Willamette University, founded in 1842, is a nationally-renowned private university enrolling 2800 students across five colleges. Our historic campus, adjacent to the Oregon State Capitol, hosts a distinguished undergraduate liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon. Our downtown Portland campus is home to the Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). We offer a wide range of professional graduate programs, including Oregon’s top-ranked MBA program, the Northwest’s oldest law school, as well as MA/MFA programs at PNCA and master’s degrees in data science and computer science.
Willamette University provides a high-value and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our Benefits Summary includes options for health, dental, life insurance, retirement, substantial paid time off, tuition and more. If you need assistance applying for a job or have any questions on recruitment at Willamette, please contact our HR Department, [email protected] or call us at 503-370-6210.
POSITION SUMMARY
Willamette University School of Law seeks applicants for a full-time visiting faculty position for the 2026-2027 academic year to serve as the primary instructor for a clinical law program that will be offered in partnership with the Public Defender of Marion County. The position is renewable based on performance and continued State funding in subsequent academic / fiscal years. The instructor will teach and supervise clinical law students who will be assigned to defend clients in misdemeanor cases. Applicants must possess strong academic credentials, skill in criminal defense work, and the ability to communicate their expertise to colleagues and their students. A commitment to teaching is critical to job success.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Teach an average of 12 clinical students in both the Fall and Spring semesters, and up to 8 students in the summer, by (in addition to other responsibilities) providing classroom instruction, timely written feedback on assignments, and individual academic counseling on progress towards course learning objectives. Supervise criminal misdemeanor cases defended by students.
Engage in criminal defense representation as needed to serve clinic clients, particularly when students are not available to represent the clients under supervision (such as spring or winter break).
Regularly review and, where appropriate, establish or revise processes and procedures to operate the Criminal Defense clinic. Coordinate with other clinic instructors and administrative assistants to coordinate processes with other clinics as necessary in order to ensure efficiency and student learning while ensuring proper representation.
Collaborate with the Public Defender of Marion County on designing and revising the structure of the clinical program; identify additional personnel support as needed; work with appropriate university offices in order to post and hire for those positions.
Refine and/or develop and implement programming to assist students in preparing for academic success while in law school and in building their professional identity. Where appropriate, assist with mentoring and advising students to encourage thoughtful development of professional interest in fields related to the clinical work; if permitted under relevant licensure rules, assist students with development of materials to prove qualification for licensure.
Participate in faculty meetings, faculty committees, and other service work commensurate with expectations of other visiting professors.
Complete requirements associated with state funding, such as reporting and other requested follow-up documentation, on an appropriate time schedule. Assist with planning and advocacy with stakeholders throughout the state to promote the clinical program and encourage ongoing funding.
Other duties consistent with the position as assigned by the Dean.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited U.S. law school.
Three to five years’ experience as a licensed attorney in the practice of law, which experience must have involved the preparation and editing of high-quality legal work product. Any equivalent combination of education, training or experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential functions of the position.
Current member of the Oregon State Bar in good standing, or eligible for reciprocity admission.
Eligible for misdemeanor attorney qualification by the Oregon Public Defense Commission if not already qualified, including obligations listed here.
Proficient in the use of computers for word processing and electronic communication. Ability to learn and adapt quickly to new software.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Knowledge or enthusiasm to learn about student preparation for the Oregon Supervised Practice Portfolio Examination.
A genuine enthusiasm for student success, and an ability to be empathetic towards students with academic challenges.
Excellent organizational and planning skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues.
Ability to work independently as well as establish and maintain harmonious relations with staff, faculty, students and professionals in the community regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, ethnicity, job status, or other background.
Preferred
Teaching experiential, clinical, or legal writing courses in an ABA-accredited law school.
Familiarity with the operations of public defender offices in the State of Oregon or other jurisdictions.
Experience either prosecuting or defending criminal cases.
Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, some evening and weekend work; occasional travel may also be required in connection with training or client visits.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions: Standard office / classroom environment as well as courtrooms and detention facilities, where necessary to perform the duties of the position and provide necessary supervision for students.
Salary: $129,100
You will need to upload the following documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled Resume:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as received until the position is filled.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENT:
All University positions require that candidates submit to a criminal conviction record check prior to hire. Conviction does not automatically preclude candidates from being hired. Nature of conviction will be considered relative to the duties of the position.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS:
Please read the following carefully before beginning the online application process. To be considered for employment at Willamette University, please complete our online employment application. Your application and all required attachments - listed at the bottom of the page - must be submitted for each individual job post that you are interested in applying. Once you submit your application you will not be able to edit your application.
