Position Description

DUKE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW

 Director, Bolch Judicial Institute

The Director of the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School provides leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the Bolch Judicial Institute of Duke Law School in pursuit of the Institute’s mission to better the human condition by studying the judiciary and promoting the rule of law. The Director will be a full-time member of the Duke Law faculty, with the title Professor of the Practice of Law.

 Since its founding in 2018, the Bolch Judicial Institute has quickly established itself as a leader in the effort to advance the rule of law and protect judicial independence in the United States and around the world. The new Director will build on this strong foundation to develop and expand programs that study and support the judiciary, study and preserve the rule of law, educate judges, and advance the importance of a fair and independent judiciary. The Institute prides itself on its ability to bring judges, academics, and practitioners together to address important problems. Its current programs include:

·                     the Master’s in Judicial Studies LLM program for sitting judges;

·                     Judicature, Duke’s 100+year-old scholarly journal on judging, which mails to 5,000 U.S. judges, and Judicature International, an online newsletter for international judges;

·                     conferences that bring together lawyers, judges, and scholars to examine challenges and develop solutions for improving and advancing the administration of justice;

·                     webinars, seminars, certificate programs, and other educational programs for federal and state judges in the United States that explore best practices, emerging areas of law, and challenges in court administration;

·                     seminars, training programs, and partnerships with judicial organizations and judges that improve and strengthen court systems, judicial practices, and rule of law institutions globally and provide cross-border exchanges on topics relating to the judiciary;

·                     an MDL Certificate Program to educate members of the bar interested in multidistrict litigation;

·                     the Trauma Informed Courts Initiative, which develops educational programs and research relating to the use of trauma-informed practices in court;

·                     civic education initiatives, including courses, podcasts, events, publications and outreach programs that advance public understanding of the courts and the rule of law; and

·                     the Bolch Prize for the Rule of Law and the Raphael Lemkin Rule of Law Guardian Medal, prizes that are awarded annually to individuals or organizations that demonstrate extraordinary dedication to the rule of law.

             The new Director will be responsible for these and other ongoing projects, educational and research initiatives, publications, events, and activities. A successful candidate for the Director position will also demonstrate creativity in developing new programs, conferences, and areas of research that may deepen our understanding of courts, judicial decision-making, and the legal system more generally.

            The Director will report directly to the Dean of the Law School. The Director will oversee and manage the staff of the Institute. In addition, he or she will collaborate with the Institute’s academic leadership, which includes Duke Law faculty who work to integrate the Institute’s missions of advancing the rule of law and judicial independence with faculty research and scholarship and the education of JD and international LLM students. The Director will also work closely and collaboratively with the Bolch Advisory Board, the Leadership Council, and donors to the Institute to develop and advance the Institute’s strategic plan and to expand external support through fundraising initiatives.  

Responsibilities 

• Establish and carry out strategic plans and goals that support the Institute’s mission;
• Identify appropriate partnerships and collaborative opportunities with organizations in the United States and around the world that work to protect and advance the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary;  
• Direct and oversee the Institute’s finances and budgets in consultation with Law School and University finance staff;
• Fundraise and direct fundraising and grant-seeking activities to support the Institute’s activities and develop new programmatic opportunities in collaboration with Law School and University development staff;
• Oversee operational activities of the Institute, including leading a staff of nine full-time staff, as well as volunteers and student research assistants;
• Collaborate with the center’s academic leadership to ensure that the Institute contributes to faculty research and scholarship on the judiciary and rule of law;
• Support faculty research initiatives, course development, scholarly conferences, and symposia in areas relating to the study of the judiciary, the rule of law, civil procedure, law and technology, etc.;
• Partner with Duke University counterparts, including Duke University and Duke Law faculty, and other center and institute leaders, to develop interdisciplinary programs and educational and research opportunities for law students and alumni relating to the rule of law and the judiciary;
• Serve on faculty and staff committees as assigned;
• Serve on external committees, commissions, and boards as a representative of the Bolch Judicial Institute and Duke Law School; and
• Depending on experience and need, teach in the Judicial Master’s Program, the JD program, or the LLM program for International Students.

Education and Experience

Candidates for this position must hold a JD degree and have at least 10 years of leadership experience in the judiciary, legal profession, or legal education. A deep understanding of the courts and the judiciary is strongly preferred. Teaching experience, scholarly publications, a track record of fundraising, organizational management experience, and experience working with an advisory board are preferred.

Skills and Abilities

·         Passion for the administration of justice and the rule of law and deep commitment to supporting the independence of the judiciary;

·         Creativity and vision to develop and implement new programs and identify and pursue growth and new opportunities without a roadmap;

·         Understanding of how to coach and manage a diverse staff, set and achieve strategic goals, and foster employee growth and development;

·         Adeptness in engaging stakeholders across many sectors and backgrounds to generate new streams of philanthropic support and extend the Institute’s network of engaged partners and supporters;

·         Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication; and

·         Ability to develop strong relationships with faculty, alumni, and judicial and legal leaders in the United States and around the world.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.