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Monday, January 10, 2011
Open Thread Re: VAPs and Fellowships
I've received a couple emails asking about the creation of an open thread in which comments can be shared regarding news of appointments to VAPs or similar fellowships like Climenko and Bigelow. So here it is. Have at it.
Posted by Administrators on January 10, 2011 at 08:32 PM in Getting a Job on the Law Teaching Market, Life of Law Schools | Permalink
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Comments
FWIW - I suspect connections play an important role (like most other professions these days). I landed my position for this year through a connection, and all of the other positions for which I had interviews or real conversations were also through connections.
I'd be interested to see a list of VAPs, similar to the entry level list. It would also be interesting to see how many VAPs are going on the market this year, and our (hopeful) success rates.
Congrats to everyone who landed a spot, and best of luck to all.
Posted by: anonimation | Jul 6, 2011 1:27:41 PM
Villanova sent out e-mails yesterday saying they were done with their hiring process...
Posted by: Anonthebomb | Jun 3, 2011 11:12:24 AM
Has anyone heard from Villanova recently?
Posted by: anon | Jun 3, 2011 8:06:45 AM
Hi Expedite,
I think that the openings are publicized, but that doesn't mean that they are "open". I think that some schools have positions and fill them based on internal recommendations--giving the appearance that the positions are open. I had a number of conversations with VAP recipients (specifically one of the Harvard Houston fellows) that revealed this. I know in many cases VAPs can be filled by people on the job market that the school had an interest in, but didn't want to extend an offer to. I can think of two universities where faculty members have said this was at least one of the ways that VAP positions are filled.
I think that VAP programs are different for each school, and even at one school, the selection process might differ from year to year depending on the strength of the market candidates, law school needs, and which professor is heading up the VAP program.
Posted by: VAP patrol | May 30, 2011 1:05:08 AM
How many ppl came up empty?
Posted by: anon | May 27, 2011 12:30:58 PM
I would like to see a VAP list, too.
I could be wrong, but I actually think networking is now becoming less important to securing a VAP, partially because of sites like this that demystify the process and publicize openings.
Posted by: Expedite | May 27, 2011 10:25:39 AM
It would be interesting to come up with a VAP hiring list similar to the entry level hiring list. It could tell a lot more about the process of becoming a VAP--which I imagine is less tied to qualifications and more a result of networks. The VAP entry process seems, in some ways, more selective and difficult than the entry level hiring process.
Maintaining this mystique maybe the reason why VAPs on this list didn't disclose their identity, with the exception of the two VAPs at UCLA law.
Did anyone get a VAP at Northwestern?
Posted by: VAP patrol | May 26, 2011 9:54:47 PM
Penn rejection
Posted by: anon | May 22, 2011 12:09:09 PM
Hi,
Has anyone applied to the Tulane VAP recently posted, or heard any further information about the process, etc (e.g., interviews) ...
Thanks,
David
Posted by: David | May 17, 2011 1:49:52 PM
I attended the conference before starting my VAP and thought doing so was a great idea. I met a few people at the conference whom I continue to stay in touch with and who were happy to help me when I finally went on the market. Also, I think this year there is a session especially for VAPs, although many people probably value the networking aspect of the conference more than any of the panels.
Posted by: andy | May 16, 2011 4:06:59 PM
Are any other soon-to-be-VAPs contemplating attending the upcoming conference for new law teachers in D.C.?
Any past attendees have any words of wisdom about whether this conference would be worthwhile to attend?
Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Posted by: VAP | May 16, 2011 3:18:21 PM
No clue. I still haven't heard anything official from Villanova, FSU, BU (health scholars program), or UConn, but at this point I'm assuming I'm not going to hear from them at all. I started pursuing other options.
Posted by: anonimation | May 9, 2011 10:56:46 PM
does anyone know what schools are still reviewing applications?
Posted by: anon | May 9, 2011 10:37:27 AM
Nothing about Penn.
Posted by: anon | May 4, 2011 3:53:34 PM
Did anyone hear anything from Penn about the Sharswood?
