Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice (Law)

Position Summary:

The Department of Criminal Justice & Social Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor who specializes in Law. This is a full-time, nine-month position starting in August of 2023. 

We seek candidates with legal expertise to join our department and its growing Pre-Law program. Applicants with specialization in any law discipline will be considered; however, we are particularly interested in individuals who can contribute to and expand the department's existing strengths in criminal, civil, and constitutional law.

The faculty member would serve as a law expert, supporting and advising in the Criminal Justice program, the Pre-Law program, and students seeking careers in the legal field. Regardless of expertise, candidates should feel comfortable teaching some combination of law and courts courses (e.g., Criminal Law, Civil Liberties, Criminal Procedure & Evidence, Courtroom Testimony & Evidence, Law of Corrections, and Constitutional Law), as well as specialized courses in their area of expertise.

Preference will be given to candidates who are licensed attorneys in the Midwest with professional criminal prosecution and/or defense experience. The ideal candidate would also be willing to engage in service and advising with undergraduate students seeking legal careers and be interested in strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations with other university departments (e.g., Environmental Science & Society, School of Business) relevant to their expertise.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated competency teaching multiple existing law-related courses and the capacity to develop and teach courses within their area of expertise. The typical teaching load is 4 courses per semester (4/4).

Additional responsibilities include serving as the Pre-Law advisor, student academic advising, actively participating in research/scholarship/professional activities, providing career advising/mentorship to students, and engaging in service to the department, university, profession, and public. The candidate would serve as a liaison to regional law schools and facilitate placement of graduates with law programs. It is expected that the candidate will demonstrate continued membership in and engagement with relevant professional organizations. Other duties may be assigned by the Department Chair.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications

• The successful candidate must have either a:
• J.D. or equivalent terminal degree from an ABA accredited law school
• Ph.D. in Legal Studies, Law Studies, Law, Jurisprudence, Criminal Justice or other related fields 
• An ABD (all but dissertation), if hired, will be contractually obligated to have earned their Ph.D. by January 1, 2024. The preferred candidate would be on track to achieve their Ph.D. by the start date.
• Over 1 year of relevant professional experience practicing law or teaching experience at the university level.

Applicants must have evidence of a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education in a liberal arts environment and a willingness to collaborate with both students and faculty.

Why It’s Great to be a Pioneer:

Department Information

The Criminal Justice & Social Sciences Department in the College of Liberal Arts and Education has 8 full-time tenure-track positions and regularly employs an additional 8-12 instructional academic staff. The undergraduate program offers a BA/BS in Criminal Justice, BS in Forensic Investigation, and a BA/BS in Political Science. We department also oversees multiple minors and certificates, including the Law Certificate and the Pre-Law program. The graduate program offers a MS in Criminal Justice.

Campus Information

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville, founded in 1866, offers 47 baccalaureate and 10 master's programs. It possesses institutional strengths in middle level education, engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, criminal justice and business. The campus is located in Southwest Wisconsin's largest and most historic community. The region offers excellent school systems, high quality medical and hospital facilities, outstanding recreational opportunities, and vibrant businesses and industries. UW-Platteville is a cultural and educational center for the Tri-State region of Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Take a virtual tour of our campus!

Application Deadline:

Applications must be submitted through our online applicant portal.

To ensure full consideration applications must be received by February 19, 2023. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

How to Apply:

Applications are required to be submitted electronically via the UW-Platteville Careers portal. Complete applications must include:

• Cover letter addressing all required qualifications. The letter should explicitly state how the applicant’s education, experience, and/or area(s) of expertise would contribute to and/or enhance the department’s existing strengths.  
• A Curriculum Vitae.
• Contact information (name, telephone number, and email address) for three professional references.
• A statement of your teaching philosophy.
• A separate statement describing a history of working with or demonstrated commitment to addressing issues of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and/or other issues of historic marginalization. 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Employment will require a criminal background check. For questions regarding this position, please contact: Dr. Will LeSuer, Assistant Professor, 608-342-1033. 

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Our mission is to foster a diverse environment that contributes to an inclusive culture and climate by promoting critical discourse and meaningful interactions between all members of our campus community.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is committed to recruiting, supporting and fostering a diverse, inclusive and civil community of outstanding faculty, staff and students, and is an AA/EEO Employer. A criminal background check is required for employment. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the U.S. at time of hire.

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.