Professor of Practice

Employee Classification: Professor of Practice | Campus: University of North Texas - Dallas | Department: DAL-College of Law | Location: Downtown Dallas | Retirement Eligibility: ORP Eligible

About Us

The University of North Texas System includes the University of North Texas in Denton and Frisco, the University of North Texas at Dallas and UNT Dallas College of Law, and University of North Texas Health Fort Worth. We are the only university system based exclusively in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, employing more than 14,000 employees, educating over 49,000 students, and awarding nearly 12,000 degrees each year. Our values emphasize excellence, curiosity, innovation, and a people-first culture where we care about each other and those we serve. We foster an environment of respect, belonging, and access, demonstrating courageous integrity and encouraging learning and innovation.

Department Summary

The Experiential Education department oversees legal representation provided through the College of Law’s live-client clinics and Community Engagement Program. It provides direct instruction to students in classroom courses and manages external placements in judicial chambers, government offices, and non-profit organizations. The department also coordinates community outreach workshops, legal fairs, and student volunteer events.

About the Role

The UNT Dallas College of Law seeks experienced lawyers, judges, and law school instructors for a year-round, faculty position as Professor of Practice in the experiential education department. This role involves academic instruction and assistance in developing experiential courses and programs within the J.D. curriculum. The department manages the Community Lawyering Center (CLC), Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic (JABIC), externships, and the required student volunteer program, Community Engagement Program (CEP).

Depending on departmental needs, this position may involve supervising students in the CLC, which handles civil legal issues such as family law, housing, consumer matters, and governmental benefits. Alternatively, the role may focus on managing and teaching the externship course, including identifying placements, training field supervisors, and teaching the classroom component. The position also contributes to supervising CEP projects and other experiential education activities.

UNT Dallas emphasizes experiential learning through its Classroom to Career initiative, integrating internships, service learning, and project-based collaborations to prepare students with both disciplinary expertise and essential workplace skills.

Expectations

• Follow the College of Law’s instructional and curricular practices, including use of the Canvas Learning Management System, learning outcomes, multiple assessments, and research and writing modules.
• Receive support from faculty and research librarians in training, course design, and learning management system use.

Requirements

• J.D. degree.
• Superb academic and professional qualifications.
• Extensive, high-quality practice experience to serve as a foundation for teaching.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and mentoring students in professional formation.
• Commitment to the goals of the College of Law and its curricular and instructional methods.
• Licensed to practice law in Texas.

Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Skill in editing documents for correct grammar.
• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

Responsibilities

• Supervise students in experiential placements (externships or clinics) to ensure a quality instructional environment and effective legal representation for clients and partners.
• Lead classroom discussions on skills, professionalism, and values to guide students through experiential activities.
• Assign and grade student work, providing feedback on legal research, writing, and argumentation.
• Participate in planning, development, and management of student volunteer programming and activities.
• Attend faculty meetings, collaborate with colleagues, and engage in university initiatives and public service.
• Serve on faculty and university committees to contribute to governance and institutional activities.

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving between worksites.
• Primarily sedentary work involving sitting and standing.

No adverse environmental conditions are expected for this role.