Posted by: anonymouse | May 3, 2011 2:21:25 PM
Nothing from Villanova or FSU. Another ding from Penn State via snail mail.
Posted by: anonimation | May 3, 2011 1:04:36 PM
As for me, I sent in materials but never heard anything. Someone said that his/her friend had received a call a long while ago. My guess is that they're done and never followed up with rejects.
Posted by: anon | May 2, 2011 9:44:39 PM
I haven't heard anything from Villanova. Had you gotten a phone call earlier and now waiting for a follow up?
Posted by: anon | May 2, 2011 6:07:20 PM
penn state ding via snail mail
Posted by: anon | May 2, 2011 4:27:04 PM
Anyone heard from Villanova recently?
Posted by: anon | May 2, 2011 4:20:43 PM
mailed rejection letter from Penn State
Posted by: anon | May 2, 2011 4:05:56 PM
are they done?
Posted by: anon | Apr 29, 2011 4:54:16 PM
Never heard from FSU
Posted by: anon | Apr 29, 2011 12:37:08 PM
Did anyone ever hear from FSU?
Posted by: anon | Apr 29, 2011 11:43:03 AM
Tulane Law School is currently accepting applications for a new two-year position of visiting assistant professor. The position is being supported by the Murphy Institute at Tulane (http://murphy.tulane.edu/home/), an interdisciplinary unit specializing in political economy and ethics that draws faculty from the economics, philosophy, history, and political science departments. The position is designed for scholars focusing on regulation of economic activity very broadly construed (including, for example, research with a methodical or analytical focus relevant to scholars of regulation). It is also designed for individuals who plan to apply for tenure-track law school positions during the second year of the professorship. The law school will provide significant informal support for such. The person selected for the position will be expected to participate in scholarly activities at the law school and at the Murphy Institute, including faculty workshops, and will be expected to teach a law school course or seminar in three of the four semesters of the professorship (presumably the last three semesters). The annual salary for the position is $65,000 plus eligibility for benefits. To apply, please send a CV identifying at least three references, a law school transcript, electronic copies of any scholarship completed or in-progress, and a letter explaining your teaching interests and your research agenda to [email protected]. If you have any questions, please contact Adam Feibelman at that same email address. Tulane is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women and members of minority communities to apply.
Posted by: Adam Feibelman | Apr 28, 2011 10:46:05 AM
I have to respond to a comment waay up-thread about Temple's Freedman Fellows Program. It's simply wrong to claim the program only trains legal writing faculty. Since I arrived at Temple five years ago, almost all the Fellows I have known have wound up with regular, tenure-track positions (at Arkansas, Duquesne, Florida Int'l, Oklahoma City, Quinnipiac, and SUNY-Buffalo), and several of those had multiple offers. I don't know that the program is still taking applicants for this year, but I hope those interested in next year's program will contact Prof. Richard Greenstein at Temple to find out more.
Posted by: harwell wells | Apr 28, 2011 7:30:47 AM
To anon 12:53 (4/22)-
I think that someone earlier said that Villanova had been contacting people, so if you didn't hear from them, you may want to check in with them or just assume that they aren't interested. It has become clear that receiving an update or rejection email/letter from a school for a VAP opening (or even after a DC AALS interview!) is a rarity.
Posted by: anon | Apr 25, 2011 10:25:07 AM
This is a new position, and Tulane is hoping to fill it for this coming fall:
Tulane Law School is currently accepting applications for a new two-year position of visiting assistant professor. The position is being supported by the Murphy Institute at Tulane (http://murphy.tulane.edu/home/), an interdisciplinary unit specializing in political economy and ethics that draws faculty from the economics, philosophy, history, and political science departments. The position is designed for scholars focusing on regulation of economic activity very broadly construed (including, for example, research with a methodical or analytical focus relevant to scholars of regulation). It is also designed for individuals who plan to apply for tenure-track law school positions during the second year of the professorship. The law school will provide significant informal support for such. The person selected for the position will be expected to participate in scholarly activities at the law school and at the Murphy Institute, including faculty workshops, and will be expected to teach a law school course or seminar in three of the four semesters of the professorship (presumably the last three semesters). The annual salary for the position is $65,000 plus eligibility for benefits. To apply, please send a CV identifying at least three references, a law school transcript, electronic copies of any scholarship completed or in-progress, and a letter explaining your teaching interests and your research agenda to [email protected]. If you have any questions, please contact Adam Feibelman at that same email address. Tulane is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women and members of minority communities to apply.
