INTRODUCTION
The University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Law seeks candidates for an open-rank clinical faculty position in its Legal Practice Program (“LP Program”), beginning in the fall of 2027. Appointment may be made at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or Full Clinical Professor of Law, commensurate with the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. The LP Program at UConn School of Law is an integrated seven-credit first-year program that provides experiential training in legal writing, legal research, oral advocacy, interviewing, counseling, negotiation, and professional identity formation.
This position affords the opportunity to teach Legal Practice during the fall and spring semesters; design and refine curriculum, simulations, assignments, and assessments that advance students’ lawyering skills; and mentor students as they develop as legal professionals. Faculty teach through a combination of classroom instruction and simulated client representations, culminating in an innovative spring-semester skills capstone. The program encourages thoughtful integration of emerging technologies—including legal research platforms and generative artificial intelligence—to enhance student learning while cultivating ethical judgment and professional responsibility needed to use these tools effectively in legal practice.
Although LP faculty collaborate closely on curriculum design and program development, each faculty member exercises substantial autonomy in organizing and teaching their course, selecting instructional approaches, and developing classroom materials consistent with program learning outcomes.
UConn School of Law is a top-ranked public law school in the Northeast, offering a professional education and scholarly environment of the highest quality. The School is committed to building and supporting a vibrant, multicultural, and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Its beautiful Gothic Revival campus is located in the West End of Hartford, a few miles from the state capitol and courts, as well as the headquarters of leading insurance companies and other major corporations. The School has both day and evening divisions and offers the JD (Juris Doctor) degree, LLM (Master of Laws) degrees, and the SJD (Doctor of Laws) degree, as well as several dual degree programs. The UConn Law faculty includes leading scholars, experienced practitioners, and internationally known experts in a wide range of fields. The Law School hosts three student journals, over forty student organizations, extensive clinical and public service for the surrounding communities, and one of the largest law libraries in the world.
Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Excellent legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication.
- At least three years of legal practice experience.
- A demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace, legal academy, and/or profession.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Record of excellence in teaching legal writing, legal skills, or experiential courses.
- Significant experience in legal writing, client interviewing, counseling, negotiation, and oral advocacy.
- Demonstrated commitment to evidence-based teaching and learning, including a willingness to develop and refine pedagogy.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous curricular improvement and innovation in legal education.
- Experience using or teaching with legal technology, including electronic research platforms, practice technologies, and/or generative AI tools, and a commitment to helping students develop the skills and ethical judgment necessary to use these technologies effectively, ethically, and professionally.
- National or regional engagement with organizations related to legal writing, experiential education, legal pedagogy, or the legal profession.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, non-tenure-track position that is eligible for five-year, presumptively renewable long-term contracts. The initial appointment will be for one year (for those on track toward a long-term contract) or five years (for those appointed with a long-term contract) depending on experience. Renewals will be based on performance. Salary and rank will be commensurate with background, qualifications, and experience. Candidates should expect to work at the Law School located in Hartford, Connecticut.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499734 and submit the following application materials:
- A letter of interest
- Curriculum vitae
- Writing sample
- Teaching statement
- Names and contact information for three (3) references
Any questions about application materials may be directed to the appointments committee chair, Goldburn P. Maynard Jr., at goldburn.maynard@uconn.edu
Review of applications will begin immediately, with those submitted by September 30, 2026 receiving priority consideration. The position will remain open until filled and is subject to budgetary approval.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.