Lecturer - J.D. Legal Research, Analysis and Writing Program - School of Law

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 111,744 - 136,576; Full time

Job summary

The University of California-Berkeley is seeking a Lecturer to teach legal research and writing courses. This role requires a J.D. and a commitment to academic excellence and diversity in legal education. The successful candidate will guide students through practical legal writing exercises and evaluations in an engaging classroom environment.

Lecturers will contribute significantly to student learning by preparing assignments, providing constructive feedback, and fostering inclusive discussions. This position offers a competitive salary starting at $124,160.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of professional experience in legal practice, clerkship, or teaching.
• Availability to teach in-person during required law school class times.

Responsibilities

• Teach two courses in legal research and writing.
• Provide feedback on student work and conduct conferences.
• Prepare class materials and grade assignments.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Teaching abilities in legal research and writing

Education

J.D. or equivalent international degree

Job description

Position Overview

Position title: Lecturer

Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay at appointment. The starting full‑time salary for this position is salary point 20, currently $124,160.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Fall 2026 or later

Review timeline: Completed applications will be reviewed should openings arise. Appointments for the upcoming fall semester are usually reviewed between February and June, and July and October for the spring semester.

Position duration: Positions may be for one semester or for the full academic year, with the possibility of renewal based on need and subject to the terms of the bargaining agreement.

Application window: Open date: May 21, 2026; Next review date: Thursday, Jun 4, 2026 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time); Final date: Thursday, May 20, 2027 at 11:59 pm (Pacific Time). Apply by the review date for full consideration; applications after the review date will only be considered if the position is still unfilled.

Position Description

Berkeley Law is a premier law school in the United States. Our programs are demanding, engaging, hands‑on, and selective. Lecturers are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to academic rigor and intellectual diversity. The school addresses society’s most pressing challenges and aims to educate responsible, effective, and forward‑thinking advocates who serve the public.

Lecturers in the J.D. Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing Program (LRAW Program) are appointed for the academic year to teach two courses:

• Legal Research and Writing (Fall) – a three‑unit course that teaches legal research and analysis, predictive writing, and basic citation skills. Students draft office memos and other written analysis.
• Written and Oral Advocacy (Spring) – a two‑unit course that builds on skills taught in LRW and teaches persuasive writing and oral argument. Students draft a trial court brief (typically, a motion for summary judgment) and present an oral argument.

Lecturers typically teach two sections of approximately 16 first‑year law students each semester in‑person on the UC Berkeley campus (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). They provide feedback on drafted and final written work and oral arguments, and meet with each student multiple times each semester for mandatory conferences.

Lecturers’ responsibilities include preparing for and teaching classes, conducting student conferences, holding office hours, evaluating written work and oral argument, assigning grades on a standardized curve, and collaborating to develop and improve assignments and teaching materials.

UC Lecturers are academic appointees in an organized bargaining unit and are represented by the American Federation of Teachers – Unit 18.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application):

• J.D. or equivalent international degree

Additional qualifications (required at time of start):

• Minimum of three years of professional experience in either legal practice, judicial clerkship, or law school teaching in the United States.
• Availability to teach in‑person during required law school class times.

Preferred qualifications:

• Legal practice experience in the United States.
• Effective verbal and written communication and presentation skills (English), including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas clearly.
• Potential for or demonstrated ability for excellent teaching in legal research and writing.
• Ability to support the success of all students through an inclusive curriculum, classroom environment, and pedagogy.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae – your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter – discuss your competencies and experiences relevant to successful instruction for teaching legal research and writing, including prior law teaching experiences, teaching approach, and future teaching interests. Mention any efforts or plans to support all students through an inclusive curriculum. Limit response to 300 words.
• Writing Sample – a legal memorandum, brief, or client communication of no more than 10 pages, illustrating clear, concise, and effective writing.

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF05371

Help contact: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Statement

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in our public mission of research, teaching, and service, consistent with UC Regents Policy 4400 and University of California Academic Personnel policy (APM 210 1‑d). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, see the University of California’s policies on affirmative action and non‑discrimination.

Job Location

Berkeley, CA