DRAKE UNIVERSITY LAW SCHOOL invites applications for a Visiting Faculty position (Assistant, Associate, or Full – rank commensurate with qualifications and experience) to direct and teach its Criminal Defense Clinic. The Visiting Professor will supervise law students in the direct representation of clients in criminal matters, manage clinic operations and case selection, and lead a companion seminar focused on lawyering skills, ethical practice, professional identity formation, and critical reflection. The clinic currently emphasizes representation of low-income clients in misdemeanor cases before the Polk County District Court. The position is a two-year visiting position beginning on either August 1, 2026 or January 1, 2027, with the possibility of an additional one-year appointment thereafter.

Applicants must possess a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and be licensed to practice law in Iowa or eligible for admission. Preference will be given to individuals with prior teaching experience, or at least five years of practice experience in trial-level criminal defense or a combination thereof. We welcome applications from current law faculty, experienced practitioners, and other highly qualified candidates.

Confidential review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To apply, please email (1) a letter of interest, (2) a CV/resume, and (3) the names and contact information of at least three references to Professor Suzie Pritchett, Chair, Visitor Hiring Committee, Drake University Law School at suzan.pritchett@drake.edu. Alternatively, apply on the Drake University career portal at https://jobs.drake.edu/jobs/visiting-assistant-professor-of-law-director-of-the-criminal-defense-clinic-prof52.

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About Drake University Law School

Drake Law School combines a rich history with the latest technology and an innovative curriculum, including the nation’s only First-Year Trial Practicum. As the only law school in the capital city of Des Moines, Drake Law School provides a unique educational and practical learning experience through modern facilities, a top-ranked legal clinic, and an exceptional relationship with the bench and bar. Drake Law School was founded in Des Moines in 1865, which makes it one of the 25 oldest law schools in the country. The Law School was established by Iowa Supreme Court justices George Wright and Chester Cole, who aimed to teach law in proximity to the courts so students could witness the law in action. From the very beginning, Drake Law School focused on real and practical experience. Today we continue to build on that tradition and provide opportunities for service, leadership, and the pursuit of rewarding careers. Learn more about the Law School at: https://www.drake.edu/law/. Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equit...y and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees. All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.

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