Truman Fellows - School of Law

Hiring Department

School of Law

Job Description

This cohort of the Truman Fellowship Program will award up to six short term (three to eight month) fellowships to work with attorneys and faculty in the Tenant Representation Initiative. Fellows, with training and supervision, will serve as legal counsel for tenants faced with eviction.

The Covid pandemic has exacerbated the housing insecurity problem in Kansas City. KC Tenants, a tenant advocacy organization, estimates that more than 361,000 Missouri households face eviction because they cannot make their rent payments. Pandemic unemployment and loss of wages presents extraordinary pressures on our income-constrained fellow Kansas Citians. This grant funded law fellowship is designed to help mitigate these harms.

The Fellowship is named for Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States, who attended Kansas City School of Law and served for a time as the presiding judge in Jackson County, Missouri.

Minimum Qualifications

Passed the bar exam. Prior experience with the clinics, externships, law and technology, strong lawyering skills, and a commitment to public service are all helpful, but are not essential.

Full Time/Part Time

This is a short-term (three to eight month), full-time position. With good performance and funding availability, fellows may be eligible to extend their fellowship. Because the positions are short-term, they are not benefits-eligible.

Salary

Pay will be a minimum of $3,300 per month, with higher pay available to those with significant prior experience.

Shift

The Fellowship will include both remote/online work and in-person/on-site work.

Application Instructions

Candidates should apply through the UMKC Human Resources website:https://info.umkc.edu/hr/careers/academic-positions/ .

In addition to completing the standard UMKC employment application, please upload a cover letter, resume, and three references (which may be included in the cover letter or the resume). Please describe your status regarding bar admission in the cover letter. Those who have taken the bar exam but do not yet have the results are eligible to apply.

Applications should be submitted at your earliest convenience. Review of applications will begin the week of August 9, 2021.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed thereafter on a rolling basis so long positions remain unfilled. Inquiries about the position may be directed to Associate Dean Jeffrey Thomas,thomasje@umkc.edu , 816-235-2378.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor - Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and functions of this job. If you believe you may have difficulty performing any of the duties or functions of this job, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at (816) 235-1323.

EEO IS THE LAW

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

• EEO is the LawEnglish Version
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• EEO is the LawChinese Version

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UMKC values diversity as central to its mission as an urban-serving research university and as a driver of excellence in teaching and learning. UMKC embraces a broad spectrum of diversities, including race, ethnicity, culture, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, linguistic ability, learning style, religion, socioeconomic and veteran status, life experiences, educational level and family structure. For more information on our diversity mission, visit the Office of Diversity and Inclusion website: http://info.umkc.edu/diversity/

UMKC is the largest comprehensive, fully accredited university in the Kansas City area. Our students come from all 50 states and over 85 countries, enriching our community with diverse perspectives. With more than 125 academic areas, our students have a lot of opportunities to explore on their way to discovering and creating their perfect career. We are at the heart of a thriving urban area where the city’s life and energy influence everything that happens here. We are Kansas City’s university and we can’t wait for you to join us! Find out more about UMKC in theAbout UMKC section of our website.

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