UCLA Extension is considered one of the top programs of its kind, offering to more than 35,000 students per year approximately 4,500 classes and non-degree certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of nontraditional students as well as companies and organizations throughout and beyond the Los Angeles region.

Course / Program Description

UCLA Extension's ABA-Approved Paralegal Training Program has trained individuals to become paralegals for 50 years. Our instructors include attorneys, judges, paralegals, and other legal professionals.

Job Description

We are seeking experienced legal professionals to join our program as contract, part-time instructors in the following areas:

• Real Property
• Legal Technology
• Civil Procedure/Civil Litigation
• Contracts
• Torts & Personal Injury
• Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing
• Criminal Law & Procedure
• Business Organizations & Securities

Courses are taught online. Instructional hours are either 9:00 am – 12:30 pm for the daytime program or 6:30 to 10:00 pm for the evening program. Course lengths vary from 1 to 4 weeks.

The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of legal experience with subject matter expertise. The candidate must have experience/understanding of working with or as a paralegal. In addition, instructors must have a passion and enthusiasm for teaching, along with a commitment to continued professional growth as a teacher and professional. Prior teaching experience is preferred, but not required.

Instructor Duties

• Use subject-matter expertise to impart knowledge to students and leverage additional resources appropriately to enhance the curriculum;
• Design course activities to develop both knowledge and practical paralegal competencies in students;
• Implement inclusive teaching strategies that engage learners from a variety of backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experience levels with the goal to achieve equity in learning outcomes;
• Utilize Canvas learning management system, Zoom, and any other technology required for instruction
• Update or develop course materials periodically, and regularly monitor course evaluations in order to make adjustments and improvements to the curriculum
• Provide students feedback and grade materials in a timely manner
• Complete required administrative tasks in a timely manner including completing all required trainings
• Participate in two instructor meetings per year and participate in instructor training and development programs offered as needed to enhance instructional skills
• Stay current regarding subject matter area of expertise

Special Conditions of Employment

Instructors are hired on a contract basis and compensated based on course unit/contact hour.

Applications to teach are accepted throughout the year in order to fill immediate program needs and to increase the depth of the instructor pool. Interviews will be scheduled only with qualified applicants who can fill anticipated openings. 

General Employment Information

Employment as a UCLA Extension Instructor is dictated by contract terms and conditions. Please take the time to read the UCLA Extension Instructor Employment Policies.

For information on UCLA Extension instructor benefits, please visit Pay, Benefits, & Privileges.

Access, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (AEDI) is one of UCLA Extension’s guiding principles. We strive to extend access to UCLA, our programs, and services to underrepresented communities and populations, while serving as a model organization for AEDI in the field of continuing higher education. Committed to attracting and retaining diverse staff & instructors, UCLA Extension welcomes your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Please visit our website dedicated to our AEDI efforts as an organization: Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion @ UNEX.

• At least 7 years of professional legal experience
• Experience/understanding of working with or as a paralegal
• Must be committed to the highest level of academic standards and integrity
• Current knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in subject area
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey conceptual and complex ideas and information
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and high emotional intelligence
• Proficiency in or willingness to learn the use of instructional technology and online teaching tools
• Ability to access, understand, use, and complete tasks and activities through established online portals (Canvas, Zoom, etc.), with training
• Prior teaching experience is preferred, but not required.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Help contact: ehr@unex.ucla.edu

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs – With Updated Interim Amendments. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine Primary Series or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, Religious Objection, and/or Deferral based on pregnancy or recent COVID-19 diagnosis and/or treatment) no later than the applicable deadline. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of receiving the most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster or properly decline such booster no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Exhibit 2, Section II.C. of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Attachment for applicable deadlines. All Covered Individuals must also provide proof of being Up-To-Date on seasonal influenza vaccination or properly decline such vaccination no later than the applicable deadline. Please refer to the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program Attachment. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.