Director of Trial Advocacy

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia's School of Law seeks a Director of Trial Advocacy to lead the trial advocacy program and mock trial competition team. The Director oversees advocacy competitions, student development, program operations, and strategic initiatives that enhance the program’s national reputation.

The Director teaches trial advocacy and related experiential courses, develops curriculum for litigation and dispute-resolution practice, and collaborates with faculty, practitioners, and alumni

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in legal practice or litigation/courtroom experience.
• Demonstrated success in trial advocacy coaching, teaching, or competition leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage program operations, budgets, competition funding, and resource allocation.
• Develop long-term strategies to enhance the national reputation and visibility of the trial advocacy program in coordination with the Director of Advocacy.
• Direct and oversee mock trial, trial advocacy, and other advocacy competition programs.
• Recruit, select, train, and mentor student competitors.
• Coordinate participation in regional and national advocacy competitions.
• Support student professional development, leadership growth, and career placement opportunities related to litigation and advocacy practice.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate adjunct faculty, volunteer attorneys, judges, alumni, and competition coaches who support advocacy programming.
• Foster and support alumni engagement.
• Instruct School of Law Courses in trial advocacy and other litigation-focused or experiential subjects.
• Develop an advocacy curriculum that prepares students for courtroom and dispute-resolution practice.

Skills

Trial advocacy coaching

Oral advocacy

Curriculum development

Leadership

Legal writing

Education

J.D. from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Director of Trial Advocacy

Posting Details Posting Number F2817P Working Title Director of Trial Advocacy Department Law School-General About the University of Georgia Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine. About the College/Unit/Department College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Underutilization Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Anticipated Start Date 01/01/2027 Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings) Job Posting Date 09/24/2026 Job Closing Date 10/30/2026 Open until filled No Special Instructions to Applicants.

Location of Vacancy Athens Area.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02 . Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Details

Classification Title Academic Professional AC FLSA Faculty Rank Academic Professional Associate Contract Type Law Academic (9 mo.) Tenure Status Non-Tenure Track Minimum Qualifications J.D. from an ABA -accredited law school. Position Summary The Director of Trial Advocacy leads the School of Law’s trial advocacy program and mock trial competition team. The position oversees advocacy competitions, student development, program operations, and strategic initiatives that enhance the program’s reputation under the supervision of the Director of Advocacy who oversees both the Trial and Appellate Advocacy Programs. The Director teaches trial advocacy and related experiential courses while developing curriculum that prepares students for litigation and dispute-resolution practice. The Director collaborates with faculty, practitioners, and alumni to provide training and experiential learning opportunities. The Director also contributes to the School of Law through committee service and alumni engagement. The position requires the Director to work frequent evenings and weekends during the academic year. Additional Requirements Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

• 3 years of experience in legal practice or litigation/courtroom experience.
• Demonstrated success in trial advocacy coaching, teaching, or competition leadership.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Coaching and mentoring skills.
• Ability to develop experiential learning opportunities for law students.
• Ability to build consensus among faculty, coaches, alumni, and advocacy students.
• Exceptional oral advocacy and courtroom presentation skills.
• Strong written communication and legal writing skills.
• A background in trial advocacy pedagogy and experiential legal education.
• Knowledge of Law School advocacy competition formats and judging standards.
• Budget management and strategic planning skills.

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel for competitions (nationally)

Is this a Position of Trust? No So this position has operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website . Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Administrative of the Law School’s Trial Advocacy Program

• Manage program operations, budgets, competition funding, and resource allocation.
• Develop long-term strategies to enhance the national reputation and visibility of the trial advocacy program in coordination with the Director of Advocacy.
• Direct and oversee mock trial, trial advocacy, and other advocacy competition programs.
• Recruit, select, train, and mentor student competitors.
• Coordinate participation in regional and national advocacy competitions.
• Support student professional development, leadership growth, and career placement opportunities related to litigation and advocacy practice.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate adjunct faculty, volunteer attorneys, judges, alumni, and competition coaches who support advocacy programming.
• Foster and support alumni engagement.

Percentage Of Time 50

Instruction of School of Law Courses

• Instruct School of Law Courses in trial advocacy and other litigation-focused or experiential subjects.
• Develop an advocacy curriculum that prepares students for courtroom and dispute-resolution practice.

Percentage Of Time 40

Service

• Serve on Law School or campus-related committees.
• Support accreditation, assessment, and reporting activities related to experiential education.

Percentage Of Time 10

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents