Assistant Professor of Law – Torts (6164)

Working Position Title Assistant Professor of Law – Torts (6164)

Classification Title Assistant Professor

Position Number 00006164

Posting Date 10/03/2025

Closing Date

Priority Review Date 10/27/2025

Business Unit Description Faculty

Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE 1.00

Position Status Regular

FLSA Exempt

Job Code 2000

Union Representation Non-Union

Union Code N/A

Unit/Department College of Law Faculty

College/Unit College of Law Dean

Division Academic Division

Location SP 270

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page College of Law

Overview

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW invites applications for one entry-level tenure-track faculty position with interest in teaching tort law beginning August 2026.

Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive research university offering programs from the Baccalaureate through the Doctorate. Colleges include Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. On-campus enrollment is approximately 15,000 students. The university also offers more than 200 off-campus courses each semester to students in communities throughout northern Illinois.

The main campus is located in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago’s “Loop” and 40 miles southeast of Rockford with education centers in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb/Sycamore, with a population of about 60,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands. The site of the first manufacturing of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn are evidence of its diversified history. The blend of industry and agriculture, coupled with the cultural and recreational facilities of the university and supplemented by easy access to Chicago and Rockford, provide an enjoyable environment in which to live.

Position Summary

Duties include engaging in high-quality teaching and research, as well as being an active participant in law-school and university service.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Teaching
• Research
• Participate in law-school and university service

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Qualifications include a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school (or a law school program that is deemed substantively equivalent to an ABA-approved J.D. program for purposes of taking a US State bar examination)
• Ability to engage in high-quality teaching
• Ability to engage in high-quality research
• Ability to be an active participant in law school and university service
• Interest in teaching tort law

Additional Requirements

• We are particularly, but not exclusively, interested in candidates who also have interest in teaching business law, immigration, or health courses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Record of scholarly publication
• Teaching experience (particularly in a law school)
• Legal-practice experience
• Strong law-school record
• Law-journal membership
• Clerkship experience

Physical Demands Summary

For physical demands and requirements, please see human resources policies and protocols.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 08/16/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year 0.75

Standard Hours Per Week 37.50

Salary Commensurate with experience and qualifications, starting at $95,000; NIU offers a robust benefits package.

Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $5,277.78 – $5,588.89

Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

To be officially considered for the position of Assistant Professor of Law – Torts, submit the following materials by October 27, 2025:

• Cover letter
• Résumé
• Contact information for three current professional references
• Transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for initial review of application; official copies required to confirm appointment)

If you have questions, please contact Professor David Rosenfeld, Chair of the Appointments Committee, at [email protected].

Preference will be given to applications received by October 27, 2025, though applications will be accepted until the position or positions are filled.

Special Instructions

Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/87168

Is Background Check Required Yes

EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

[email protected]

815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at [email protected].

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

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