Visiting Assistant Professor of Law & Director of the Criminal Defense Clinic - PROF52

Title: Visiting Assistant Professor of Law & Director of the Criminal Defense Clinic - PROF52

Position Number: PROF52

Unit/Department: Law Instruction

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience 

Department Summary:

Drake Law School has a strong tradition of community engagement and practical legal education. Founded in 1971, the Drake Legal Clinic is a cornerstone of our mission to prepare students to become ethical, skilled advocates. Drake University Law School sustains a vibrant intellectual culture, and Des Moines has been recognized as one of the top ten Best Places to Live (US News) and Best Places for Business and Careers (Forbes), with a robust and growing economy (Wall Street Journal). The Law School features innovative and nationally recognized programs in agricultural law, constitutional law, legal writing, and practical training.

Job Summary:

DRAKE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL invites applications for a two-year Visiting Faculty position (Assistant, Associate, or Full; rank commensurate with qualifications and experience) to direct and teach its Criminal Defense Clinic. The Visiting Professor will supervise law students in the direct representation of clients in criminal cases, manage clinic operations and case selection, and lead a companion seminar focused on lawyering skills, ethical practice, professional identity formation, and critical reflection. The clinic currently emphasizes representation of indigent clients in a range of misdemeanor cases before the Polk County District Court. This two-year visiting position begins on either August 1, 2026 or January 1, 2027, with the possibility of an additional one-year appointment after the first two years.

This is a 12-month appointment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must possess a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in Iowa or eligible for admission.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to individuals with prior teaching experience, or at least five years of practice in trial-level criminal defense, or a combination thereof.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. All applicants must apply online. Applications must include (1) a letter of interest, (2) a CV/resume, and (3) the names and contact information of at least three references.

Have Questions? Please direct them to the Search Committee Chair: Professor Suzie Pritchett, Director of Clinical and Experiential Programs.  suzan.pritchett@drake.edu

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.

Those newer to clinical teaching are encouraged to review the AALS Becoming a Law Teacher webpage, available at https://teach.aals.org/clinical/. Likewise, those new to clinical teaching might read the Handbook for New Clinical Teachers published by the Clinical Legal Education Association, available at https://www.cleaweb.org/new-clinician-resources.

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Review of Applications Begins:

Review of applications will begin immediately.

Salary and Benefits:

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2026. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits