clients; overseeing outreach activities of the clinic with student interaction; advising students on practical legal work; guiding students in the development of professional identity; and preparing students for the ethical and reflective practice of law.
- Case Work and Client Representation: Responsible for operation of the Community Law Clinic office as a small law office with law student associate attorneys. Case management of client work to include guiding students through all stages of client intake and representation, including interviewing clients and witnesses, working with clients and other professionals (when appropriate) to develop evidentiary support for cases, and representing clients in mediation, administrative hearings and courts, when appropriate; monitoring and supervising student work on the cases; keeping up to date on relevant legal authority; and tracking all work done in a file. The Director shall be responsible for making final legal decisions on the method of pursuing cases and giving legal advice to clients. Case supervision is during the academic year as well as in the summer months, the latter with assistance from student research assistants.

- Participating in fundraising activities as appropriate, including providing information to Law School Advancement, working with Law School and University offices in writing grants and proposals as well as serving as principal investigator for awarded grants; preparing required grant reports and financial reporting, as required.

- Organizing conferences, symposia, and educational outreach as appropriate; collaboration and partnership with other organizations; and supervision of clinical fellows, when necessary.

This position is eligible for security of position but is non-tenure eligible as defined in the Faculty Handbook.

JD and valid state bar license required. Must have client-based experience, advocacy experience, and superior research and legal writing skills.

Virginia Bar License, or willingness to seek admission to VA Bar. Prior work in legal aid and/or low-income advocacy and practice, in clinical teaching, and in fundraising experience preferred. Creative program development experience a plus.

3N1000 Law School Faculty Operations

William & Mary

08/19/2024

Yes

Faculty

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).

Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none