Visiting Professor of Law & Director of the Criminal Defense Clinic - PROF52
- Law Instruction
- Faculty, visiting
Title: Visiting 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:
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 BenefitsFor faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
ABOUT DRAKE
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
