Paralegal, Assistant Professor

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Public Safety and Legal Services Department is committed to student-centered teaching that fosters students' personal and academic success. The paralegal program prepares students to navigate the field of law by developing research, analytical, and writing skills through coursework, capstone experiences, and/or internships. As such, candidates will help ensure that all students feel a sense of belonging within our programs. Additionally, full-time faculty will engage in CCD service through work with student clubs, program review, assessment, academic standards, policy review, faculty council, or other CCD programs.

Teaching faculty are an integral part of the Public Safety and Legal Services Department's success in achieving student outcomes. The ideal Paralegal Faculty member will possess academic and practical expertise in various subject matter, including Introduction to Law, legal writing and legal research, evidence, constitutional law, civil litigation and a variety of substantive legal topics. The instructor will have a strong interest in guiding student learning and success, as well as serving as a mentor and role model for students. This position requires strong instructional skills to create an active learning environment that reaches a diverse student body using traditional, nontraditional, proven innovative methods of instruction, effective class structure and management, and curriculum to achieve program and course outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities

Teaching

A full course load typically includes 15 credit hours per semester (5 Courses) with flexibility for administrative or related assignments. Teaching methods may include in-person, online, concurrent enrollment, or non-credit formats, depending on course maps and scheduling needs. In-person classes are during the day and evenings.

Responsibilities include:

• Introduction to Law: Deliver engaging lectures that integrate core principles of the law, and the work paralegals do with real-world applications.
• CTE Skills: Teach students skills-based material that aligns with the current needs of the legal system.
• Curriculum Development: Lead the design, revision, and implementation of curricula in the paralegal and LLP programs.
• Program Enhancement: Collaborate with faculty to create and refine Paralegal certificate and degree pathways and support courses. This may include designing interdisciplinary paralegal-related courses or certifications that integrate with other programs.
• Class Preparation and Assessment: Design inclusive, student-focused lessons for diverse instructional modalities (face-to-face, hybrid, and online). Use creative assessment methods to ensure alignment with student learning outcomes and program goals.
• Institutional Service: Participate in departmental initiatives, accreditation efforts, and student advising to enhance the overall effectiveness and relevance of the Paralegal program.

Faculty are expected to demonstrate innovative teaching strategies, a commitment to equity and inclusion, and a dedication to fostering student success both within and beyond the classroom.

Course content must meet the learning objectives outlined in the course syllabus and adhere to department policies. The instructor must be available in person, via remote conferencing, or by phone to provide students with timely academic support. Faculty are expected to engage with students regarding course materials, assignments, and assessments, including work-based learning.

The instructor may create case studies and fact patterns for practice negotiations and design assignments aligned with the required course learning outcomes. This position requires CO residency to teach, attend meetings, or participate in industry partnership events at our downtown Denver campus as needed.

Service

In addition to teaching, this position requires active service to the Public Safety and Legal Services department and institution.

Responsibilities include:

• Curriculum Leadership: Take a leading role in the development and alignment of paralegal courses and programs, ensuring they meet industry needs, incorporate current legal advancements, and foster student engagement.Develop new courses or programs based on the current needs of the legal industryCollaborate on paralegal curriculum for interdisciplinary programs.
• Faculty Mentorship and Development: Mentor adjunct instructors, provide professional development opportunities, and promote a collaborative departmental culture focused on innovation and equity.
• Program Coordination and Operations: Assist in departmental operations, including course scheduling, staffing, and budgeting.
• Community and Industry Collaboration: Engage with industry professionals and advisory boards to ensure the paralegal curricula align with workforce needs and emerging opportunities.
• Scholarly Growth: Engage in professional development and scholarly activities to stay current in the field of law, with an emphasis on areas like analytical techniques, curriculum innovation, and interdisciplinary applications.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Education:(Minimum/Required)

A juris doctorate

Also allowed:

A master’s degree or higher in law

Or a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field with experience working as a paralegal or judicial assistant.

Tested Occupational Experience:

Professionals typically enter with a variety of academic degrees and are trained within an apprenticeship model. Training is not considered complete in this field until 10,000 hours are completed.

Tested Professional Experience:

Not permitted.

Licensure/Certification:

Must have a current CTE credential or the ability to obtain one.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

• Experience with various types of law, including but not limited to Criminal Law, Immigration Law, Environmental Law, Negotiations, Torts, Contracts, Employment, Bankruptcy, Legal Research and Writing, Evidence, as well as trial experience.
• Teaching experience in a community college setting.
• Bilingual (Spanish) or other language proficiency (not required but would be a great benefit).

Equipment Used:

Computers

Classroom projectors

Supplemental Information

Our campus is located in downtown Denver, adjacent to two light rail stations, and just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, and event venues. When you visit our campus, it will be immediately evident that our faculty, staff, and instructors are passionate about serving our diverse student population. At CCD our passion is to help others, and we offer career pathways that will make a difference in the lives of our students.