Assistant Professor Employment Law

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an attorney with a commitment to public service to serve as an Assistant Professor of Public Law and Government, focusing on public employment law. The appointment is Tenured/Tenure Track and requires a J.D.

with strong writing abilities. The faculty will teach, conduct research, and advise state and local government officials on constitutional protections, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, SHRA, and related employment issues, contributing to UNC's renowned

Qualifications

• J.D., excellent writing skills and strong academic performance required.
• 3+ years practicing employment law preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach as Assistant Professor of Public Law and Government with a primary focus on public employment law.
• Provide research, training, and advising to state and local government officials on employment law topics including constitutional protections and federal statutes.
• Publish scholarship related to state and local government and employment law to inform public policy and practice.

Skills

Excellent writing skills

Strong academic performance

Education

J.D.

Job description

Department:

SOG Sch of Government - 375100

Posting Open Date:

10/07/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Position Type:

Permanent Faculty

Working Title:

Assistant Professor Employment Law

Appointment Type:

Tenured/Tenure Track

Vacancy ID:

FAC0006154

Full-time/Part-time:

Full-Time Permanent

Hours per week:

40

FTE:

1

Position Location:

North Carolina, US

Hiring Range:

$120,000 - $130,000

Proposed Start Date:

01/04/2027

Be a Tar Heel!:

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:

The School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill works to improve the lives of North Carolinians by engaging in practical scholarship that helps public officials and citizens understand and improve state and local government. As the largest university-based local government training, advisory, and research organization in the United States, the School of Government offers up to 300 courses, webinars, and specialized conferences for more than 14,000 public officials each year. In addition, faculty members annually publish approximately 50 books, manuals, reports, articles, bulletins, and other print and online content related to state and local government. The School is also home to a nationally ranked graduate program in public administration.

For more information about the School, visit sog.unc.edu.

Position Summary:

The UNC School of Government seeks an attorney with a commitment to public service, a desire to teach, and a strong interest in legal research and writing to serve as an Assistant Professor of Public Law and Government with a primary focus on public employment law.

Every unit of government is an employer and must meet the legal obligations related to employment that employers generally must meet. In addition, governments as employers have constitutional and other constraints related to their employment obligations that employers in the private sector do not face. North Carolina public employers look to the School for guidance on the law of employment generally and for help with individualized situations particularly.

The faculty member in this tenure track position will provide research, training, and advising to state and local government officials on topics of public employment law, including constitutional protections including free speech in the government workplace and statutory requirements, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and workers compensation, as well as the application of the State Human Resources Act to local government employees.

The faculty member will teach alongside colleagues in a variety of School of Government courses, many developed specifically for human resources professionals and attorneys. Other teaching will be as part of larger courses directed at other local government officials with supervisory responsibilities.

Successful faculty members in this type of position become statewide experts and trusted advisors for public officials across North Carolina. Every consultation with a public official, every class taught, and every element of their published scholarship contribute to the School’s 90-year legacy of improving North Carolina through better governance.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

J.D., excellent writing skills, strong academic performance, and demonstrated commitment to public service required

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

3+ years practicing employment law preferred.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions:

We will begin reviewing applications in November and anticipate starting first-round interviews later that month.