The Associates-in-Law Program is designed for individuals seriously considering a career in legal academia, and the Law School actively assists them in establishing their academic careers. Associates are encouraged to pursue research during the year. Each Associate is assigned work space in the Law School and has the full use of the University libraries and research facilities. Associates attend workshops and seminars on the same basis as full-time faculty.
Absent special circumstances, Associates serve for two years. Associates must be in residence at Columbia for approximately nine months each year, from early August until the beginning of May.
During the fall term, some of the Associates teach legal writing to J.D. students in seminar sections. Under the supervision of Professor Philip Genty, who directs the first-year program, Associates have an opportunity to develop their teaching skills through the assignment of written problems of their own design.
Also during the fall term, four Associates assist in the teaching of legal research and writing to the foreign-trained LL.M. candidates in conjunction with the introductory course taught by Professor George Fletcher, “A Comparative Introduction to American Law.” A thorough grounding in civil law is important to this position.
Although admission to and enrollment in the graduate program is not a requirement of selection for an Associateship, Associates may pursue graduate study leading to the LL.M. or, if approved by the Graduate Committee, the J.S.D. degree. Whether or not an applicant wishes to be considered for admission to a graduate degree program, he or she should use the Application for Admission to Graduate Legal Studies to apply for an Associateship.
A list of published works and/or works in progress should be included if they exist, and all Associate applicants should include a brief proposed research agenda. Applicants should also be sure to include a brief statement regarding relevant teaching experience and teaching aspirations, and submit a writing sample as part of the application.
In 2008–2009, Associates will receive a yearly $44,550 stipend plus fringe benefits, including subsidized housing or housing location assistance, and a tuition exemption. In addition, all Associates who spend the bulk of the summer between their first and second year in the program working on their research are eligible for a fellowship amounting to ten percent of their stipend.
Columbia University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications by qualified women and minority candidates for these positions.