THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LAW Clinical Fellows Program seeks applicants for a fellowship in its Juvenile Justice Clinic (JJC). This is a two-year appointment with the possibility of extension for a third year.
The Clinical Fellows Program is designed to allow attorneys to explore the possibility of a career in clinical teaching and fully support them in that endeavor. Michigan Clinical Fellows gain valuable experience and mentoring in clinical pedagogy and in their substantive area of practice. Their duties include clinical teaching and student supervision in conjunction with a clinic director, and participation in the operation and development of the clinic in which they teach. Support is provided for personal and professional development and scholarship.
Under the supervision of clinical faculty and the clinical teaching fellow, students in the JJC primarily represent teenagers accused of criminal offenses in the delinquency court. Students also engage in advocacy and complex criminal litigation on behalf of court-involved youth. Students in the clinic, with the support of the faculty member and fellow, develop skills in trial advocacy and litigation practice, client counseling and negotiation, as well as an understanding of juvenile law, criminal procedure and adolescent development. In additional to substantive law and lawyering skills, students are encouraged to reflect on their practice, their identities as fledgling legal professionals, and to examine and critique the youth and criminal systems in which they are engaging.
What You'll Do
The successful candidate will teach and supervise law students, represent youth in the delinquency system, and work with community youth justice stakeholders. The successful candidate will also take part in the Michigan clinical law community, the broader clinical community, and receive support to produce scholarship.
Who We Are
Founded in 1859, Michigan Law School is one of the world’s leading institutions of legal education and enjoys a reputation for academic excellence characterized by a powerful commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Michigan is consistently ranked among the top law schools in the nation, and enjoys international renown for its intellectual rigor, stunning physical surroundings, preeminent faculty scholarship, and a community noted for collegiality and warmth. Michigan Law has an exceptional and cooperative community of talented and interesting students, with 1000 in the J.D. and 40 in the LL.M. program. Our commitments to collegiality, to constructive and challenging debate, and to enabling our students to pursue a wide range of options explain why the Law School has long been committed to diversity along many dimensions. Our graduates serve with distinction in the private, public, non-profit, and academic sectors, in large numbers in every major market in the nation, as well as internationally. The University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is considered among the best places in the United States to live and work.
At Michigan Law, we view our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as central to our mission as an educational institution and we seek to ensure that each member of our community has full opportunity to thrive in our environment. We believe that diversity is key to individual flourishing, educational excellence, and the advancement of knowledge and we maintain a deep commitment to fostering a diverse community in which all students, staff, and faculty learn and work in an atmosphere of inclusion and respect.
Required Qualifications
The successful applicant will have a minimum of 3 years of experience representing youth in delinquency or criminal matters, or a combination of representing youth and adults in the criminal system, a strong interest in clinical teaching, and a demonstrated commitment to youth or criminal justice. The applicant should also have a desire to engage as a supervisor and mentor in creative, interdisciplinary litigation, and show a potential for scholarship and success as a clinical teacher. Candidates must hold a J.D. degree and be eligible for licensure in Michigan.
How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Additional Information
Questions may be directed to Associate Dean Debra Chopp at dchopp@umich.edu or 734-763-1948. We will begin reviewing applications in April 2021, but will accept applications until the position is filled. The fellowship begins during the summer of 2021.
Michigan’s Clinical Fellows salaries and benefits are very competitive.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.