Assistant Professor of Business Law

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 $140200 to $155200.

The Accounting and Business Law Area of Cal Polys 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 Californias Proposition 209 (Art. I Section 31 of the California Constitution) other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws and CSUs 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Following a conditional offer of employment a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children concerns for the safety and security of people animals or property or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of is also expected that faculty establish an on-campus presence to fulfill their responsibilities. At Cal Poly tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence.

Subject to further planning and approval Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring Spring/Summer or Summer/Fall) out of three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation subject to departmental needs and University policy.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Accounting and Business Law Area of Cal Polys 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:

1. Cover Letter that describes teaching and research interests
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. 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.
4. Research Plan
5. 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 Polys 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