Job Description
James S. Palmer, Q.C. (LL.B, Dalhousie Law School, 1952) was passionate about fostering informed public policy and advancing education that would contribute to good governance. Through his and his family’s generous support and that of other donors, the James S. Palmer Chair in Public Policy and Law has been established at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law.
The inaugural Palmer Chair will provide intellectual leadership and engage in projects that have an impact on public policy and law locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Building on the Schulich School of Law’s expertise in research and advocacy that engages with and shapes public policy, the Palmer Chair will play an instrumental leadership role in convening scholars, students, policymakers, and advocates to engage with current policy issues. The Chair will contribute to teaching and supervision at the J.D. and graduate levels, and to the activities of Dalhousie University’s MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance. This is a five-year renewable appointment. The underlying academic appointment will be a limited term or career-stream appointment depending on the candidate's background and qualifications.
Candidate requirements include a profile of exceptional leadership and research in public policy, the ability to convene interdisciplinary groups of scholars, students, policymakers, and faculty members, a record of scholarly engagement, and demonstrated (or potential) teaching excellence. The successful candidate will hold an LL.B. or J.D., and a relevant Master’s degree or doctorate.
The Schulich School of Law
Located in the vibrant, prosperous ocean city of Halifax, on the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq First Nations people, the Schulich School of Law plays an extraordinary role in the fabric of Canadian legal education. It is a national law school, whose alumni are leaders in a wide range of sectors and organizations.
The School is rooted in its university context. It values interdisciplinary collaboration and the creation and dissemination of new knowledge, and also has a firm commitment to students and to excellence in teaching and learning. The School has substantial expertise in policy work for the public good in a diverse range of areas – from indigenous governance to end of life decision-making, restorative justice, food security, and ocean governance, to name a few.
Proud of its heritage as an Atlantic Canadian institution, the School has always been marked by its commitment to unselfish public service in law reform, adjudication, legal service, and community engagement. It values the contributions of Nova Scotia’s founding communities — the Mi’kmaq Nation, Acadians, African Nova Scotians, and British — and it opens its doors to the world.
Dalhousie University and the Schulich School of Law are committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness. The University encourages applications from Aboriginal people, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.