Legal Commentary

"VAP" (visiting assistant professor) programs seem to be gaining ground, as Mark Fenster pointed out in an earlier post below.  I do think that there are some big questions about the purpose of these programs (broadening the legal academy? filling curricular gaps without making permanent hires? etc.), but I suspect that most programs are motivated by mixed aims. 

Based on my experience as a teaching VAP, I want to suggest a few issues - from the VAP perspective - that faculties should think about before starting or as they develop their program.

1 - Remember that the VAP's real job is getting the next job. 

2 - Focus mentoring on research and writing.  You might even have a research adviser in the fellow's field.  We all know that publication is the coin of the realm.  It is also the price of entry.

3 - Decide whether you are going to fund job hunting expenses, especially attendance at the AALS conference.  Remember, this is one expense that VAPs are almost certain to incur.

4 - Decide on a clear rule about whether you hire out of your VAP program and communicate it clearly to candidates for a VAP position.

5 - Identify who hires the VAP (i.e., how much faculty-wide buy in you are looking for).

6 - Think about teaching load (for teaching VAPs, rather than research fellows, obviously).  The key semesters are the first one and when the VAP is on the market.  Both your students and your VAPs will thank you for being thoughtful about this.

7 - How long should the program be?  Because of the timing of the academic market, one year is likely too short, putting the VAP on the market before any academic life is under the belt.

8 - Do VAPs attend others' job talks?  A sensible rule may be that they are allowed to when they are not on the market themselves.  (Sitting in on job talks is an eye-opener, as permanent faculty well know.)