Westerfield Fellowship Program

About the Program

The Westerfield Fellowship Program is designed for individuals pursuing a career in law teaching who also need time to devote to scholarly writing and publication. Fellows are responsible for teaching Lawyering I (Legal Research & Writing) each fall and Lawyering II (Appellate Advocacy) each spring to approximately 40 first-year law students. Fellows work under the guidance of an experienced director with whom they coordinate the content and pace of the courses. Fellows also teach their own seminars, usually in their area of research.

To foster their development as scholars and teachers, fellows are assigned faculty mentors who teach and write in the fellows’ areas of interest. They also have the support of teaching assistants, research assistants, and library research staff. Fellows are encouraged to participate in scholarly workshops and conferences, and they are provided funds to do so. Past fellows have gone on to secure tenure-track teaching positions at law schools across the United States.

The Westerfield Fellowship Program is named in honor of Louis Westerfield, who served as dean of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law from 1990-1994. The first African American dean of the law school, he is remembered for promoting diversity and excellence in legal education.

How to Apply

The best time to apply for a position in the Westerfield Fellowship Program is in August and September of the year before the desired fellowship would begin. Loyola's Faculty Appointments Committee interviews candidates at the AALS Recruitment conference, which is held in Washington D.C. in October or November each year. Applications submitted after September will be considered if positions remain open after the Fall hiring season.

An application should consist of a letter of interest and the applicant's resume or CV. Other materials that may be included are writing samples, reference letters, and a copy of the applicant's law school transcript. All applications should be sent to: Faculty Appointments Committee Chair, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, 7214 St. Charles Avenue, Campus Box 901, New Orleans, LA 70118.