Duke University’s Law School seeks a dynamic and proven lawyer-advocate-teacher to design and lead an appellate practice clinic. Our goal is for this clinic to provide students with extensive experience in appellate practice on behalf of clients who lack representation needed to effectively advocate their case. 

The Appellate Litigation Clinic complements the law school’s other clinical offerings by offering students the skills development specific to the appellate process. It also increases the reach of the clinics in providing access to justice for those unable to obtain counsel.

The precise contours of the position and the clinic itself will be tailored to the strengths and interests of the successful applicant. In addition to a strong record of or demonstrated potential for clinical teaching, intellectual engagement, and leadership in the field, the ideal candidate will offer:

1.      Substantial legal experience in representing clients in appellate litigation;

2.      A commitment to combatting injustice in the legal system on behalf of persons who cannot afford the representation they need;

3.      Excellent teaching and mentoring skills;

4.      The ability and willingness to build connections locally, and at the state and national levels, to enhance the work and profile of the clinic.

Minimum requirements include a J.D. (or foreign equivalent), membership in the North Carolina Bar or eligibility for admission and a willingness to become a member.    The candidate should also meet or be able to obtain all necessary qualifications for admission to practice before the courts in which the clinic is likely to appear.

The position of Director of the Appellate Practice Clinic at Duke Law is open for the 2023-24 academic year and beyond. Specific academic title and terms of employment will be determined based upon the successful applicant’s qualifications. We would expect the Director to join the Duke Law faculty in the summer of 2023.

Clinical faculty at Duke Law who direct clinics often teach other courses or seminars in addition to clinics. Clinical faculty also have the opportunity and support to pursue other academic interests, including research and scholarship related to their areas of expertise, which can include collaboration with faculty across the University.

This is an exciting time for clinical and experiential education at Duke Law School. The Clinical Program, which currently consists in a total of 12 individual clinics, is an integral component of the Law School’s curricular focus on professional development and problem solving. The successful candidate will actively engage with faculty from across the Law School and University to continue to grow and strengthen this key part of the curriculum.

Information about Duke University’s requirements for COVID 19 vaccines for faculty, staff and students are published here: https://covidvaccine.duke.edu/.

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Interested applicants must apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/23933). Applicants should also submit a letter of interest, résumé, and a statement on diversity, equity and inclusion via email to Sandra Pettiford at pettiford@law.duke.edu. Please submit your materials as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a final deadline of January 20, 2023. We anticipate interviewing finalists on campus through March of 2023.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.