Clinical Assistant or Associate Professor

Northern Illinois University College of Law

Northern Illinois University College of Law anticipates hiring a clinical professor to direct a newly created medical-legal partnership clinic that will be based at Hesed House, a homeless shelter located in Aurora, Illinois (approximately 40 miles from downtown Chicago and 30 miles from DeKalb).

As the only public law school in Northern Illinois, NIU College of Law has been named a top law school nationally for diversity, value, and careers in public interest/government service.  NIU Law provides unique opportunities for its students, beginning with its highly accomplished faculty who are personally invested in the success of every student throughout their professional lives.  Although many alumni serve as public interest attorneys, prosecutors, defenders, elected officials, and judges, they are equally prepared for careers as solo practitioners or lawyers in multinational firms.

The goal of the clinic is to work in partnership with health care providers from Aunt Martha’s medical clinic and social workers from Hesed House to identify and remedy socio-environmental issues that may be contributing to a patient’s poor health outcomes.  Issues facing homeless and indigent patients are multifaceted and complex.  Poverty – along with poor health – may increase the level of stress a person is dealing with on a daily basis.  Health issues lead to other stressors, such as insurance problems, missed work, and, perhaps, difficulties performing everyday activities.  Likewise, socio-environmental issues (homelessness, food insecurity, violence) can contribute to poor health outcomes.  These issues are often beyond the scope of a medical doctor, who likely only has the time and resources to treat the underlying medical condition.  Yet it is these very issues that directly affect a person’s health and well-being.  A team of people – medical, legal, and social work professionals – working together in an integrated fashion can begin to address the unmet needs of clients.  Providing more holistic care will not only improve health outcomes, but may also improve life circumstances.

Principal duties will include the following:

• n  Supervising and teaching law students in a clinical setting;
• n  Teaching a medical-legal partnership clinical course;
• n  Representing clients in a variety of legal settings, which may include housing cases, public benefits, and special education matters;
• n  Working with community members to promote and develop the medical-legal partnership clinic;
• n  Working and building relationships with the other partners involved in the medical-legal partnership;
• n  Working under the supervision of the Director of Clinics and working in partnership with other NIU College of Law clinical faculty members; and
• n  Engaging with the NIU College of Law and its student body through service to the law school and the University.

The salary is $60,000-$70,000 annually, depending on skills and experience, plus benefits.

Required Qualifications:  JD from an ABA-accredited law school; Three years legal experience; and a current Illinois license to practice law.

Preferred Qualifications: The applicant will preferably have 2-5 years experience representing clients in poverty law matters, such as public benefits and housing cases.  Teaching experience, particularly clinical teaching in a law school setting is also desired.  The preferred applicant will have experience with program development, and will be able to work well with external professional constituencies to build and expand programs to fully realize the vision of the clinic.  Fluency in Spanish is also preferred.

The Clinical Assistant or Associate Professor will report directly to the Director of Clinics, and will work closely with the Dean and Faculty on the development of the clinic.

AA/EEO institution.  In compliance with the Illinois Campus Security Act, before an offer of employment is made, the university will conduct a pre-employment background investigation, which includes a criminal background check.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

To apply, please send by November 25, 2013. Preference will be given to applications received by November 25, 2013, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Please send a letter of application, resume, and a list of names/addresses/email addresses/phone numbers of three current professional references to Dean Jennifer L. Rosato, Office of the Dean, Attention: Tita Kaus, Northern Illinois College of Law, Swen Parson Hall, Room 270, DeKalb, IL 60115-2890, or send materials electronically to tkaus@niu.edu.