Posted by: Adam Feibelman | Apr 22, 2011 1:00:25 PM
Has anyone heard anything about Villanova?
Posted by: anon | Apr 22, 2011 12:53:22 PM
I think that most are done across the board (tenure-track and VAPs), but not all ... Speaking of which, has anybody heard anything more about BU? Offers, interviews, recommendation requests, etc.
Posted by: anon | Apr 21, 2011 10:28:47 AM
I'd like to think that most schools aren't done, but I doubt that's true.
Posted by: anon | Apr 18, 2011 7:33:01 PM
aNoNo - thanks. That's helpful info to hear.
Posted by: anonimation | Apr 17, 2011 4:29:12 PM
If this is any indication that things might be running late this year, I just received a rejection letter from a T-50 school that I interviewed with in DC for a tenure-track position. They said that they had only just recently completed their tenure-track process. Naturally, I had written them off a long time ago, but it could be that other schools ran late in TT process, which could push back any VAP hiring....
Posted by: aNoNo | Apr 15, 2011 4:24:25 PM
I applied to both but haven't heard from either.
Posted by: Anon | Apr 15, 2011 1:37:26 PM
Anyone else hear from Villanova or get a WashU ding?
Posted by: anon | Apr 15, 2011 11:57:33 AM
My friend received a call from Villanova some time ago about a VAP. If you didn't get one perhaps you should contact them.
Posted by: anon | Apr 14, 2011 9:29:22 PM
FWIW, at least one reliable source has told me that the cycle might continue into late May. Faculty on hiring committees are at the end of the semester, bogged down with paper drafts and questions from final-fearing students. So, for those of us still waiting to hear from places, silence might not be so bad.
Also, I've heard from several reliable sources that indeed the decline in tenure-track hiring has made the academic job market this year one of if not the most competitive it's ever been. Not sure if that's good news or bad news for us, but it is what it is.
Posted by: anonimation | Apr 14, 2011 2:52:51 PM
I did follow up directly. (It really sounded like they only just barely wrapped things up, so please go easy on them!)
I'm not convinced the VAP hiring is over yet. I will wait until late May before I do anything radical (like plan to practice next year!)
I do think the limited tenure-track hiring over the past couple years has made VAP positions very competitive. Good luck to all.
Posted by: Expedite | Apr 14, 2011 2:29:09 PM
For those waiting to hear from Georgetown on the Legal Research and Writing VAP: I just made an inquiry and was informed that the committee has hired one VAP, has an offer outstanding, and is continuing to interview other candidates. They anticipate wrapping up the process by the end of May.
Posted by: kbdhanna | Apr 14, 2011 2:19:44 PM
The pivotal part of the email says "we just concluded our VAP hiring"
Posted by: anonimation | Apr 14, 2011 2:15:11 PM
anonimation -- what did the WashU email say exactly?
Posted by: anon | Apr 14, 2011 2:08:01 PM
Expedite- what was the context of your ding? With that said, it seems like an email to them is in order at this point... Kind of sad that we have to hound them for a common courtesy.
Posted by: anono | Apr 14, 2011 2:04:21 PM
re: Wash U - I had been in touch with the hiring committee recently, concerning some updates to my CV. The committee responded to my email. If you haven't heard and haven't been in touch with them recently, it probably doesn't hurt to ping them.
Posted by: anonimation | Apr 14, 2011 1:52:21 PM
I received an email from W&M saying that they had filled their VAP opening(s). I think that the next couple weeks will be active ...
