Assistant​/Associate​/Full Professor and Director Intellectual Property Clinic

Position: Assistant/Associate/Full Professor and Director of the Intellectual Property Clinic
Location: Villanova

Posting Number: F

Position Title:

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor and Director of the Intellectual Property Clinic Position Type:
Faculty

Location:

Villanova, PA Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule:

full-time/12-months Department: 241-Law School Instruction

Position Summary:

Why work at Villanova?

* Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.

* Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2026 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.

* Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law seeks an outstanding lawyer-educator to direct and teach its Intellectual Property ("IP") Law Clinic.

The IP Clinic provides direct representation to entrepreneurs, businesses, and social ventures consistent with the mission of the clinical program, serving client needs in a wide range of intellectual property acquisition, retention, and licensing. Areas of practice may include patent, trademark, copyright and trade secrets, and may include supervision of U.S. P.T.O. certified students engaged in patent and trademark prosecution. Non-patent bar eligible Directors may be asked to work with an adjunct to supervise patent matters.

The Director will be a full-time, 12-month continuing non-tenure track (governed by ABA Standard 405). We anticipate a start date of June 1, 2027.

The mission of the Villanova Clinical Program is to teach law students to become competent, reflective, ethical, and creative lawyers committed to seeking justice. Through our teaching and advocacy, we pursue social justice with our clients and surrounding communities by challenging systemic racism, combating inequality, and fostering social change.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Teach clinic seminar focused on lawyering skills, professional development, and ethical practice, employing clinical teaching methods.

* Supervise all aspects of student practice while utilizing clinical teaching pedagogy and serve as the attorney of record in Clinic cases when required by the rules of the relevant jurisdiction. Supervision of student practice may include supervision of U.S. P.T.O. certified students engaged in patent and/or trademark prosecution.

* Oversee all aspects of administration of the IP Clinic, including but not limited to conducting outreach to clients, selecting matters, reporting to funding sources, and maintaining files.

Minimum Qualifications:

* A Juris Doctor degree is required.

* Pennsylvania bar membership (or an ability to waive into the Pennsylvania bar) is required.

* Relevant legal practice experience is required.

* An understanding of, and commitment to, clinical teaching methodology, including an ability to work both collaboratively and independently, is required.

* A demonstrated interest and/or aptitude for student supervision and teaching is required.

* Expertise in substantive areas of law relevant to representing and advising clients in a variety of intellectual property acquisition, retention, and licensing needs is required.

* Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Patent Bar membership is preferred.

* Prior clinical teaching experience or experience supervising law students is preferred.

* Five years of legal experience is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual

Work Hours:

Special Message to Applicants:

All applications must be submitted online and should include:

* Application cover letter,

* Current and complete curriculum vitae,

* Statement of teaching philosophy,

* List of 3 references (we will contact the references for finalists only),

* Unofficial academic transcripts are required to submit the application. Official transcripts will be required from finalist only.

Finalists will be required to submit a statement on their contributions to the University Mission and Enduring Commitments.

Mission Statement | Villanova University

Review of applications begins upon receipt and continues until the position is filled.

Posting Date: 07/06/2026 Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:

competitive

Salary Band:
Job Classification: faculty

References Needed

References Needed

Minimum Number of References Needed 3 Maximum Number of References Needed 3