Law Adjunct Faculty - Comparative Law

Job Summary

WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1973, the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University (BYU Law) has grown into one of the nation's leading law schools. Boasting an expert faculty and strong student body, the Law School provides an exceptional "education grounded in legal theory, enhanced by experiential learning, and enlightened by the laws of God." (BYU Law Educational Objectives). Dedicated to educating the whole person, BYU Law seeks to "develop people of integrity who combine faith and intellect in lifelong service to God and neighbor." (BYU Law Mission Statement).

WHAT WE DO

At BYU Law, we prepare students for meaningful careers and contributions to our society. We afford students opportunities to develop leadership, transactional, and litigation skills. We equip students with cross-cultural competence, preparing them to engage and communicate effectively. We inspire students to acquire and maintain the highest levels of professionalism, civility, and ethics. And we embrace a whole-building approach, engaging every member of the BYU Law community in developing the professional competencies, character, and diversity of our student's gifts.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Job Title: Law Adjunct Faculty - Comparative Law

Desired start date: January 1, 2026

Last day to apply: March 15, 2025

Posting close date: March 16, 2025

WHAT YOU'LL DO IN THIS POSITION

The Adjunct Faculty Member reports to the Law School's Associate Dean for Faculty & Curriculum. Some of the responsibilities of this role are: 

• Teach a course on comparative law: Non-common-law legal tradition, emphasizing civil law; legal traditions of Islamic and socialist countries. 

  • Course Learning Outcomes

    • Develop a deeper appreciation for the ways that history and culture affect law and legal institutions. 

    • Understand how the fundamental building blocks of differing legal systems are conceptualized and how they interrelate; this includes understanding how the public and private sector are viewed and how various types of legal issues are categorized. 

    • Have a basic understanding of the structures of the major families of legal systems on earth, and in particular, comparisons and contrasts of representative common law and civil law legal systems. 

    • Understand differing importance attached to case law in different systems. 

    • Be able to use library, internet and other technological facilities in gathering information about specific legal issues. 

    • Have practical experience working with sources of law in different legal systems. 

    • Depending on language skills, learn the rudiments of carrying out legal research and analysis regarding legal issues in one or more other legal systems.

    • Have a basic understanding of how lawyers in different legal systems are trained and function, and how the structure of legal professions differs in these different legal systems, thereby being in a better position to work with legal professionals from other systems over the course of their careers. 

    • Develop deeper appreciation of theoretical issues involved in development of legal doctrine in differing legal systems. 

    • Develop a stronger understanding of the way that substantive and procedural law interact in various legal systems.

Other Expectations

• The adjunct faculty member will not be asked to attend department meetings. 

• She or he will be expected to spend some time outside of class to address questions related to the class.

• Time taught to be determined by the applicant's schedule.

WHAT QUALIFIES YOU FOR THIS ROLE?

Required Degree: JD required. Required degree must be completed by the start date. Must be an active member of the Utah Bar. 

Experience: The applicant must have knowledge of the topic and significant teaching experience.

Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the State of Utah to be eligible for employment consideration.

Documents required at the time of application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae and cover letter to the faculty application.

Refer to the Job Description for any additional required documents.

BYU Mission Alignment

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. It is anticipated that BYU faculty members will: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrines and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it "bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel" (Spencer W. Kimball).

Employment Requirements

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend. All employees are required to abide by the university's Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrines of the affiliated church.

Equal Opportunity

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.