Assistant Professor of Legal Research and Writing (9 Mo, NTT)

Positions: Assistant Professor of Legal Research and Writing

Subject Area: Legal research and writing

Start Date: August 2026

Status: Faculty, non-tenure track, 9-months

Posting Date: July 23, 2025

Samford Universitys Cumberland School of Law invites individuals interested in serving in a Christian university environment to apply for an Assistant Professor of Legal Research and Writing faculty position. This full-time, non-tenure-track position is a nine-month appointment that begins in August 2026.

This position will have primary responsibilities in Cumberlands Legal Research and Writing (LRW) program, which includes foundational courses on legal writing, research, and analysis that are required for all J.D. students. While this position encompasses a traditional teaching role in the LRW program, its focus is on courses that support and facilitate the goals of our Academic Success Program, for example, through the development and teaching of classes aimed at supporting students in need of rehabilitative coursework to improve writing skills. A willingness to offer innovative course plans for struggling students and a passion for helping students whose academic performance is at risk is imperative. In addition to teaching responsibilities, the successful candidate will be expected to carry out service obligations to the Law School and the university, including committee assignments, as directed.

Required qualificationsinclude a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school, and at least two years of experience practicing law or teaching legal writing to lawyers or law students. Preference will be given to candidates whose backgrounds reflect substantial practice and development of applied legal research and writing skills. Candidates must have outstanding communication, organizational, and analytical skills; a commitment to academic excellence; and the ability to work effectively and collegially with faculty, colleagues, and students.

Cumberland School of Law prides itself on its commitment to teaching and to ensuring not only the success of its students upon graduation but their recognition of the ethical obligations that flow from being an officer of the court and a servant of the community. The ideal candidate will thus demonstrate the ability and motivation to develop meaningful mentoring relationships with students both in and out of class.

About Samford

Samford University (www.samford.edu) is a leading nationally ranked Christian University. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87^th oldest institution in the U.S. and the largest privately supported and fully accredited institution for higher learning in Alabama. Located in the Birmingham, Alabama, suburb of Homewood, with 425 full-time faculty and more than 6,100 students representing 45 states and 16 countries, Samford is ranked #2 in the nation for student character development and #8 in the nation for the quality of career preparation provided to students as listed in The Wall Street Journal (2025). The University is dedicated to the promotion of rigorous academic inquiry in a Christian setting. The University seeks and prefers employee applicants of the Christian faith and offers competitive salaries with a generous benefits package. Samford University and the Cumberland School of Law embrace diversity in their faculty, students, and staff and encourage applications from those who would add to the diversity of our academic community.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin on August 15, 2025, and applications will be accepted until November 15, 2025. Application materials must include a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, application for faculty position (linked below), and the faculty applicant Christian Mission statement (linked below). In addition, applicants should submit a writing sample, not to exceed 5 pages, (a) reflecting legal analysis or argument or (b) describing the applicants practice or teaching experience and his or her goals in teaching legal research and writing. Any applicant with teaching experience should submit a summary of his or her most recent course evaluations. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. The successful candidate must pass a background check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, as Samford will not sponsor any employment visas for this position.

Application for Faculty Position can be found at:

https://www.samford.edu/departments/files/Human_Resources/application-for-faculty-employment.pdf

Faculty Applicant Christian Mission Statement can be found at:

https://www.samford.edu/departments/files/academic-affairs/Faculty-Applicant-Christian-Mission-Statement.docx

Please submit all materials in PDF format to:

FACAPP@samford.edu

Subject: Legal Research & Writing

For questions about the position please contact:

Chinelo Dik-Minor, Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee

cdikemin@samford.edu

205-726-4901

In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments, the University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, religion, or any other protected status under federal, state or local law applicable to the University, in its education policies, programs, and activities, in its admissions policies, in employment policies and practices, and all other areas of the University. As a faith-based institution, the University is exempted from certain laws and regulations concerning discrimination.

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