Faculty Positions

Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law is seeking appointments for Adjunct Professors of Law. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis depending on curriculum needs.

The Caruso School of Law welcomes applications from people of all faiths and is particularly interested in receiving applications from candidates who may bring greater racial, ethnic, and gender diversity to the adjunct faculty to reflect the breadth and diversity of the legal community in the Los Angeles area. Applicants must have an excellent academic background, five or more years of post-J.D. legal experience in a specialized area of law practice, and support the goals and mission of the University. Teaching experience is preferred.

To apply, please fill out this form, which calls for your current curriculum vitae; a cover letter that addresses your teaching philosophy, support of the University's mission, and the area in which you would like to teach; and a list of references. Applicants are also encouraged to upload an optional statement addressing potential contributions to diversity through teaching, service, and/or research. Successful candidates will teach courses mutually agreed upon during the fall or spring semester. Please note that curricular needs vary each semester.

Pepperdine University, Caruso School of Law
24255 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90263
310.506.7110

Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law is seeking appointments for Visiting Professors. The position is a full-time, non-tenured position to last at least one academic semester. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis depending on curriculum needs.

To apply, send the following documents to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at jason.jarvis@pepperdine.edu; current curriculum vitae; a cover letter that addresses your teaching philosophy, support of the University's mission, and the area in which you would like to teach; and a list of references. Applicants are also encouraged to send an optional statement addressing potential contributions to diversity through teaching, service, and/or research. Successful candidates will teach courses mutually agreed upon during the fall or spring semester. Please note that curricular needs vary each semester.

Pepperdine University, Caruso School of Law
24255 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu, CA 90263
310.506.7110

Location: Malibu, CA

Subjects: General; Business Law; Property; Religious Liberty; Remedies; Evidence; ADR  

Start Date: August 1, 2026

Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law is seeking applications for both entry-level and lateral candidates to join our vibrant community.  We invite candidates with research and teaching interests across all areas of law to apply, and have particular teaching needs in business law subjects (including contracts and business organizations); property subjects (including real property, IP and trusts and estates), and religious liberty. Additional subjects of interest include, but are not limited to, remedies, evidence, and ADR. 

The School of Law is an ABA-accredited, AALS member law school located in Malibu,
California. Pepperdine University is an independent Christian university affiliated with
the Churches of Christ and committed to the highest standards of academic excellence
and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and
leadership. Pepperdine’s purpose is to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. The School of Law welcomes applications from people of all faiths. While students, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

For further information, please contact Professor Richard Cupp, Chair, Faculty Appointments Committee at lawfacapps@pepperdine.edu, or Professor Victoria Schwartz, Chair, Lateral Appointments Subcommittee, at lawlatapps@pepperdine.edu.  

The expected salary for this position is $150,000- $225,000 along with a competitive benefits package.  The salary will depend on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years in the legal academy, training, budget availability, internal equity, and external market considerations.    

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

Caruso Family Chair in Law

Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law is seeking applications from experienced law professors with outstanding academic achievements and qualifications to serve as the Caruso Family Chair. We invite candidates with research and teaching interests across all areas of law to apply. This role is scheduled to begin August 1st, 2026. 

The School of Law is an ABA-accredited, AALS member law school located in Malibu, California. Pepperdine University is an independent Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ and committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and
leadership. Pepperdine’s purpose is to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. The School of Law welcomes applications from people of all faiths. While students, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

For further information, please contact Professor Victoria Schwartz, Chair, Lateral Appointments Subcommittee, at lawlatapps@pepperdine.edu.

The expected salary for this position is $225,000- $275,000 along with a competitive benefits package. The salary will depend on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years in the legal academy, training, budget availability, internal equity, and external market considerations.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

Qualifications

J.D. or its equivalent, and outstanding teaching and scholarship consistent with a prominent chair position. 
Commitment to teaching excellence, scholarship, and service in alignment with Pepperdine’s mission.

Application Instructions

For application information, please contact Professor Victoria Schwartz, Chair, Lateral Appointments Subcommittee, at lawlatapps@pepperdine.edu.

This is a Full-Time, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $225,000- $275,000 per year 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

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Geoffrey H. Palmer Endowed Chair in Real Estate Law

Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law is seeking candidates for the Geoffrey H. Palmer endowed chair in real estate law, with teaching responsibilities in real estate finance, real estate transactions, and property law. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the leadership of the Geoffrey H. Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law. Ideal candidates will have experience in the practice of real estate law, especially in the California real estate market.

The Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law is an innovative program designed to prepare students for both the challenges and opportunities high technology is presenting in areas such as business, real estate, entertainment law, securities regulation, and intellectual property rights. Students become fellows of the Center each year, participating in externships, special symposia, and a rigorous curriculum.

The School of Law is an ABA-accredited, AALS member law school located in Malibu, California. Pepperdine University is an independent Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ and committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Pepperdine’s purpose is to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. The School of Law welcomes applications from people of all faiths. While students, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

For further information, please contact Professor Victoria Schwartz, Chair, Lateral Appointments Subcommittee, at lawlatapps@pepperdine.edu. 

The expected salary for this position is $225,000- $275,000 along with a competitive benefits package.  The salary will depend on the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years in the legal academy, training, budget availability, internal equity, and external market considerations.   

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

Qualifications
J.D., and outstanding teaching and scholarship or other background consistent with an academic chair position. 

Application Instructions
To apply or for further information, please contact Professor Victoria Schwartz, Chair, Faculty Appointments Lateral Subcommittee, at lawlatapps@pepperdine.edu.

This is a Full-Time, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $225,000- $275,000 per year 

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.