Clinical Fellow

Position Summary

Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law seeks a qualified individual to teach in its Clinic for Asylum, Refugee & Emigrant Services (CARES) as a Clinical Fellow during academic year 2026-27. The CARES Clinic represents refugees seeking religious or political asylum in the United States. The Clinical Fellow position is a 12-month, temporary position beginning in Summer 2026, with the possibility of an additional 12-month term if further funding can be obtained. Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Co-teach the CARES clinic seminar, including classes focused on lawyering skills, professional development, and ethical practice, employing clinical teaching methods.
• Serve as the attorney of record in Clinic cases.
• Organize an annual symposium on immigrant justice.
• Aid in the administration of the CARES Clinic, including but not limited to conducting outreach to clients; selecting cases; collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data; reporting to funding sources; and maintaining files.
• Aid in the teaching, student supervision, and serving as the attorney of record on immigration related matters of the Farmworker Legal Aid Clinic (FLAC), which represents low-wage agricultural workers and their families.

Minimum Qualifications

• Formal Education: A Juris Doctor degree and bar membership
• Work Skills: An understanding of, and commitment to, clinical teaching methodology
• Relevant legal practice experience, including experience litigating asylum matters
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated interest in and aptitude for student supervision and teaching
• Expertise in relevant substantive areas of law

Preferred Qualifications

• Pennsylvania bar membership (or an ability to waive into the Pennsylvania bar) is preferred
• Prior clinical teaching experience is preferred

Special Message to Applicants

• This position is funded only for the 2026-27 academic year. Any renewal of the appointment would be contingent on both performance and securing further funding.
• All applications must include:
• Application cover letter
• Current and complete curriculum vitae
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• List of 3 references. We will contact the references for finalists only.
• Unofficial academic transcripts are required to submit application. Official transcripts will be required from finalists only.
• Finalists will be required to submit a statement on their contributions to the University Mission and Enduring Commitments.

Posting Details

• Posting Number: 20260034F
• Position Title: Clinical Fellow
• Position Type: Faculty
• Location: Villanova, PA
• Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
• Work Schedule: Full-time/12-months
• Department: 241-Law School Instruction
• Salary Posting Information: Competitive
• Salary Band: N/A
• Job Classification: Faculty

References Needed

• Minimum Number of References Needed: 3
• Maximum Number of References Needed: 3

Supplemental Questions

• How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?