Description:
Job Summary:The Department of Political Science, Criminal Justice and International Studies at Georgia Gwinnett College invites candidates to apply for a full-time assistant professor of legal studies position beginning August 1, 2027. Priority reviews of candidates will begin on November 6, but the position will remain open and accepting applications until filled.
Successful candidates for the Assistant Professor position will be expected to teach a 4/4 load of lower- and upper-division courses. In addition to teaching, applicants are expected to actively participate in scholarly activities and demonstrate a clear research agenda.
In addition to teaching courses in the program, the position is responsible for overseeing and promoting the paralegal certification program housed within the department. The ideal candidate will have experience maintaining current knowledge of developments in the legal profession, including changes in substantive and procedural law, legal research methods, emerging legal technologies, artificial intelligence, law-office management systems, and professional and ethical standards affecting attorneys and paralegals. The faculty member will emphasize the appropriate role of the paralegal, attorney supervision, confidentiality, professional responsibility, and the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law throughout the curriculum.
GGC emphasizes a student-centered learning environment, and applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to student success. We are an institution that values and encourages innovative teaching. In addition to teaching, applicants are expected to actively participate in extensive student engagement, and service to the college and community. Advising and mentoring are expected of all faculty.
Required Qualifications:
- A terminal degree in Political Science or related field with substantive coursework related to the study of law; or a J.D. from an ABA accredited school
- Demonstration of prior teaching experience is a must
Preferred Qualifications:
- Preference may be given to those with experience working in the legal profession as a paralegal or as someone who has 3 or more years of experience training paralegals
- Ability to teach American Government
- Experience in teaching the Paralegal Studies Curriculum which includes Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Legal Research and Writing, Civil Litigation, Criminal Law in Practice, and other legal specialty courses based on program needs and the faculty member's areas of expertise
- Experience in entertainment and sports law, patents, trademarks and licensing, business law/contracts, and/or real estate law a plus
- Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a diverse population of students
- Strong commitment to undergraduate education, student engagement, and service to the college and community
- Preference may be given to those with an established record of scholarship or who shows potential for academic research
- Ability to teach Criminal Justice, Spanish, and/or French courses a plus
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Conditions of Employment:
Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States and proof of eligibility will be contemporaneously required upon acceptance of an employment offer. Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). Eligibility of employment is determined by GGC in its sole discretion, and includes but is not limited to confirmation of credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.
Offers are subject to the applicable federal laws, state laws, statutes, rules and regulations of this institution, and to the bylaws and policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.
