Michigan State University College of Law invites applications for a two-year teaching fellowship in its Immigration Law Clinic to start on or about June 1, 2013.

The Immigration Law Clinic provides opportunities for students to learn the practice of law in a well-supervised and academically rigorous program. Students directly represent clients and manage a diverse and challenging docket. Though a core of immigration law content is always present, the clinic varies in its selection of cases with attention to pedagogical concerns, community need, and impact. In its first two years, the Immigration Law Clinic has represented clients from 53 different countries, both defensively in removal proceedings and affirmatively in applications for relief with slightly more than half of its work focused on unaccompanied minors and domestic violence victims. Defensively, students appeared in 110 Immigration Court hearings on behalf of unaccompanied minors. Of these, 43 have obtained lawful permanent resident status to date. Affirmatively, applications for U-visa, VAWA or asylum have resulted in relief for 29 clients. Recently, the clinic prevailed in its first case before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Through this varied casework, students build not only knowledge and skills, but also learn to exercise judgment, form professional identity and develop critical and reflective perspectives on legal systems.

In coordination with Immigration Law Clinic faculty, the Fellow will supervise students in representing clients and in advocacy projects, teach clinic seminar classes, evaluate students and participate in the general development and functioning of the clinic. In anticipation that the Fellow will pursue opportunities to enter a career in law teaching, the law school will support the Fellow’s efforts at scholarly development including research and conference travel support. The Fellow will receive an annual salary of $50,000.00, together with benefits including retirement annuity and health and dental insurance.

Applicants must have a JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school and membership in a state bar. Preference will be given to applicants with practice experience representing noncitizens, strong academic records and writing ability, a demonstrated commitment to public interest law, and potential for success as a teacher.

To apply, please submit a law school transcript, curriculum vitae and cover letter explaining your interest in the position to:

Dimity Palazzola
Michigan State University College of Law Legal Clinic
610 Abbot Road
East Lansing, MI 48823
palazz39@law.msu.edu
517-336-8088 x 1117

Applications are now being accepted and will be considered on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply before February 22, 2013.

For more information about clinical legal education at Michigan State University College of Law, prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the program’s website at http://www.law.msu.edu/clinics/index.html, or contact David Thronson at david.thronson@law.msu.edu, 517-913-9674 or Veronica Thronson at veronica.thronson@law.msu.edu, 517-336-8088 x 1014.

Michigan State University College of Law is committed to the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students, and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and those whose background, experience, and perspective would contribute to diversity.