Assistant Professor of Business Law

Cal Poly•San Luis, CA

About The Position

The Accounting and Law Area in the Orfalea College of Business at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track, academic year position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the primary area of law, beginning August 17, 2026 . Candidate in this position are expected to teach a variety of undergraduate and graduate business law courses. The successful candidate will join a tenure-track system in which all faculty members are expected to be outstanding teachers, maintain a consistent and productive program of scholarly research, and participate actively in area, college, and university service activities. Appointment at the Assistant Professor rank is anticipated. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and experience of the individual selected. The anticipated hiring range is $140,200 to $155,200. The Accounting and Business Law Area of Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business (OCOB) prepares career-ready future business leaders in a learn-by-doing environment. The accounting concentration is open to business administration and economics majors. The law faculty teach a variety of courses at OCOB, including two courses required to earn the business administration degree (Legal Responsibilities of Business and Governmental and Social Influences on Business). The law faculty also teach in the Master of Business Administration program. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all. The Accounting and Business Law Area of Cal Poly’s Orfalea College of Business (OCOB) prepares career-ready future business leaders in a learn-by-doing environment. The accounting concentration is open to business administration and economics majors. The law faculty teach a variety of courses at OCOB, including two courses required to earn the business administration degree (Legal Responsibilities of Business and Governmental and Social Influences on Business). The law faculty also teach in the Master of Business Administration program. HOW TO APPLY Interested candidates must submit the following documents: Cover Letter that describes teaching and research interests Current curriculum vitae Universal Student Success Statement - Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model. Please detail your approach to teaching and learning at the collegiate level, including any evidence of experience with inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly. Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here. Please articulate your teaching philosophy, approach, and goals within this statement. Research Plan Unofficial transcript from institution awarding highest degree Applicants should be prepared to provide the names and email addresses of three professional references when completing the online faculty application. Official, sealed transcripts will be required prior to appointment. Cal Poly’s ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly SLO does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered. Review of applications will begin December 12, 2025. Complete applications received after that date may be considered. For questions, please contact: Dr. David Chamberlain, [email protected].

Requirements

Applicants must have a juris doctorate degree (or higher) in law from an accredited United States institution and must be qualified as a scholarly academic under AACSB standards.
Applicants must demonstrate a record of high-quality research published in law journals and/or peer review journals, or clear evidence of the potential to establish such a record, as well as evidence of (or potential for) excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching.
Membership as an admitted attorney (active or inactive status) in good standing in the bar of at least one state in the United States is required.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Nice To Haves

The ideal candidate will have an interest in, and ability to teach, a variety of business law courses.
Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated teaching excellence and those with business practice experience (law firm or in-house).
Research published in law journals and/or peer review journals on topics involving statutory law, common law, regulations, or other aspects of business law are preferred over pedagogy, ethics, ESG, or tax topics.