Assistant Professor, Law

Gonzaga University Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 106,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation reimbursement

Job summary

Gonzaga University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Law. The position is tenure-track, full-time, on campus, with a 100% appointment and nine months per year.

Candidates should demonstrate potential for excellent teaching across our evidence, contracts, environmental law, and related courses, and contribute to the law school's centers. Responsibilities include teaching, curriculum development, advising students, and engaging in scholarship and service to the university and

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor or equivalent earned by July 31st, 2027.
• Demonstrated record of academic achievement.
• Strong professional recommendations.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching or 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, 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. Presentations to academic, professional, and community groups; participation in professional organizations; workshops; and grants/fellowships.
• Devote considerable time to non-teaching activities essential to the operation of a law school committed to excellence. Attend meetings, serve on committees, advise students, maintain office hours, and perform service to the University and public.

Skills

Teaching experience

Legal practice

Interpersonal communication

Leadership

Collaboration

Innovation

Organizational skills

Education

Juris Doctor or equivalent

Job description

Title: Assistant Professor, Law

Area: School of Law

Department: Law Academic Year on Campus

Telework Availability: On-campus Position

Employee Classification: Tenure Track Faculty (Full-time)

Appointment Percentage: 100

Months per year: 9

Salary Range: The budgeted annual salary that the University reasonably expects to offer for this position is $106,084. The internal salary range is $106,084 - $113,156 (commensurate with education and experience).

Is this position eligible for relocation reimbursement?: Yes

At this time, the University has suspended all new H1B visa sponsorships.

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

Physical & On-Campus Requirements

In-Office Presence - Ability to work on-site in typical office setting and participate in in-person meetings with colleagues: 5 days/week

Standing/Sitting - Ability to remain in a stationary position for a prolonged period: Daily (>75% of time)

Walking - Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks: Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Lifting/Carrying - Ability to move or transport objects up to a specified weight: Rarely (1%-49% of time)

Attention to Detail - Ability to focus on detailed tasks for extended periods: Daily (>75% of time)

Problem-Solving - Ability to identify and resolve issues effectively: Daily (>75% of time)

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).