Director of Criminal Practice Clinic and Associate Clinical Professor of Law

The University of Missouri School of Law

The University of Missouri School of Law is seeking applicants to serve as the Director of the Criminal Practice Clinic. To fill this position the School of Law invites applications from experienced attorneys who are committed to preparing students to become just, ethical, and effective prosecutors and public defenders.

The University of Missouri-Columbia is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri system and is one of only 34 public universities in the country belonging to the Association of American Universities. As both a research and land grant university, teaching at the university provides extraordinary opportunities for interdisciplinary research and teaching. In addition, Columbia is regularly ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country. Salary and benefits are competitive. Additional information about the School of Law is available https://law.missouri.edu/.

Clinic Description

Prior to enrolling in the Criminal Practice Clinic, students will complete a semester course entitled Missouri Criminal Practice. This course is similar to a Trial Practice course, but with special focus on Missouri criminal practice and procedure. The course centers on a criminal case fact pattern which is used in simulations from the drafting of charges through sentencing and post-sentencing procedures.

The Criminal Practice Clinic, itself, is a hybrid live-client clinical program. It consists of hands-on practical experience through a field placement in a local public defender or prosecutor office supervised by Clinic faculty, along with a weekly classroom component and faculty assistance preparing for court appearances and providing substantive feedback.

For the field placements, students are assigned to an attorney in their respective offices. Under Rule 13, students handle cases from their assigned attorney's caseload with increasing responsibility and proficiency as the semester progresses. Clinic faculty, including the director, oversee the classroom component of the course. Clinic faculty assist in the preparation of pleadings and court appearances, review written work throughout the semester, and engage in practice arguments and witness examinations with students prior to court hearings. The director and other clinic faculty attend court hearings to provide feedback to students.

Job Description:

The individual hired as Director of the Criminal Practice Clinic will have the title of Associate Clinical Professor of Law. The position is a regular, non-tenure track position. General duties will include teaching the Missouri Criminal Practice course, one section of the Criminal Practice Clinic, and additional courses related criminal law. As clinic students will work with a prosecutor's or public defender office, the Director will work closely with agencies and attorneys working with our students, oversee student interaction with those offices and clients, facilitate students access to resources required for their assistance with representation, review proposed drafts of student work and preparations for trial, and otherwise oversee the education of the clinic's students.

Minimum Qualifications

* A Juris Doctor degree from an ABA accredited law school is required

Candidates will also be evaluated on:
* Significant experience as a practicing attorney in the field of criminal law
* Admission to practice law in Missouri or ability to obtain eligibility
* A reputation for and proven record of highly competent and ethical work as an attorney
* Ten years of experience as a practicing attorney
* A work history that includes experience as a prosecutor on behalf of the federal or state government or experience as a federal or state public defender or member of the defense bar
* Significant jury trial experience

To apply, please submit a cover letter indicating interest in the position, a CV, and three names of references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. It is the hope of the School of Law to conduct interviews and select a candidate during the spring semester of 2025

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.