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INTRODUCTION

The University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Law seeks candidates for an open-rank clinical faculty position as Director of Academic Success and Bar Preparation beginning in the fall of 2027. This is a long-term contract faculty position within the Law School’s Professional Skills Faculty. Appointment may be made at the Assistant, Associate, or Full rank level, depending on qualifications and experience.  

In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Director will provide strategic leadership for the Law School’s established academic success and bar readiness program, assessing, enhancing, and reimagining program components as appropriate to support students and graduates from matriculation through bar admission. The Director will work with faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and external partners to identify and support students at risk of academic or bar exam underperformance; to design and deliver workshops, programs, and resources to promote student achievement, professional development, bar readiness, and licensure success; and to align the program with evolving accreditation standards and licensure requirements, including the NextGen bar. The Director will teach one academic success course each fall and spring semester, provide individualized advising and coaching, and develop and teach bar preparation and related courses, with substantial opportunity to shape the structure and delivery of the Law School’s bar readiness program.

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

1. A J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
2. Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
3. A demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the legal academy and/or profession.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Minimum of two years of relevant experience, preferably in academic success, teaching, academic support/skills programming, bar preparation, student affairs, advising, or related areas at the law school level. 
2. Demonstrated understanding of the evolving attorney licensure landscape, including the NextGen Bar Exam.
3. Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive, supportive, and student-centered learning environment that responds effectively to the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and supports the academic, professional, and personal development of all students.
4. Demonstrated administrative and program-assessment abilities.
5. Experience teaching legal writing.
6. Previous legal practice experience.

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.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. 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 #499737 and submit the following application materials:

• A letter of interest
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three (3) references
• Writing sample

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 applications 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.