Fellow ALSB members:
 
I am seeking your advice about a mid-career change to full-time
teaching.
 
I have ten years experience in the practice of law, a law review
article, and other publications to my credit, as well as a
Masters in Urban Studies and a Truman Scholarship.  After
graduating from Cleveland-Marshall (not Harvard, but a decent
regional school) I clerked in federal district court, and then
went to a fairly large law firm, where I was a litigation
associate (aka cannon fodder), with some specialization in
employment litigation.  I then formed my own firm which
specialized in federal commercial litigation, including a healthy
dose of bankruptcy practice, representing creditors in the
produce industry.
 
A little over a year ago I started teaching at our local
community college, at first just one course in the paralegal
program.  Due to good evaluations and a need for part-time
faculty, I've been asked to teach several more courses, including
a three-quarter business law survey course.  I'm now on a 60%
contract (with no chance for full-time due to budget
constraints). I have discovered that teaching is my true
vocation.  I thoroughly enjoy the students, the work, and the
challenges.  My question is, what is the best approach to finding
a full-time position teaching law-related courses at the
undergraduate level? (I'm willing to relocate).  Not many
positions are advertised in the Chronicle of Higher Education,
and I'm not sure whether this is because there are a number of
unadvertised positions or simply because there just aren't many
jobs out there.
 
To assist my search, I would appreciate private messages (no need
to clutter the list) to the following:  How did you find your
current or your first teaching position?  Short of hanging a
sign around my neck announcing "Will teach for food", what
strategies do you recommend for marketing mayself?  Are there any
professional organizations comparable to AALS at which schools
conduct mass interviews?  Would direct mailings to deans do any
good?  How does your school recruit?  What standards do you
employ when searching for legal faculty?  Any other great ideas?
All your responses will be greatly appreciated, and I hope to
thank you in person this summer in Milwaukee.
 
 
Bob Van Der Velde
 
 
--
Robert J. Van Der Velde  |   Internet: [log in to unmask]
10307 Wilbert Drive      |   Phone:    (216) 256-9262
Kirtland, OH  44094-9511 |   Bus. Dept, Lakeland Community College
                         |   7700 Clocktower Dr., Kirtland, OH 44094