UMKC School of Law – Truman Fellowship, University of Missouri Kansas City

Hiring Department

School of Law

Job Description

UMKC School of Law has an exciting opportunity to join our Tenant Assistance Initiative as a Truman Fellow.

The Truman Fellowship Program (named for Harry S. Truman, 33^rdPresident of the United States, who attended Kansas City School of Law and served for a time as the presiding judge in Jackson County, Missouri), provides newly licensed and experienced attorneys with an opportunity for training and public service. The Tenant Assistance Initiative provides legal counsel to tenants facing eviction in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Tenants are referred to UMKC by the Right to Counsel program for Kansas City, Missouri, by United Way, and through other outreach efforts. Fellows represent tenants with supervision and training from the UMKC initiative.

The city of Kansas City, Missouri, passed the Right to Counsel ordinance in 2021, which became effective June 1, 2022. The UMKC Tenant Assistance Initiative is one of the legal services providers under contract to provide tenant representation for the Kansas City program. The Initiative also has grant funding from the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

Flexible work arrangements (including telework) are available. The Fellowship program supports the option of remote work and in-person/on-site work.

Minimum Qualifications

Successful candidate will havepassed the bar exam. Prior experience with the clinics, externships, law and technology, strong lawyering skills, and a commitment to public service is a plus, but are not essential.

Full Time/Part Time

Position is temporary, full time, exempt, and non benefit eligible.

In general, length of appointment is expected to be three – eight months. Truman Fellowships can vary based on the candidate’s availability and preference, the initiative’s needs, and funding availability. Opportunity for an extension will be contingent upon needs, funding availability, and the Fellow’s successful job performance.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity. Compensation is competitive with other public-interest positions.

Application Deadline

Open until all positions are filled.

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis so long positions remain unfilled. Inquiries about the position may be directed to Associate Dean Jeffrey Thomas, thomasje@umkc.edu , 816-235-2378.

Application Instructions

Candidates should apply through the UMKC Human Resources website: https://info.umkc.edu/hr/careers/academic-positions/ .

In addition to completing the standard UMKC employment application, please upload a cover letter, resume, and three references (which may be included in the cover letter or the resume). Please describe your status regarding bar admission in the cover letter. Those who have taken the bar exam but do not yet have the results are eligible to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor – Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and functions of this job. If you believe you may have difficulty performing any of the duties or functions of this job, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at (816) 235-1323.

EEO IS THE LAW

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

• EEO is the Law English Version
• EEO is the Law Spanish Version
• EEO is the Law Chinese Version

UMKC Statement on Diversity

University of Missouri System Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research and engagement.