Clinical Supervising Attorney and Lecturer in Law, Stanford Law School
Stanford University
Application
Details
Posted: 10-Oct-25
Location: Stanford, California
Type: Full-time
Internal Number: 107482
*NOTE: This position has been deemed critical/has specific funding, has been approved by the Law School for posting, and is exempt from the hiring freeze.
Stanford Law School welcomes applicants for a term Clinical Supervising Attorney and Lecturer in Law ("CSA") position in its Religious Liberty Clinic ("RLC"). The RLC is the nation's only full-time clinic dedicated to teaching and training law students in and through litigation and advocacy for individual and organizational clients in support of their religious liberty. The RLC also serves as a leader of affiliated clinics at other elite law schools across the country. As a member of the RLC, the CSA will not only join its landmark program but will also be part of the thriving clinical community at Stanford, where, together with the faculty and staff, the CSA will represent clients and train law students at one of the nation's top institutions for legal scholarship and education.
The RLC is one of eleven clinics comprising the Mills Legal Clinic--the "law firm" under which Stanford's clinical program is housed. The RLC launched in August 2012, and it has since become a cherished fixture at the law school. The Stanford clinical program is unique in that its students participate in it on a full-time basis; the clinic is the only course a student takes during their term of enrollment. The Mills Legal Clinic occupies an entire floor in an award-winning campus building opened shortly before the RLC's launch.
The RLC focuses on developing professional skills in a rich, dynamic, and human way. Its students are introduced to the "real practice of law" through supervised, pro bono representation of a diverse group of clients in legal disputes arising from a wide range of beliefs and practices, and in a variety of settings and forums. A typical project might involve a prisoner facing obstacles to religious observance while incarcerated; a small church, synagogue, or mosque encountering zoning challenges to its house of worship or ministries; an individual suffering discrimination in the workplace or denied public rights or resources on account of their religious beliefs or practices; or a religious non-profit seeking counsel in serving its community. Students learn and apply the law, theory, and practice of religious liberty, and they are taught to advise clients and litigate on their behalf with excellence, professionalism, and maturity. In seeking to represent clients of all faiths and build bridges among and across people of any or no religious tradition, the RLC advocates for its clients' religious liberty as a universal human value.
As a litigation-focused clinic, the RLC involves administrative, trial, and appellate work. Most administrative and trial practice takes place in California, while the RLC's appellate efforts include an active presence in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and amicus briefing to the U.S. Supreme Court. Because the RLC is an innovative and leading project, clinic activities also include marketing, outreach, and development. Further details about the RLC's approach and docket can be found at its website here.
The CSA is expected to participate in all RLC activities, including client development, student supervision, and client representation, and will also assist the RLC's faculty director with curriculum design, teaching and evaluation matters, and general clinic operations. Additionally, the CSA will be part of the vibrant intellectual community within the Law School and Stanford University, and may benefit from resources to participate in conferences, continuing education, and other professional development activities.
Applicants for the CSA position should have at least two years of experience in the legal field, and be a member of the California state bar (or other state bar and/or be willing to take the next available California bar exam). Applicants must possess strong academic credentials; a developed interest in religious liberty and commitment to the RLC's program of clinical legal education; and organizational, team, and professional skills that are essential in helping to run what is, in essence, a small law firm. Teaching or supervision experience (or the demonstrated potential for doing so) is also desirable.
This is a two-year fixed-term position with the possibility of a one-year extension based solely on the Law School's discretion.
The expected pay range for this position is $130,000 - $170,000 per annum.Stanford University has provided a good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position.The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.
A statement no longer than two pages describing the applicant's: (i) litigation or other relevant experience; (ii) interest in religious liberty generally and the RLC in particular; and (iii) interest and potential for clinical supervision and teaching
A resume
A list of three professional references
A complete law school transcript
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Stanford seeks to hire the best talent and to promote a safe and secure environment for all members of the university community and its property.To that end, new staff hires must successfully pass a background check prior to starting work at the University.
Why work at Stanford?Stanford University has changed the world, over and over again.We are one of Silicon Valley's largest employers - and also one of the most unique. Our mission is to educate future leaders and promote interdisciplinary, world-class research and teaching. This passion makes Stanford an intensely creative, rewarding, and challenging place to work. At the same time, our traditions of respect and collaboration sustain a humane, supportive environment in which to pursue your life and your career.At Stanford you'll work with bright, diverse, dedicated people. You'll find encouragement to learn and grow. You'll enjoy excellent benefits and an outstanding environment. How will it change you?