The University of Pittsburgh School of Law invites applications for an adjunct faculty position to teach the State Criminal Prosecution Practicum for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. This practicum is administered by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office under the guidance of prosecutors, and a trial judge at the Court of Common Pleas, and offers students hands-on experience in criminal prosecution.
Course Description: STATE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION - Fall 2025-Spring 2026
The State Criminal Prosecution Practicum is a full-year Practicum combining classroom instruction and practical fieldwork. Students attend weekly classes in the courtroom of a judge at the Allegheny County Courthouse. The course provides training in courtroom advocacy, including opening statements, closing arguments, and witness examinations, using realistic case materials from a homicide case model.
In the field component, students extern each week, where they engage in prosecuting cases under the supervision of experienced prosecutors. Certified legal interns, in accordance with Pennsylvania Bar Admission rules 321 and 322, will handle guilty pleas, suppression motions, and nonjury trials, and may have opportunities to conduct preliminary hearings and juvenile court cases.
Responsibilities:
• Provide classroom instruction focused on trial advocacy, criminal procedure, and courtroom skills.
• Supervise and mentor students as they engage in real-world criminal prosecution tasks.
• Collaborate with the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office to ensure a high-quality educational experience for practicum students.
• Evaluate student performance and provide feedback.
Qualifications:
• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Significant experience in criminal prosecution, with a preference for candidates who have served as prosecutors or in related legal roles.
• Strong commitment to legal education and student development.
• Prior teaching or training experience is preferred but not required.
Compensation: $2,500 per credit
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law by March 6, 2025.