Director, Legal Writing Program

Seattle University School of Law

Position Description

Seattle University School of Law seeks applications for an Assistant, Associate, or Professor of Law, tenure-track or tenured, to direct its nationally recognized Legal Writing Program beginning on July 1, 2024. The successful applicant will be appointed as Director and will teach classes in the Legal Writing Program. SU Law has a unitary tenure track; we prioritize excellent and inclusive teaching and maintain a flourishing and supportive scholarly culture that encourages faculty members across the curriculum to pursue their individual research interests.

Seattle University’s Legal Writing required program consists of nine credits over three semesters. The first-year course, Legal Writing, Skills, and Values, focuses on the traditional skills of legal research, legal analysis, and legal writing, and introduces the lawyering skills of client interviewing and counseling, fact development, and negotiation. It also explores the values of reflection as both a lawyering and academic skill, cultural competence, and development of professional identity. In the second-year course, students learn persuasive writing and oral advocacy.

The Director will lead an experienced and collaborative team of both tenure-track faculty and term faculty to construct and implement a common but flexible curriculum that leaves room for individual adaptation, particularly in the first-year course. In addition, the Director will participate in recruiting and hiring faculty to teach in the Legal Writing Program, and training and mentoring Legal Writing faculty and adjuncts. The Director will identify and leverage opportunities for enhanced national recognition for the Program and otherwise preserve and promote the Program’s national standing. Finally, the Director will coordinate with other departments in the law school, including the library, the clinics and externship office, the career office, the academic support and bar studies program, and the Moot Court Board to help create a cohesive and integrated skills experience for our students.

In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining an active program of scholarship and performing university and law school service.

Our faculty, students, and staff at Seattle University School of Law form a vibrant, diverse, and collaborative community that promotes leadership for a just and humane world. The law school’s commitment to academic distinction is grounded in our Jesuit Catholic tradition, one that encourages open inquiry, thoughtful reflection, and concern for personal growth. Innovation, creativity, and technological sophistication characterize our rigorous educational program, which prepares lawyers for a wide variety of successful careers in law, business, and public service.

Qualifications

Applicants for this position must possess a JD degree from an ABA-accredited law school (or the equivalent from a foreign law school plus an LLM or SJD from an ABA-accredited law school). It is preferred that applicants have at least two or more years of practice or clerking experience; four or more years teaching legal research and writing; and a demonstrated involvement in the national Legal Writing community.

Founded in 1891, Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic university located on a beautiful campus of more than 50 acres in the dynamic heart of Seattle. Our diverse and driven population is made up of more than 7,200 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within eight schools and colleges. Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer.

In support of its pursuit of academic and scholarly excellence, Seattle University is committed to creating a diverse community of students, faculty and staff that is dedicated to the fundamental principles of equal opportunity and treatment in education and employment regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The university encourages applications from, and nominations of, individuals who will further enrich the diversity of our educational community.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit materials online at https://www.seattleu.edu/careers. Please include a cover letter of interest and qualifications, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and contact information for three references. Application review will begin on August 15, for best consideration applicants should apply by September 1, 2023. Open until filled. Inquiries about this position can be directed to the co-chair of the hiring committee, Professor Mimi Samuel (msamuel@seattleu.edu).

Compensation at a Glance 

Salary Range: $115,000 - $190,000

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, and paid sick leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

Duration:
Tenure
Salary:
$110,000+
Students per Semester:
Less than 30
Submission Deadline:
Contact
Prof. Mimi Samuel
Director, Legal Writing Program
Phone:
206-398-4066
Seattle University School of Law
901 12th Avenue
P.O. Box 222000
Seattle, WA 98122-1090