Clinical Law Professor: Wrongful Convictions Advocate

Northwestern University; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Parental leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement savings options

Wellness programs

Job summary

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law invites applications for a full-time clinical faculty position with the Center on Wrongful Convictions, housed in the Bluhm Legal Clinic. The role supports wrongful incarceration advocacy, post-conviction litigation, and clinical education.

Start date July 2027; rank as Clinical Professor of Law, Associate, or Assistant based on experience. The Center has exonerated many individuals nationwide and engages in direct representation, advocacy, and scholarship.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from ABA-accredited law school.
• At least five years of post-conviction litigation or advocacy experience; seven years preferred.
• Passion for teaching with clinical teaching experience preferred.
• Admission to the Illinois Bar or willingness to obtain within one year of hiring.

Responsibilities

• Co-teaching a weekly clinical course on wrongful convictions and developing case work that offers students meaningful practice-oriented learning experiences.
• Closely supervising and mentoring law students enrolled in the course, including conducting weekly case supervision meetings.
• Representing clients with criminal convictions pro bono in post-conviction matters, including litigation, executive clemency, advocacy through extra-judicial processes, public advocacy, and media.
• Developing and sustaining relationships with local and national organizations, other Northwestern law clinics, and outside co-counsel to provide or enhance legal services.
• Traveling as required for business reasons, including court appearances, prison visits, investigations, meetings with clients, and conferences.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Editing

Oral presentation

Legal analysis

Strategic thinking

Litigation

Collaboration

Education

J.D. degree from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law invites applications for a full-time clinical faculty position with the Center on Wrongful Convictions, housed in the Bluhm Legal Clinic. The role supports wrongful incarceration advocacy, post-conviction litigation, and clinical education.

Start date July 2027; rank as Clinical Professor of Law, Associate, or Assistant based on experience. The Center has exonerated many individuals nationwide and engages in direct representation, advocacy, and scholarship.