Job Information
Boston University PART-TIME LECTURER, Mental Health Litigation Practicum, Clinical and Experiential Programs, School of Law, Boston University in BOSTON, Massachusetts
Boston University School of Law is hiring a part-time adjunct instructor to co-teach the Mental Health Litigation Practicum during Spring 2025 semester. In the practicum, faculty supervise BU Law students as they represent clients being held involuntarily at a local psychiatric hospital where the hospital has petitioned to have the client involuntarily committed for up to 6 months or recommitted for up to one year. Students develop a thorough understanding of the rules of evidence, the Mental Health Statute, and the case law that governs civil commitments and involuntary treatment. In addition, students hone their trial advocacy skills by preparing a defense and defending their clients at bench trials. At the bench trial, students litigate motions, cross-examine the hospital's witnesses, direct-examine defense witnesses, and argue in closing that the hospital failed to meet their burden beyond a reasonable doubt. The instructor will co-teach the course’s seminar and supervise students. The seminar is scheduled to meet once a week, in person, on the BU Law campus.
Required Skills
A JD degree, plus deep substantive knowledge and expertise in mental health litigation, are required. Prior teaching experience is strongly preferred.
Applicants should email a letter of interest and a resume to Julie Dahlstrom, Associate Dean for Experiential Education, at lclinic2@bu.edu.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor .
Required Experience