Michigan State University College of Law invites applications to fill a faculty appointment as the Director of its newly-formed Civil Rights Clinic beginning in the 2011-2012 academic year. Students participating in this unique clinical opportunity, created at the request of the United States District Court Judges, Western District, Michigan, will litigate a variety of civil rights claims initiated by state prisoners concerning the conditions of their confinement. The Director will have primary responsibility for teaching and supervising students enrolled in the Civil Rights Clinic, and will oversee all activities of the Civil Rights Clinic during the semesters in which it operates. In addition to teaching and supervising students, key responsibilities will include: (1) administering all aspects of the Civil Rights Clinic, including budgeting, grant seeking and grant administration, supervising other staff, etc.; (2) creating and coordinating opportunities for collaboration with other nonprofit entities interested in prisoner rights; (3) participating in Michigan and national organizations relating to prisoners’ civil rights; (4) overseeing day-to-day operations of the clinic including maintaining caseloads, conducting case reviews/status conferences with students, appearing with students in court, and teaching in the classroom component of the Civil Rights Clinic; and (5) actively participating in the work of the Law College community.
Applicants for this position should have at least 5 years of experience litigating cases in federal court, a practice focus in civil rights law, constitutional law, or with prisoner rights, and proven management and supervisory skills. Applicants must have a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school, and must pbe licensed (or be eligible to be licensed upon hire) to practice law in Michigan. Candidates must have a strong commitment to clinical legal education and teaching. Excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational, research, writing, editing, analytical, and communication skills are required. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, three references, and a writing sample to:
Professor Matthew Fletcher
Chair, Appointments Committee
Michigan State University College of Law
368 Law College Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1300
Michigan State University College of Law is committed to the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students, and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and those whose background, experience, and perspective would contribute to diversity.
Turtle Talk 