UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LAW SCHOOL is seeking to hire a clinical professor to teach in its Michigan Innocence Clinic (MIC) starting next academic year. The MIC works to exonerate actually innocent criminal defendants who have been convicted in state or federal court in Michigan. The MIC primarily works on cases where there is no DNA to test, and so the work of the Clinic largely involves finding new witnesses, searching for suppressed evidence, and challenging discredited or outdated forensic science. The MIC opened in 2009 and has so far freed 19 men and 3 women who had collectively served over 300 years in prison for crimes they did not commit.
Link to job posting: http://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/177779/clinical_professor_-_michigan_innocence_clinic
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 JD and 40 in the LLM 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.
Required Qualifications*
Candidates must have three years of experience in criminal and/or appellate litigation, strong interest in clinical teaching, and potential for scholarship and success as a clinical teacher. Experience in post-conviction litigation and innocence work is a plus. Candidates must hold a J.D. degree and be eligible for licensure in Michigan.
Additional Information
This is a contractual appointment that can lead to Michigan’s version of clinical tenure. Clinical faculty have 9-month academic year appointments and are eligible for leaves and financial support for summer case coverage, special projects, and scholarship. They have governance rights that closely parallel tenured and tenure track faculty. Michigan’s faculty salaries and benefits are extremely competitive. The University of Michigan Law School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and quality engagement for all.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
How to Apply
Questions can be directed to Associate Dean Debra Chopp at dchopp@umich.edu or 734-763-1948. The position is open until filled but it is advisable to apply by September 24, 2019. Applicants should send a letter of interest and resume to: Robyn Grimes, Assistant to the Dean, 324 Hutchins Hall, 625 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, rlgrimes@umich.edu.
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.