Description:
About the Job:The University of Minnesota Law School is pleased to announce a new program for law school graduates aspiring to become legal academics. The program will begin in August 2026 and is anticipated to be a three-year commitment based on an annual, renewable appointment. Renewal of the position is contingent on the VAP's continued progress towards entering the law school teaching market.
Minnesota VAPs will teach law school classes and conduct legal research, with the expectation that VAPs will enter the law school teaching market in either their second or third year of the VAP program. VAPs will have the opportunity to participate in all law school faculty events and programs, and they will receive mentoring from faculty members.
This is a 100% time, renewable, 12-month academic professional appointment. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year. The appointment may be renewed for up to an additional two years following the successful completion of the first year.
VAPs will be paid an annual salary of $75,000. The Law School will support professional and scholarly development, including through membership in professional associations, professional development funds, and research assistant funds
Duties / Responsibilities
VAPs will teach a two-credit seminar in the spring semester of their first academic year in the VAP program. In their second year, VAPs will be expected to teach five credits (likely the same seminar taught in Year One plus a three-credit doctrinal class). In their third year, VAPs will teach three credits. If a VAP, in consultation with the VAP's mentor, decides to enter the law school teaching market in Year Two, then the Year Two teaching load will be reduced to three credits.
VAPs will be expected to write at least one full-length law review article that can serve as a job talk paper for when they enter the law school teaching market.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- J.D. degree from an A.B.A. accredited law school.
- Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in pursuing legal academia.
Recognized as one of the country's preeminent public law schools, the University of Minnesota Law School (https://law.umn.edu/) is a leader in preparing students to solve our time's complex social, economic, and business issues. Our exceptional faculty, innovative curriculum, and unmatched clinical and experiential learning opportunities equip students for the demands of the 21st century. We are distinguished by a rare collegial culture emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and persuasion. The Law School draws a talented, diverse student body from every part of the United States and numerous countries.
Pay and Benefits:
Pay Range: $75,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources (https://z.umn.edu/BenefitsSummaries) website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program (https://z.umn.edu/RTBP)
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
- Employee Transit Pass (http://z.umn.edu/etp) with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
How to Apply:
The deadline to apply is December 15, 2025. Applications will only be accepted through the University of Minnesota online employment system and only complete applications will be considered. To apply, go to: https://humanresources.umn.edu/content/find-job and reference job 370643.
A complete application consists of the following:
- A cover letter addressing the candidate's interest in Minnesota and in the VAP program.
- A curriculum vitae that includes a list of three references. The references should be able to speak to the candidate's aptitude for legal scholarship, with preferably two of those references being legal academic ones. Please be sure to include the name, title, email address, and phone number for each reference.
- Transcripts for law school and any graduate programs of study.
- Copies of any relevant scholarly writing, with a preference for scholarly articles (published or unpublished), comments, and notes. The VAP Program Committee will also consider articles from bar journals, policy papers, white papers, and legal briefs. If any of the works submitted are jointly authored, please provide an explanation of what the applicant's role was in researching and writing the work.
- A research proposal (between 750–2000 words) discussing future research projects the candidate would like to undertake during or after their VAP.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements:
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
