Description
Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law invites individuals interested in serving in a Christian university environment to apply for an Assistant Professor of Legal Research and Writing faculty position. This full-time, non-tenure-track position is a nine-month appointment that begins in August 2027.
This position will have primary responsibilities in Cumberland’s Legal Research and Writing (LRW) program, which includes two foundational courses on legal writing, research, and analysis that are required for all first-year J.D. students. Each professor will be responsible for teaching two sections of the first-year courses, LRW I (in the fall semester) and LRW II (in the spring semester), as well as one additional course or other activity as directed. In addition to teaching responsibilities, each professor will be expected to carry out service obligations to the law school and the university, including committee assignments, as directed.
Requirements
Required qualifications include a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school, and at least two years of experience practicing law or teaching legal writing to lawyers or law students. Preference will be given to candidates whose backgrounds reflect substantial practice and development of applied legal research and writing skills. Candidates must have outstanding communication, organizational, and analytical skills; a commitment to academic excellence; and the ability to work effectively and collegially with faculty, colleagues, and students.
Cumberland School of Law prides itself on its commitment to teaching and to ensuring not only the success of its students upon graduation but their recognition of the ethical obligations that flow from being an officer of the court and a servant of the community. The ideal candidate will thus demonstrate the ability and motivation to develop meaningful mentoring relationships with students both in and out of class.
About Samford
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford (samford.edu) is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools with 450 full-time faculty. Samford is ranked #3 in the nation for career preparation and #7 in the nation for student learning opportunities as listed in The Wall Street Journal (2026). The University is dedicated to the promotion of rigorous academic inquiry in a Christian setting. The University seeks and prefers employee applicants of the Christian faith and offers competitive salaries with a generous benefits package.
Application Process
Review of applications will begin on July 31, 2026, and applications will be accepted until October 15, 2026. Application materials must include a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, application for faculty position (linked below), and the faculty applicant Christian Mission statement (linked below). In addition, applicants should submit a writing sample, not to exceed 5 pages reflecting legal analysis or argument. Any applicant with teaching experience should submit a summary of his or her most recent course evaluations. Salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience. The successful candidate must pass a background check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, as Samford will not sponsor any employment visas for this position.
“Application for Faculty Position” can be found at:
https://www.samford.edu/departments/files/Human_Resources/application-for-faculty-employment.pdf
“Faculty Applicant Christian Mission Statement” can be found at:
https://www.samford.edu/departments/files/academic-affairs/Faculty-Applicant-Christian-Mission-Statement.docx
Please submit all materials in PDF format to:
FACAPP@samford.edu
Subject: Legal Research & Writing
In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments, the University does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, religion, or any other protected status under federal, state or local law applicable to the University, in its education policies, programs, and activities, in its admissions policies, in employment policies and practices, and all other areas of the University. As a faith-based institution, the University is exempted from certain laws and regulations concerning discrimination.