Assistant Professor, Law

Gonzaga University; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Gonzaga University School of Law seeks a full-time Assistant Professor to teach a range of core and elective law courses, including Evidence, Criminal Law, Property, and more, while contributing to curriculum development and student mentoring.

The successful candidate will engage in scholarly research aligned with Gonzaga Law’s Centers for Civil & Human Rights and Law, Ethics & Commerce, and participate in ongoing professional development within the academic community.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of academic achievement.
• Excellence in teaching or strong potential to become an excellent teacher.
• Evidence of scholarly research agenda and potential for scholarly excellence.

Responsibilities

• Teach law school courses in areas of expertise, including Evidence, Criminal Law, Property, Business Associations, Sales, Wills and Trusts, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, Legal Research and Writing, and skills-related courses.
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction for law students.
• Supervise and advise students enrolled in self-directed legal research and writing projects.
• Engage with student advisees to plan their law school curriculum.
• Contribute to the intellectual exchange of ideas and engage in professional development within Gonzaga Law’s centers.

Skills

Teaching

Scholarly research

Curriculum development

Student advising

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor or equivalent

Job description

Job Purpose

Full-time professors, regardless of rank, will typically teach two courses per semester, which may include first-year and/or required courses. Our curricular needs include a variety of first-year, required, and elective courses, including Evidence, Criminal Law, Property, Business Associations, Sales, Wills and Trusts, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, Legal Research and Writing, and skills-related courses.

Candidates for Assistant Professor must demonstrate strong potential for excellence in teaching, a commitment to service, and excellent scholarly potential, particularly in areas aligned with Gonzaga Law’s two academic Centers – the Center for Civil & Human Rights and the Kennelly Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce. Assistant professors are supported as scholars across all subject areas and have the opportunity to teach doctrinal, experiential, clinical, academic support, or bar preparation courses if desired.

Gonzaga Law is dedicated to its humanistic mission of educating the whole person and preparing lawyers to serve marginalized communities in an increasingly global landscape. Faculty members teach and mentor students, provide service to the law school and University, and engage with the broader profession and public to advance the exchange of ideas, improve the law, and promote the common good.

For more information on our mission, please visit: https://www.gonzaga.edu/about/our-mission-jesuit-values/mission-statement

Essential Functions

• Instructional Duties
  • Teach law school courses in areas of expertise, including Evidence, Criminal Law, Property, Business Associations, Sales, Wills and Trusts, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, Legal Research and Writing, and skills-related courses.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction for law students.
  • Supervise and advise students enrolled in self-directed legal research and writing projects.
  • Engage with student advisees to plan their law school curriculum.
• Professional Development
  • Contribute to the intellectual exchange of ideas, enrich teaching, and educate the profession about the law.
  • Engage in continuing professional development as a member of the academic community, including participation in Gonzaga Law’s two academic centers.
  • Significant publication is required. Professional development as a scholar may also include:
  • Presentations to academic, professional, and community groups;
  • Participation in activities of regional, national, or international professional organizations;
  • Participation in workshops or seminars; and
  • Selection for grants, fellowships, and awards.
• Administrative Duties
  • Devote considerable time to non-teaching activities essential to the operation of a law school committed to excellence. Responsibilities may include:
  • Attending meetings of the law faculty;
  • Being actively involved in law school and University committees;
  • Advising law students;
  • Maintaining regular office hours;
  • Performing service to the University and to the public;
  • Complying with ABA and University policies; and
  • Cooperating with the school’s efforts to comply with applicable law.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or equivalent degree earned from an ABA-accredited law school or its equivalent earned by July 31st, 2027.
• Demonstrated record of academic achievement.
• Strong professional recommendations.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching or clear potential to become an excellent teacher.
• Evidence of scholarly research agenda and potential for scholarly excellence

Preferred Qualifications

• Six months of law school or clinical teaching experience.
• Twelve months of legal practice experience in one or more areas aligned with our curricular needs.
• Demonstrated teaching effectiveness, including the ability to support learners from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds.
• Strong interpersonal communication, leadership, collaboration, innovation, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to collegiality, self-awareness, and a healthy sense of humor.
• Active law licensure in a state bar of the United States, and/or the ability and interest to become actively licensed to practice law in Washington state.
• At least one law review publication or its equivalent.

Educational Requirement

Terminal Degree

Required Application Materials

(1) a cover letter, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a teaching statement addressing teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and experience fostering an inclusive learning environment, (4) a research agenda, (5) law school teaching evaluations (if available), and (6) names and contact information for three professional references will be requested from advancing candidates during the interview process. Questions may be directed to Michael Cecil, Chair of the Faculty Recruitment Committee, at [e-mail]. Applicants must also apply through Gonzaga University’s Office of Human Resources at the link above. For assistance with the online application, contact Human Resources at 509-313-5996. The position closes October 16, 2026, at 11:55pm (U.S. PST).