Paralegal Studies Faculty, Part-Time

Community College Of Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA

Part-time - Entry Level

Philadelphia, PA

Educational Services

About the position

The Department of Social Science at the Community College of Philadelphia is seeking applications for part-time faculty positions in Paralegal Studies for upcoming academic years. The Paralegal Studies program, which is approved by the American Bar Association, is designed to equip students with essential skills for navigating the legal field. This includes training in legal research and writing, legal documentation, and developing client relationships, ultimately preparing students for entry-level paralegal roles. It is important to note that paralegals are not permitted to provide legal services directly to the public, except as allowed by law. The program also offers a variety of optional activities for students, such as internships, guest lectures, field trips, and guidance in developing job interview skills and resumes. Additionally, job placement assistance and opportunities for involvement in student clubs and newsletters are provided. The ideal candidate for this faculty position will possess a Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA-accredited law school, have experience working as or supervising paralegals, hold an active license to practice law, and have prior teaching experience at either the secondary or post-secondary level. Community College of Philadelphia is committed to providing access to higher education for all individuals, particularly as a predominantly Black institution and a minority-serving institution. The college's Strategic Plan emphasizes quality, access, affordability, and upward mobility, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Faculty members play a crucial role in the Academic and Student Success Division, which is dedicated to fostering student success through equitable outcomes, innovative practices, and a rewarding educational experience. Faculty are expected to contribute to improving student success and addressing racial equity gaps through inclusive and high-quality teaching practices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct course and program assessment, and participate in curricular and course review and development.
• Create learning opportunities for students both inside and outside of the classroom, including opportunities to teach dual-enrollment high school students.
• Communicate effectively and foster collaboration among students and faculty.
• Proactively identify and address problems within the academic environment.
• Establish an inclusive classroom environment that respects diverse backgrounds.
• Participate in continual assessment and updates to courses to meet program and student learning outcomes.
• Strive for excellence in teaching and apply best practices in the field of discipline.
• Utilize innovative teaching strategies and technologies to meet the learning needs of a diverse student population.
• Commit to professional learning and growth, student mentoring, and developments within the field of discipline.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor Degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Experience working as or supervising paralegals.
• Active license to practice law and experience in the practice of law.
• Willingness and availability to teach in-person courses on Main Campus.
• Experience teaching at the secondary or post-secondary level.
• Respect for diversity and ability to establish an inclusive environment in the classroom.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience teaching paralegal studies at an ABA-approved program.
• Experience teaching law or paralegal studies at an urban and/or community college.
• Familiarity with legal technologies including LexisNexis, Westlaw, e-discovery software, and case management software.
• Experience with course and curriculum development.
• Current license to practice law in Pennsylvania.
• Demonstrated experience teaching diverse student populations and addressing equity gaps.
• Bilingual or proficiency in other languages.

Benefits

• Contributions from the College towards health insurance premiums for adjunct faculty.
• Visiting Lecturers are entitled to fully paid benefits through the College.
• Adjunct faculty may elect coverage offered by the College and pay a portion of the premiums, or be reimbursed for premiums paid for plans obtained elsewhere.