Abrams Environmental Law Clinic Fellow

The University of Chicago Law School is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time position training and supervising law students as a Fellow, appointed with the rank of Lecturer, in the Law School's Abrams Environmental Law Clinic. The appointment is expected to begin in the 2022-2023 academic year and to end on June 30, 2024; re-appointment for an additional academic year may be possible. The salary for the position is approximately $70,000.

Representing environmental organizations and affected persons, the Abrams Environmental Law Clinic teaches law students about the practice of law through suing those who pollute illegally, fighting for stricter permits, advocating for changes to regulations and laws, and promoting innovative approaches for improving the environment. In addition, the clinic’s faculty are some of the primary resources for law student organizations and law students interested in environmental and energy issues, and clinic faculty have helped to organize panels, events and conferences on these topics.

Under supervision of the Clinic’s Director, the successful candidate will help to train and supervise students, teach the clinic’s seminar component, develop potential projects, assist in publicizing the clinic’s cases and activities, and organize and coordinating relevant events, lectures and other clinic activities. One goal of this Fellowship is to train aspiring clinical teachers and public interest environmental attorneys.

Candidates must have a J.D. and at least two years of work experience as a practicing lawyer, with a preference for those who have worked for an environmental non-profit organization or government agency using litigation and similar enforcement tools. Must be a member in good standing of at least one bar and must be able to secure admission to the Illinois bar through waiver or examination promptly upon joining the clinic. Excellent writing, editing, advocacy, and supervision skills are required. Experience clerking at the trial court level is strongly desired, but not required. Prior teaching experience is highly desirable, but not required.

Each candidate should submit a cover letter that includes a detailed description of the candidate's relevant practice experience and teaching/supervision experience, resume or curriculum vita, a law school transcript, a list of 2-3 references, course evaluations from prior teaching experience, if any, and a legal writing sample (not edited by anyone else). Other material relevant to a candidacy may be included. Candidates are required to apply online and upload all application material at the University of Chicago Academic website: http://apply.interfolio.com/118158 . Review of applications will begin on December 29, 2022, and will continue until the position is filled or the search has closed.

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity .

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination .

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.