Kara Sears
If you have a law degree but are considering a career change to teaching, you're not alone. According to Finder, more than a third of college graduates work in jobs unrelated to their degree. The good news is that a law degree can be a great asset when applying to teach certain subjects, and there are several paths you can take to get started. Here's what you need to know about becoming a teacher with a law degree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Qualifications | A law degree is sufficient to teach at the community college level or part-time at university. To teach full-time at university, further qualifications may be required. |
| Experience | Years of practicing law can establish you as an authority in your field and make you a more attractive candidate for teaching positions. |
| Grades | Excellent grades from law school can make you a more competitive candidate for teaching positions. |
| Scholarly work | Publishing scholarly articles in legal journals can boost your marketability as a teaching candidate. |
| Certification | To teach K-12, you need to obtain a state teaching license. Alternative certification may be available for teaching law-related subjects. |
| Subject | Your degree subject may or may not limit the subjects you can teach. In some cases, you may be able to teach a subject you have an A-level qualification in, or that you have agreed to additional reading on. |
| School type | Academies and free schools in England may employ teachers without qualified teacher status (QTS). Private schools may also employ unqualified teachers. |
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What You'll Learn
Qualifications for teaching law
Teaching law can be a rewarding profession, allowing you to have a positive impact on the lives of others. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the institution and the level of teaching, here are the general qualifications and steps to become a law teacher:
Education
A bachelor's degree in law (LLB) is typically the first step towards becoming a law teacher. This provides a solid foundation in legal knowledge and skills. Graduating with exceptional academic performance, such as graduating Order of the Coif, can enhance your profile for teaching positions.
Legal Credentials and Experience
After obtaining your law degree, it is essential to gain legal credentials, such as passing the bar exam, and practical experience. Working as a lawyer or in a related field for at least three to five years can provide valuable insights that will enhance your teaching capabilities. This experience can also help you provide accurate and relevant advice to your future students about working in the legal field.
Graduate Studies and Specialization
Pursuing graduate studies, such as a master's or doctoral degree, can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field. Additionally, cultivating areas of specialization during your second and third years of law school or through graduate studies can make you a more attractive candidate for teaching positions. Specialization can be in areas such as tax law, human rights law, history, economics, philosophy, sociology, or political science.
Scholarly Work and Publications
Law teaching positions, especially at the university level, often seek candidates with scholarly potential. Publishing scholarly articles, research papers, or books in law reviews or related publications is a significant advantage. It establishes your authority, demonstrates your expertise, and showcases your ideas and arguments.
Teaching Experience and Skills
Gaining teaching experience, such as through part-time or adjunct positions, can be beneficial. This experience allows you to develop your teaching skills and may provide an opportunity to test your interest in teaching without fully committing to a new career. Additionally, focusing on education while gaining practical experience is essential. This can include interpreting complex legal concepts, creating coursework, and applying legal principles to real-world situations.
Networking and References
Building relationships with faculty members and advisors can be instrumental in your journey towards becoming a law teacher. They can provide advice, support, and recommendations. It is also crucial to maintain open communication with your references, keeping them informed about your schedule of interviews and offers.
Job Application and Interview Process
When applying for law teaching positions, create a comprehensive resume that highlights your education, legal experience, accomplishments, and any scholarly work or publications. During the interview process, be prepared to discuss your teaching philosophy, specific subjects you've specialized in, and how your experience and credentials make you a strong candidate.
While the path to becoming a law teacher may vary, a combination of strong academic credentials, practical legal experience, scholarly accomplishments, and a passion for teaching will enhance your qualifications and increase your chances of securing a law teaching position.
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Alternative teaching certifications
Alternative teaching certification programs are available in most U.S. states. These programs are designed for individuals who want to become teachers but do not have a bachelor's degree in education. Instead, they hold a degree in another field and want to transition into a teaching role. The requirements for alternative teaching certification vary, but generally, candidates must have a bachelor's degree and complete comprehensive coursework, including advanced teaching theories, educational research, and specialized topics.
In Michigan, for example, the alternative route to teacher certification is a non-traditional preparation program for individuals with a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Candidates complete an expedited teacher preparation program while employed as a teacher under an Interim Teaching Certificate (ITC). The ITC is valid for five years and allows holders to teach full-time in Michigan schools. To maintain the ITC, individuals must remain enrolled in the alternative route preparation program.
Other states, like Maryland, offer a Resident Teaching Certificate, valid for two years, which allows recipients to work as teachers while completing requirements through an Approved Alternative Preparation Program. New Hampshire offers a similar pathway with its Site-Based Licensing Plan, which allows candidates who have met the initial requirements to work as educators while fulfilling the remaining requirements. New Jersey offers a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) to those with a bachelor's degree and who have passed the necessary exams. Once a CE holder is offered a teaching job, the school applies for a Provisional Certificate on their behalf, valid for two years.
