Assistant Professor of Law - Contracts, Business Law, or Related Areas (6273)
Northern Illinois University College of Law invites applications for one entry‑level tenure‑track faculty position with interest in teaching contracts, business law, or related areas, beginning August 2026.
Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive research university offering programs from the Baccalaureate through the Doctorate. Colleges include Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. On‑campus enrollment is approximately 15,000 students. The university also offers more than 200 off‑campus courses each semester to students in communities throughout northern Illinois.
The main campus is located in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago’s “Loop” and 40 miles southeast of Rockford with education centers in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb/Sycamore, with a population of about 60,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands. The site of the first manufacturing of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn are evidence of its diversified history. The blend of industry and agriculture, coupled with the cultural and recreational facilities of the university and supplemented by easy access to Chicago and Rockford, provide an enjoyable environment in which to live.
Position Summary
Duties include engaging in high‑quality teaching and research, as well as being an active participant in law‑school and university service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
* Teaching
* Research
* Participate in law‑school and university service
Minimum Required Qualifications
* J.D. degree from an ABA‑accredited law school or a program deemed substantively equivalent for U.S. State bar examination purposes
* Ability to engage in high‑quality teaching
* Ability to engage in high‑quality research
* Ability to be an active participant in law school and university service
* Interest in teaching contracts, business law, or related areas
Additional Requirements
* Particular interest in teaching immigration or health courses is welcomed but not required
Preferred Qualifications
* Record of scholarly publication
* Teaching experience (particularly in a law school)
* Legal practice experience
* Law‑journal membership
Physical Demands Summary
For physical demands and requirements, please see human resources policies and protocols.
Appointment and Compensation Details
Anticipated Appointment Start Date: 08/16/2026
Standard Hours Per Week: 37.50
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, starting at $95,000; NIU offers a robust benefits package.
Application Materials
* Cover Letter
* Resume/Curriculum Vitae
* List of at least 3 professional references
* Transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable for initial review; official copies required to confirm appointment)
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Preference will be given to applications received by February 13, 2026, though applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
For contact regarding the appointment, please reach out to Professor David Rosenfeld, Chair of the Appointments Committee, at niucol@niu.edu.
Equal Opportunity Statement
In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.
ADA Accommodation
NIU remains committed to ensuring its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation can request it through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of affirmative action and equal opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
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