Closing Date: 30th November, 2025

Description:

About The University of Texas at El Paso:
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a Carnegie R1, opportunity, and community engaged university at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border region that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education and economy of the community we serve. UTEP enrolls more than 25,000 students, 85% of whom are Hispanic and half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. UTEP offers 171 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, El Paso is set against the backdrop of the Franklin Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert in one of the largest binational communities in the world. A family-oriented community that is one of the safest large cities in the U.S., the cost of living in El Paso is very reasonable with an average home value of $224,000 in 2025, and Texas has no income tax. The region's rich culture includes a vibrant street art and mural scene, art galleries, a new children's museum and science center, the state's longest-running symphony orchestra and a full schedule of seasonal events and festivals. Sports fans will enjoy Division I college athletics, Triple-A baseball affiliate the El Paso Chihuahuas and professional soccer team El Paso Locomotive FC, and outdoor enthusiasts will be drawn to year-round hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing in nearby state and national parks.

Institute Description
UTEP's Law School Preparation Institute (LSPI) College Summer Program was initiated in 1998 to help prospective law students develop critical thinking skills and study habits and to guide students through the law school application process. The commitment of the program is to better prepare students to succeed by presenting them with a rigorous workload focusing on the academic thinking skills necessary for the pursuit of a legal education. The LSPI program:

Introduces students to legal thought, research and writing;
Develops analytical and critical reading and writing skills;
Develops strategies for becoming a more attractive law school candidate;
Guides students in selecting and applying to law schools;
Gives students the opportunity to speak with law school students and faculty as well as prominent members of the legal community; and
Prepares students for the LSAT.

Job Description:
Position Summary:
The Director of the Patti and Paul Yetter Center for Law oversee its premier program, the Law School Preparation Institute (LSPI), a highly specialized academic and professional development program supporting pre-law students through law school preparation, advising, mentoring, and law school admissions. This position requires a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and significant experience in legal education, law school admissions, student advising, program management, and strong relationships with the legal community.

Key Responsibilities:
Program Leadership and Teaching

Lead the planning and execution of the LSPI Summer Program, including curriculum design and direct instruction in Legal Reasoning and Legal Writing.
Teach or supervise instruction in courses related to legal analysis, writing, and logic.
Work with the legal community to develop and coordinate internship and clerkship positions for LSPI students.
Work in collaboration with other academic departments to deliver program content.

Law School Admissions Advising

Provide comprehensive, individualized advising on law school applications for LSPI and non-LSPI students.
Review and assist in crafting personal and explanatory statements that support students' narratives and elevate their law school candidacy.
Guide students in preparing competitive application packages, including resume support and school selection strategy.
Analyze admissions offers to advise students on cost-benefit decisions and long-term professional implications.

Student Recruitment and Outreach

Develop and implement outreach strategies to recruit students from the region, including high school outreach to develop a talent pipeline and all majors and colleges across the university.
Conduct presentations and information sessions to demystify law school admissions and highlight LSPI services.

Fundraising and Development

Cultivate relationships with donors, alumni, and philanthropic partners to secure funding for LSPI operations and student support.
Identify and apply for grants to expand or enhance LSPI programs and services.
Participate in the fundraising campaign for a future Law School at UTEP.

Community and Professional Engagement

Foster partnerships with courts, public offices, private firms, and legal organizations to provide internships and clerkship opportunities.
Collaborate with faculty and community leaders to organize court observation programs, legal workshops, and speaker events.
Serve as a liaison with external stakeholders, including legal professionals and educational organizations.

Administrative and Collaborative Duties

Lead the Patti and Paul Yetter Center for Law, including management of staff and the center's budget.
Ensure coordination with other UTEP programs to maintain academic alignment and operational efficiency.
Monitor student success metrics and prepare reports or proposals as needed.

Requirements:
Required Qualifications:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
Extensive knowledge of and experience in law school admissions processes and criteria.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, especially in legal and academic contexts.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse student populations.
Experience in mentoring, advising, or legal education.

Preferred Qualifications:

Teaching experience at the university level.
Experience with fundraising, grant writing, or donor relations.
Background in higher education administration or program leadership.
Familiarity with legal career pathways and labor markets.

Core Competencies:

Student-centered advising and mentoring
Expertise in legal writing and admissions strategy
Collaborative leadership and institutional engagement
Strategic thinking and program development
Cultural awareness and inclusive communication

Additional Information:
The initial salary is competitive, based on qualifications and experience, and comes with excellent fringe benefits. Hiring decisions are based on budget approval.

In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.

To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

Application Instructions:
Review of applications will begin immediately and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To be considered for the position, please submit the following information by November 30, 2025: