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Legal Rhetoric Program Graduate Teaching Fellow

Washington, United States

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about

American University

Department:

Washington College of Law

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Job Description:

Summary:

The Legal Rhetoric Program at the Washington College of Law seeks applicants for its 2026 Faculty Fellowship. This position is open to 2025 WCL graduates. The Faculty Fellow will serve for a one-year term beginning January 1, 2026. The Faculty Fellow will teach two sections of Legal Research & Writing II in Spring 2026 and two sections of Legal Research & Writing I in Fall 2026 (18 students per section).

This fellowship provides valuable insight into legal academia and offers broad professional development for those considering careers in teaching, public service, or legal practice. The position is a unique opportunity for a recent law school graduate to participate fully in the academic life of the law school while benefiting from the mentorship of colleagues. The ideal candidate will approach the fellowship with intellectual curiosity, a collaborative spirit, and an eagerness to learn from both experienced educators and students.

The Faculty Fellow must be deeply student-centered, with a keen ability to give clear and consistent feedback on writing assignments to support the foundational development of 1L writing. The Faculty Fellow will also support the design and delivery of teaching materials, such as researching and designing future writing problems for use in the Program. The Faculty Fellow will work collaboratively with six full-time teaching colleagues in building the curriculum, the learning management platform, the assignments, and more. The Faculty Fellow should have excellent collaboration skills and rigorous editing skills. They will supervise four Classroom Dean’s Fellows and work closely with our Legal Rhetoric Program Coordinator, requiring strong supervisory skills.

Essential Functions:

Support the program in developing academic programs; assist the department with sample preparation.
Provide students with information and guide them through Legal Rhetoric issues. Be the initial point of contact for students experiencing Legal Rhetoric challenges and/or difficulties.
Develop a resource bank of writing samples and support materials. The Fellow will lead the development of and/or support the design and delivery of teaching materials, such as writing problems for future use in the program.
Review issues and opportunities associated with the utilization of Legal Artificial Intelligence. Develop best practices related to all Legal Rhetoric concepts and AI issues; lead workshops related to various rhetoric topics including drafting, sample preparations, and using AI in legal writing. Develop workshops for content development and submission. Research and identify various issues with AI reliance (accuracy, plagiarism, citations).
Develop a searchable database (s) for faculty and upper-level students to use and contribute to.
Lead and support the design and delivery of new teaching materials; assess the impact of such tools.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Student supervision. Interaction with Faculty and Rhetoric Fellows; interaction and guidance with Rhetoric adjuncts.

Competencies:

Serving Customers.
Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
Developing Plans.
Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
Thinking Broadly.
Leading and Inspiring People.
Driving Continuous Improvement.
Building a Customer Focused Organization.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-Time.
35 hours per week.

Salary Range:

$60,000 - $63,000 annually.

Required Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor or equivalent.
2 - 4 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Juris Doctor.
3 - 5 years of relevant experience.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite.

Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an
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Current American University Employees

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For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email

theworkline@american.edu

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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