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.