Paralegal, Assistant Professor

Department Information

GJD-311170 2/26: THIS IS A NON-CLASSIFIED POSITION

The Community College of Denver (CCD) seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive learning and work environment and who can effectively work with students, families, faculty, instructors, and staff from diverse backgrounds. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, CCD is dedicated to expanding access and opportunity for nontraditional students, supporting workforce development, and strengthening community partnerships that promote educational attainment and career success.

Serving a diverse student population, CCD values individuals who contribute to its mission of advancing social, civic, and economic vitality.

The Public Safety and Legal Services Department is committed to student-centered teaching that fosters students' personal and academic success. The paralegal program prepares students to navigate the field of law by developing research, analytical, and writing skills through coursework, capstone experiences, and/or internships. As such, candidates will help ensure that all students feel a sense of belonging within our programs. Additionally, full-time faculty will engage in CCD service through work with student clubs, program review, assessment, academic standards, policy review, faculty council, or other CCD programs.

Teaching faculty are an integral part of the Public Safety and Legal Services Department's success in achieving student outcomes. The ideal Paralegal Faculty member will possess academic and practical expertise in various subject matter, including Introduction to Law, legal writing and legal research, evidence, constitutional law, civil litigation and a variety of substantive legal topics. The instructor will have a strong interest in guiding student learning and success, as well as serving as a mentor and role model for students.

This position requires strong instructional skills to create an active learning environment that reaches a diverse student body using traditional, nontraditional, proven innovative methods of instruction, effective class structure and management, and curriculum to achieve program and course outcomes.

• Introduction to Law:
  Deliver engaging lectures that integrate core principles of the law, and the work paralegals do with real-world applications.
• CTE
  
  Skills:
  
  Teach students skills-based material that aligns with the current needs of the legal system.
• Curriculum Development:
  Lead the design, revision, and implementation of curricula in the paralegal and LLP programs.
• Program Enhancement:
  Collaborate with faculty to create and refine Paralegal certificate and degree pathways and support courses. This may include designing interdisciplinary paralegal-related courses or certifications that integrate with other programs.
• Class Preparation and Assessment:
  Design inclusive, student-focused lessons for diverse instructional modalities (face-to-face, hybrid, and online). Use creative assessment methods to ensure alignment with student learning outcomes and program goals.
• Institutional Service:
  Participate in departmental initiatives, accreditation efforts, and student advising to enhance the overall effectiveness and relevance of the Paralegal program.

Faculty are expected to demonstrate innovative teaching strategies, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and a dedication to fostering student success both within and beyond the classroom.

Course content must meet the learning objectives outlined in the course syllabus and adhere to department policies. The instructor must be available in person, via remote conferencing, or by phone to provide students with timely academic support. Faculty are expected to engage with students regarding course materials, assignments, and assessments, including work-based learning.

The instructor may create case studies and fact patterns for practice negotiations and design assignments aligned with the required course learning outcomes. This position requires CO residency to teach, attend meetings, or participate in industry partnership events at our downtown Denver campus as needed.

• Curriculum Leadership:
  Take a leading role in the development and alignment of paralegal courses and programs, ensuring they meet industry needs, incorporate current legal advancements, and foster student engagement.
• Develop new courses or programs based on the current needs of the legal industry.
• Collaborate on paralegal curriculum for interdisciplinary programs.
• Faculty Mentorship and Development:
  Mentor adjunct instructors, provide professional development opportunities, and promote a collaborative departmental culture focused on innovation and equity.
• Program Coordination and Operations:
  Assist in departmental operations, including course scheduling, staffing, and budgeting.
• Community and Industry
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Engage with industry professionals and advisory boards to ensure the paralegal curricula align with…