Adjunct Instructor, Federal Courts, College of Law

Adjunct Instructor, Federal Courts, College Of Law

The University Of Cincinnati College Of Law, an ABA-accredited law school, seeks lawyers and judges to teach a Federal Courts course to students on a part-time basis during Spring 2027. This course addresses issues of federalism and separation of powers raised by constitutional provisions, statutes and doctrines which establish and limit the jurisdiction of the federal courts. Among the matters addressed are the requirement that plaintiffs have standing to bring cases;

the constitutionality of non-Article III federal courts (i.e., legislative courts); congressional power to establish and limit federal jurisdiction; the protection that States have from federal court lawsuits due to the sovereign immunity from the Eleventh Amendment; and the abstention doctrines which limit federal court interference in state court adjudication. Also considered are the role state courts play in the formation and application of doctrines.

The law school's adjunct faculty, drawn from the region's most distinguished jurists and practitioners, offers a wealth of practical experience and special expertise to our students. The law school uses adjuncts to enrich the curriculum with specialized courses, unique perspectives, and more choices than we might otherwise offer. With adjunct faculty, students can experience different pedagogical approaches and gain access to leading practitioners and judges.

Adjunct professors are part-time, non-tenure/tenure track employees who teach specific courses during specific semesters as agreed.

Essential Functions:

• Prepare for your course, which includes preparing the syllabus, selecting any unique teaching materials, selecting books for student purchase, preparing course materials and assessments/exams, and devising lesson plans.
• Provide a classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Teach the assigned course(s) using pedagogical and other teaching methods fairly and effectively.
• Track student attendance and refer students to the Administration if required for attendance and/or performance issues.
• When appropriate, use the institution's learning management platforms (Canvas) to post assignments, syllabi and other reference materials, and to communicate with students.
• Read submitted student work and assessments/exams and provide written comments to students in a timely manner to provide feedback on performance.
• Establish and meet with students during "office hours" to provide individualized direction and assessment of progress.
• To ensure the proper number of teaching hours is completed, work with Administration to schedule make-up classes for any cancelled classes.
• Grade all mid-term and final exam papers/exams, and other assessments as appropriate and in accordance with the College's rules and submit those grades per timelines established by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
• Review student-completed course evaluations to analyze student perceptions of your teaching and to provide insight into possible teaching improvements.
• Adhere to all University and College of Law policies.
• Complete all employment documentation and any required trainings.

Minimum Requirements:

• Hold the Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school or the equivalent.
• Five years post-J.D. work experience in legal practice or a related field, though exceptions will be made for an applicant with fewer years of experience when that person co-teaches with someone who has the minimum experience.
• Communicate effectively.
• Maintain professional composure and demeanor at all times.
• Promote vision, mission, and core values of the College.

Additional Qualifications Considered:

• Prior teaching experience is desirable, but not essential. Applicants, however, must demonstrate evidence of teaching potential.
• Face-to-face instruction is the default mode of teaching, though the College will approve distance learning instruction under conditions outlined in its Distance Learning Policy.

Application Information:

• Applicants should submit a CV, a list of course(s) and/or area(s) of teaching interest, and a cover letter.
• This posting is not a guarantee of an open position. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a continual basis.