Post-Conviction Justice Project Clinical Professor –OPEN RANK

The Post-Conviction Justice Project (PCJP) in the Gould School of Law at the University of Southern California invites applicants for the position of Clinical Professor, Associate Clinical Professor, or Assistant Clinical Professor. This is a full-time faculty position in the Law School’s Research, Teaching, Practice and Clinical (RTPC) track.

Founded in 1981, PCJP is the longest-running clinical education program at USC Gould. PCJP law students and professors have litigated over a wide range of post-conviction matters throughout the years, and currently focus on advocating for the release of clients serving life terms in California state prisons. Students provide live-client legal representation at parole hearings, in trial and appellate courts on writs of habeas corpus and petitions for resentencing, and on executive clemency applications. Students and professors also provide in-prison educational workshops and engage in policy reform advocacy. www.uscjustice.org

Together with the Clinical Faculty Director of PCJP, the new clinical professor will be responsible for intensive supervision and mentoring of certified law students representing clients in administrative hearings and state and federal trial and appellate courts; helping to plan and teach the clinical seminar; curriculum development; individual case and project work; summer teaching and supervision of full-time certified law students; and clinic administration. Clinical faculty members also typically teach one non-clinical course per academic year. Candidates are invited to suggest courses that they are interested in teaching.

The salary range is based on the candidate’s experience, accomplishments, and rank. The University also offers excellent benefits and perks to employees which include: health, dental and life insurance; tuition assistance; disability and retirement plans; credit union membership; and participation in cultural and social events, as well as access to athletic and recreational facilities and other wellness programs and events.

The position will begin May 2023 (or earlier if the candidate is available).

Minimum Qualifications:

• Juris Doctorate degree
• license to practice law in California
• five years of relevant practice experience
• substantial experience in criminal law, preferably on parole or post-conviction matters

Other Qualifications:

• excellent academic record
• excellent analytical and writing skills, preferably demonstrated in appellate litigation
• aptitude for teaching and student supervision
• experience with, demonstrated commitment to, and cultural competence for working within a diverse client and student community

Prior teaching experience and facility in Spanish are desirable.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis but should be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 PM PDT on October 31, 2022.

Applications should consist of a letter describing relevant practice experience and teaching experience (if any); a cv; and three references.

Founded in 1896 as the first law school in Southern California, the USC Gould School of Law has a distinguished history built on the principles of equity and excellence and the courage to break new ground. Today, the law school continues to make history through its philosophy of innovation and through its dynamic faculty and engaged students. USC Gould cultivates analytical ability, ethical values, and a spirit of collegiality that prepare students for meaningful careers benefiting society. It was one of the first law schools to engage students in clinical programs and remains a leader in experiential education. 

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at  [email protected] . Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

USC Gould: Law School