Posted by: anon | Apr 14, 2011 12:58:58 PM
Although I've heard of some getting VAPs as late as June, I don't think that's the norm. It's too bad the process is not transparent. It would make it easier for everyone.
Posted by: anon | Apr 14, 2011 10:43:59 AM
Did the Wash U email come from a request for an update or out of the blue? I applied (via email), but didn't receive an email (yet) ...
Posted by: Anon | Apr 14, 2011 8:19:54 AM
How do you know Wash U is done? What did the email say?
Posted by: anon | Apr 13, 2011 11:50:16 PM
I just got the Wash U ding email, too.
Sigh.
Posted by: Expedite | Apr 13, 2011 11:49:37 PM
I do have some practice experience, yes, and apparently I'm going to need it... it's a double whammy day for me. I just got the ding from Wash U in St. Louis. They're done with their hiring process. If you're still waiting to hear, well, take that for what it's worth.
But - I also have experience wining and dining the clients. I want in on that part too.
Posted by: anonimation | Apr 13, 2011 11:34:46 PM
"Is anyone looking for other jobs outside of academia, fearing that VAPland will not pan out this cycle? If so, what types of jobs are you pursuing?"
Anonimation & Expedite, LLP.
I hope you have some practice experience? (I will just handle taking the clients out for expensive meals; this is why you'd get to have your name listed first.)
Posted by: Expedite | Apr 13, 2011 10:02:23 PM
re BU: I can also confirm that the decision from last week was for the general VAP position. As far as I know, the Health Law Scholars Program has not conducted interviews or made hiring decisions.
re ASU: FWIW, I received both confirmation of receipt of my application materials and a subsequent rejection.
re FSU: As far as I know, they haven't interviewed yet, but I wouldn't take that as authoritative. Also, I'm not sure they're conducting interviews. Northwestern, for example, hired straight off the materials.
Is anyone looking for other jobs outside of academia, fearing that VAPland will not pan out this cycle? If so, what types of jobs are you pursuing?
Posted by: anonimation | Apr 13, 2011 9:51:50 PM
Has anybody had a Boston interview (or heard that they're going on)?
Posted by: anonO | Apr 13, 2011 7:56:53 PM
BU was for general VAP. I didn't get a confirmation from ASU but I did get a clear rejection - so I would email their admin person.
Posted by: AnonalaAnon | Apr 13, 2011 7:04:01 PM
Does anyone know whether the BU rejections that went out last week were for the Health Law or for their General VAP program? Thanks.
Posted by: anon | Apr 13, 2011 6:02:09 PM
Is ASU done with all 3 of its VAP hires? I never heard anything, not even a confirmation of receipt of my application. (Perhaps in this case my application materials really did disappear into cyberspace.)
Has FSU started interviewing VAP candidates yet?
Posted by: ? | Apr 13, 2011 5:26:35 PM
Anonation - there was an interview. I think you are right about most programs being done. The only place I haven't heard about (either directly or through the grapevine) is Penn.
Posted by: happy | Apr 13, 2011 4:34:56 PM
Congrats, Happy. Was there an interview or simply an offer?
It seems that most programs are finished hiring . . . .
Posted by: anonation | Apr 13, 2011 3:45:45 PM
My "rejection" from Northwestern is made slightly more palatable by the fact that after multiple rejections from schools ranked much lower, I finally got a fellowship offer - from a school that was already listed as having made offers. So keep your hopes up everyone! Good luck.
Posted by: happy | Apr 13, 2011 3:10:50 PM
Nope - no better luck here. This process stinks.
The email says this:
Thank you for your application for the Visiting Assistant Professor position at Northwestern University School of Law for the 2011-2012 academic year. We were looking to fill only a few positions this upcoming year, and our selection of candidates was based on subject matter and strength of the entry-level job market. We will keep your materials on file and should additional positions become available for someone with your background we will get in touch with you.
Posted by: anonimation | Apr 13, 2011 2:54:05 PM
post letter plz
Posted by: anon | Apr 13, 2011 2:43:41 PM
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