Assistant Professor of Legal Practice

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW invites applications from candidates for two positions in its new part-time J.D. program (PTJD Program) as described below. 

The Assistant Professor of Legal Practice will teach Legal Writing and Advocacy I and II and assist with NIU Law’s Academic Success Program. This is a ten-month position.

The Assistant Director of Academic Success and Bar Programs and Assistant Professor of Legal Practice will teach the required Legal Writing and Advocacy Course to first-year equivalent law students in the PTJD Program, teach bar readiness courses as needed, and help coordinate a wide range of academic success and bar support programs throughout the year. This is a twelve-month position.

Both positions will teach in NIU Law’s new evening PTJD Program located in Naperville, Illinois. Faculty in the PTJD Program will be part of a unified faculty along with the faculty in the College’s full-time program in DeKalb, Illinois. Naperville is home to a vibrant and fast-growing legal market and is a Chicago suburb that consistently ranks among the best cities to live in the United States.

Instruction will be both in person (in the evenings) and on-line, both synchronous (in the evenings) and asynchronous. Some summer teaching may be required. The positions will begin August 2027.

Preference will be given to applications received by September 18, 2026. To be officially considered for the positions, applicants must meet required qualifications and upload a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three current professional references to NIU’s applicant-tracking system.

For questions about the legal writing position, contact Lisa Woods at lwoods@niu.edu. For questions about the academic success and bar programs position, contact Jeanna Hunter at jeannah@niu.edu.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations, and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.