Instructor, Paralegal

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District is currently accepting applications for the faculty position of Instructor, Paralegal, De Anza College.

De Anza College Mission Statement:

De Anza College provides an academically rich, multicultural learning environment that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character and abilities; to realize their goals; and to be socially responsible leaders in their communities, the nation and the world.

De Anza College fulfills its mission by engaging students in creative work that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and attitudes contained within the college's Institutional Core Competencies:

• Communication and expression
• Information literacy
• Physical/mental wellness and personal responsibility
• Civic capacity for global, cultural, social and environmental awareness
• Critical thinking

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION INCLUDE:

Under the direction of the Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities Division, instructor will teach Paralegal Studies courses to a diverse student population at a college committed to student equity. The instructor must be knowledgeable about the paralegal profession and have experience working with or as a paralegal. The instructor will be expected to teach in two or more topic areas in which they have direct experience. Course topic areas are typical of lower division undergraduate work in federal and state law overviews, specialized practice groups, including, but not limited to, litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, and estate planning. In this role, the faculty will also develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum in the subject matter of expertise and lecture where appropriate. The faculty team member will be expected to teach courses in online modality.

Standard duties expected of all faculty include development and evaluation of curricula, maintaining scheduled office hours, attending department and division meetings, pursuing professional growth activities, service on district and/or college committees, and performing other duties consistent with the role of an instructor. Instructors also have the opportunity to participate in campus extra-curricular activities, shared governance, or any program/departmental leadership role.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
2. Possession of a Bachelor's degree or above AND two years of experience in legal assisting (paralegal)

OR

an Associate degree AND six years of experience in legal assisting (paralegal) OR the equivalent (see below).

If you wish to request equivalency for this position (if you believe you do not otherwise meet minimum qualifications via educational degree attainment as specified), you may submit the Request for Equivalency form. This form will need to be submitted with your application packet. You may either scan a hard copy of this form with your application packet or submit it as a Word document with your application packet. Download Equivalency form

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. College-level instructional experience in law-related fields, such as Paralegal Studies, Political Science, or Administration of Justice
2. Demonstrate practical hands-on experience working in one or more legal practice area
3. Experience (5 years or more) working with or as a paralegal in a law firm, corporate, non-profit, or government setting
4. Experience with techniques and equipment required in teaching subject areas in lecture, course management systems, laboratory or clinical settings
5. Demonstrate teaching pedagogy adaptable to a variety of learning styles including an emphasis on interactive multimedia, research, technology resources, and hands-on experience. Have an understanding of learning management platform such as CANVAS, Moodle, Sakai, Blackboard etc
6. Experience with paralegal-related program administration
7. In addition, successful candidates will demonstrate the following abilities: teach and communicate effectively with students using inclusive and equity driven practices; work closely and cooperatively with faculty and support staff; work with academically and culturally diverse students; show flexibility and ability to work as a member of a team of professionals; communicate articulately and effectively with individuals differing in age, gender, ethnicity, educational, and economic background; encourage students to engage in their own learning and motivate them to develop critical thinking skills; change systems of teaching delivery to meet differing student needs and able to adapt to change easily
8. Ability to create or develop curriculum
9. Familiarity with the complex nature of the relationship among society, politics, and the legal system and an ability to facilitate difficult conversations on these topics in the classroom

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment:

1. Indoor, office environment. (Keisha - Paralegal program is now completely online synchronous)

Physical Abilities:

(Applicants should perform these physical abilities with or without reasonable accommodations)

1. Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
2. Vision sufficient to read various materials.
3. Dexterity of hands and fingers to perform the tasks required of the position.
4. Regularly stand, walk, and sit for extended periods of time.
5. Bending at waist, kneeling, or crouching.
6. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.
7. Lifting and carrying objects up to 20 lbs.

APPLICATION PACKET:

1. A District on-line application to be completed at...

Excellent benefits package which includes medical coverage for employee and eligible dependents, dental, vision care, employee assistance program, long term disability, retirement benefits and basic life insurance. Other voluntary benefits are also available such as legal assistance, pet insurance, and long-term care. Faculty are also eligible for paid professional development leaves and stipends for educational and professional development.

For information on our benefits package that includes medical for employees and dependents, visit our web site: http://hr.fhda.edu/benefits/index.html

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time, Tenure-track, 10-months per year

STARTING DATE: Fall 2026