Assistant Professor of Legal Studies – Florida Gulf Coast University

Faculty Opportunity: Assistant Professor of Legal Studies – Florida Gulf Coast University

• Institution: Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)

• Academic Unit / Program: Legal Studies, with interdisciplinary collaboration across Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies

• Appointment Type: Full-Time, 9-Month, Multi-Year Faculty Appointment

• Academic Rank / Level: Assistant Professor

• Specialization: Legal Studies / Forensic Law / Evidence / Criminal Procedure

• Salary / Remuneration: Not specified in the official posting

• Location: Fort Myers, Florida, United States

• Application Deadline: November 30, 2026 – Priority Consideration

• Position Status: Open until filled

• Expected Start Date: August 2027

Overview of Role

Florida Gulf Coast University invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Legal Studies.

The position is designed for a scholar-practitioner with strong grounding in legal practice, legal reasoning, forensic evidence, and applied legal education. The successful candidate will teach at undergraduate and graduate levels, contribute to curriculum development, maintain an active research and publication agenda, and collaborate closely with Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies.

Key Responsibilities & Teaching Scope

• Teach undergraduate and graduate Legal Studies courses.

• Develop syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments.

• Maintain high standards of classroom instruction.

• Advise and mentor students.

• Participate in curriculum development and program advancement.

• Contribute to accreditation-related activities.

• Maintain an active research and scholarship agenda.

• Pursue scholarly publication and grantsmanship.

• Participate in departmental, college, and university service.

• Support experiential learning and interdisciplinary programming.

• Contribute to:

  • Mock Trials

  • Moot Court

  • Courtroom Simulations

  • Forensic-focused legal exercises

• Collaborate with Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies faculty and students.

Potential Teaching Areas

Teaching may include:

• Legal Studies

• Forensic Law

• Evidence

• Criminal Procedure

• Digital Forensics and the Law

• Forensic Psychology and the Law

• Wrongful Convictions

• Forensic Error Analysis

• Courtroom Advocacy

• Expert Testimony

• Applied Legal Analysis

Qualifications & Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent.

• Currently licensed to practice law in the State of Florida.

• Experience with legal foundations governing forensic evidence, including:

  • Admissibility

  • Authentication

  • Chain of Custody

  • Expert Testimony

• Professional or practitioner experience integrating:

  • Legal Practice

  • Applied Forensic Analysis

  • Courtroom Advocacy

  • Interdisciplinary collaboration with Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional legal practice involving:

  • Forensic Evidence

  • Expert Testimony

  • Litigation involving forensic issues

• Strong record of legal research and writing.

• Scholarly publications are highly desirable.

• Experience collaborating with Criminal Justice and Forensic Studies programs.

• Experience contributing to interdisciplinary academic programming.

Knowledge & Skills

Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of:

• Legal Studies theory and practice

• Forensic Law

• Evidence

• Criminal Procedure

• Daubert/Frye analysis

• Evidentiary objections

• Digital and interactive teaching technologies

• Applied legal reasoning

• Research-informed teaching

• Experiential and simulation-based learning

Application Checklist

Applicants should submit:

1. Unofficial Transcripts

2. Statement of Teaching Philosophy

3. Statement of Research

4. Curriculum Vitae

5. Cover Letter

6. Five Professional References

Applicants should not submit project or scholarship samples unless specifically requested.

Application Process

• Priority Consideration Date: November 30, 2026

• Position Status: Open until filled

• Expected Start Date: August 2027

• Appointment will be made on a 9-month multi-year basis.