CALIFORNIA WESTERN SCHOOL OF LAW (CWSL) is seeking applications for a full-time clinical professor and Executive Director of CWSL's California Innocence Project ("CIP"). Established in 1999 as one of the nation's first Innocence Projects, CIP provides direct services to wrongfully convicted individuals and has helped to free dozens of innocent people. CIP is also involved in policy reform and advocating for legislative changes to prevent the incarceration of innocent people. In tandem with its legal work, CIP provides a transformational educational experience for CWSL students committed to social justice. The CIP Executive Director will oversee all of the litigation, programmatic, educational, and administrative components of running CIP.
The Executive Director will oversee all aspects of CIP's litigation, including supervising and participating, as needed, in all litigation needs of the clinic. The Executive Director will also supervise the CIP legal team. The Executive Director will establish priorities for CIP litigation and litigation strategy, represent CIP in state and federal courts, communicate with governmental entities, and coordinate CIP's work with the Innocence Network.
In addition, the Executive Director will, in collaboration with CIP staff, oversee the teaching and supervision of law students in CIP's clinical courses. The Executive Director will teach the seminar component of CIP, as well as develop the curriculum. With the support of CIP staff, they will be responsible for student supervision in the classroom, in court, and with clients. The Executive Director will also be a member of the CWSL faculty and play a role in faculty governance.
The Executive Director will be responsible for the administrative and operational management of CIP. They will also work with CWSL's Advancement team to create and oversee the implementation of fundraising strategies and grant fundraising.
Qualifications include:
- J.D. degree
- Member of the California Bar in good standing
- At least five years of experience in criminal litigation, with some experience in post-conviction practice.
- Administrative experience, either in a law practice or clinical setting.
- Prior classroom teaching experience is not required, but candidates should have experience training and supervising students or junior attorneys.
- Ability and willingness to work on campus to provide in-person teaching, supervision, and mentoring of clinic students.
- Strong personal commitment to social justice and the training of new attorneys.
The selected candidate will join the faculty under a long-term contract with security of employment. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who would contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of our faculty. The start date for the position is flexible, but could begin as early as August 1, 2023.
Application materials should include a cover letter, C.V., and a diversity statement that addresses how you will contribute to CWSL's goal of creating a diverse faculty. Please direct application materials and questions to the chair of the Appointments Committee, Professor Catherine Hardee, at the following email address: chardee@cwsl.edu. We will review applications and begin interviewing on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applicants are encouraged to apply by July 15, 2023. The salary range for the position is between $130,000 and $180,000, depending on experience.
Established in 1924, CWSL is an ABA accredited and AALS member, non-profit law school, and has the distinction of being San Diego's oldest law school. At CWSL we pride ourselves on the diversity of our student body. This year, around 45% of our incoming students are from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We are committed to having a faculty that reflects our student body and our community. CWSL continues to rethink the status quo in legal education – balancing a rigorous practical education with cutting edge scholarship and community service. As a result, our graduates have a reputation for being uniquely practice-ready.
CWSL is located in downtown San Diego, literally overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A city of breathtaking beauty, we boast perfect weather, miles of beaches, and nearby mountains. We are a family-friendly, diverse city with small city traffic and walkable neighborhoods.