Penn State Law is seeking applications for a Clinical Instructor/Supervising Attorney in the Family Law Clinic. The Clinic is an “in-house” clinic that functions as a small pro bono law firm representing low-income Pennsylvanians in a variety of family law matters, including divorce, custody, protection from abuse, child support and adoption. The Clinic is committed to providing legal representation to underserved communities, and conducts outreach and education efforts to achieve this end. Through direct legal services, public policy reform, community education and coalition building, the Family Law Clinic engages in various forms of advocacy to make the greatest impact on the community.

Situated at Penn State’s flagship campus in University Park, Pennsylvania, the Family Law Clinic is an integral part of Penn State’s work as a land grant university serving rural Pennsylvanians while competing on a global scale with scholarship and public policy projects. Examples of Family Law Clinic cases and projects include campus sexual assault awareness and client representation, protective orders for victims of domestic violence, securing financial support and property for indigent clients in divorces, and asserting custodial rights for parents.

The Clinical Instructor/Supervising Attorney (CI/SA) will work together with the Clinic Director to supervise clinic students’ work on client matters and policy projects; build and foster relationships with community organizations, government entities, and University partners; conduct community outreach and education efforts; plan simulation exercises and teach classes covering substantive areas of family law, basic lawyering skills and professional ethics. The CI/SA will also cover the Clinic docket and supervise student work on client matters in the absence of the Clinic Director. The CI/SA is responsible for working together with the Faculty Director to ensure the effective management of the Clinic. During periods of student absence, Clinical Instructors are entirely or partially responsible for direct case handling, including communication with clients, motions and trials. Some evening and occasional weekend hours will be required. The CI/SA will be integrated into the intellectual life of the law school and the larger University. Clinical instructors are invited to attend faculty workshops, at which works in progress will be presented, and to attend other scholarship sessions for faculty.

In-depth knowledge of Pennsylvania family law and domestic violence required, with preference for those with experience in VAWA work and/or in certain other Clinic practice areas -- specifically, divorce economic relief, child custody and support, and campus sexual assault. Must have a desire to mentor, supervise and train law students in an “in-house” clinical program; a demonstrated passion for social justice and a commitment to working with low-income communities; excellent writing, communication and organizational skills; and the ability to work effectively within diverse stakeholder communities. Areas of expertise among current staff and candidates may influence selection criteria. Prior teaching experience is preferred.

The successful candidate will display excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated knowledge and experience with a variety of lawyering and teaching methods and outstanding lawyering skills. We seek a candidate who is creative, curious and self-motivated with an ability to anticipate issues and follow-up independently; is an exceptional strategist who can thrive in a collaborative, collegial academic environment and enjoys thinking through complex legal issues; and exhibits professionalism, drive and tenacity.

J.D., admission to Pennsylvania Bar or eligibility to become a member of the Pennsylvania Bar and minimum four years of family law practice experience with substantial trial work.

This position is a fixed-term 1 position funded for one year from date of hire, with the possibility of renewal. Preferred start date is July 1, 2016.

To apply, click here: https://psu.jobs/job/63646