In California and Texas, candidates may be granted a provisional or transitional teaching certificate, allowing them to teach while completing their education. After finishing an alternative teaching certification program, individuals must pass state exams to become certified teachers.
Additionally, some states offer alternative certifications for individuals with technical experience but no bachelor's degree. For example, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) certification focuses on subject areas like automotive technology, culinary arts, construction, and healthcare.
For those interested in teaching at the university level with a law degree, part-time positions are available at community colleges and universities. To increase competitiveness, it is advantageous to publish scholarly work and cultivate expertise in specific areas of law.
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Teaching at a university vs. K-12
If you hold a law degree, you may be able to teach at a university or K-12 school. However, there are some key differences between teaching at a university and teaching at a K-12 school that you should be aware of when deciding which path to pursue.
At the university level, students are expected to be more self-directed in their education. This means that they are responsible for initiating any disability-related accommodations and for seeking out mental health resources on their own. University teachers, therefore, may not have to deal as much with parents or guardians and can have more interactions centred directly on their students. University students are also more likely to be diverse, including international students or those from different cultural backgrounds, which may result in a more complex mixture of learning styles within the classroom. As a university teacher, you may have more freedom to work with different teaching techniques and respond to your students' learning styles.
In contrast, at the K-12 level, teachers often have the cooperation of parents in identifying potential mental health issues and crafting care plans. While these services may be lacking in funding or resources, K-12 teachers can usually take advantage of in-school counselling services and parental supervision to assist students with potential mental health issues. K-12 teachers may face more constraints and specific requirements when it comes to meeting their students' learning needs.
In terms of career paths, both university and K-12 teaching offer opportunities for advancement. In K-12 education, teachers can become school counselors, department heads, curriculum specialists, or instructional coaches. In higher education, career paths include adjunct professor, associate professor, assistant professor, full professor, and tenured professor. At both levels, there are also opportunities to move into administration, such as becoming a dean or vice president.
When it comes to qualifications, the requirements for university and K-12 teaching may differ. To teach law at the university level, it is often expected that you have completed publishable scholarly work and have expertise in a specific area of law. A Ph.D. is also beneficial. For K-12 teaching, a bachelor's degree in a particular area, such as elementary or secondary education with a concentration in a specific subject, is typically required. A master's degree in curriculum and instruction or educational leadership can help with career advancement.
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Publishing scholarly work
Select the Right Courses:
Choose law school courses that require writing papers instead of taking exams. This will help you develop your research interests and produce publishable work. You can also consider working as a research assistant for a professor in your area of interest to enhance your research skills and gain valuable experience.
Build a Strong Academic Foundation:
Most law schools require faculty members to hold both a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from accredited institutions. Consider pursuing a graduate law degree (LL.M. or S.J.D.) from a top law school to expand your legal training and enhance your credentials. A Ph.D. can also provide an opportunity to produce a body of scholarly work during the longer program duration.
Develop a Research Portfolio:
Focus on building a strong research portfolio by conducting original research and presenting your findings at professional conferences. Seek out opportunities to present papers in seminars and at conferences, as this will not only provide valuable practice but also help you make connections in the academic community.
Publish in Prestigious Law Reviews:
Aim to publish your research in prestigious law reviews and legal magazines. Revise and submit your seminar papers or independent studies for publication. Publishing demonstrates your commitment to a career in scholarship and establishes your authority in the field. However, ensure that your work is of good quality, as publishing shoddy work can do more harm than good.
Consider Fellowships and Adjunct Teaching:
Fellowships can provide desirable scholarly credentials, and adjunct teaching positions allow you to gain teaching experience while maintaining your legal practice. These opportunities can enhance your resume and demonstrate your ability to balance research and teaching effectively.
Remember, the path to becoming a teacher with a law degree involves a dedication to scholarship and ideas. Publishing scholarly work is a crucial aspect of establishing yourself in the competitive higher education market and advancing your career as a legal studies teacher or law professor.
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Clinical teaching positions
If you have a law degree, you may be considering a career in teaching. While a law degree is a great starting point, there are some additional steps you should take to increase your chances of landing a clinical teaching position.
Steps to Becoming a Clinical Teacher
- Cultivate Expertise: Identify specific areas of law that interest you, and focus on developing expertise in those fields. This could be through specialised courses, independent studies, or graduate studies in related disciplines.
- Publish Scholarly Work: Most law schools seek potential scholars among their teaching candidates. Consider revising and submitting seminar papers or independent studies for publication in law reviews or similar publications. Having published articles can significantly enhance your credentials.
- Gain Practical Experience: Many clinical teachers come from law firms, government agencies, or nonprofits. Consider gaining experience in these sectors to better prepare for clinical teaching.
- Network and Stay Informed: Stay connected with your law school alumni network and faculty members, as they can offer valuable advice and support. Regularly read newsletters from the Clinical Section of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) and the Clinical Legal Education Association (CLEA) to understand the clinical teaching market better.
- Apply Strategically: The academic job market is highly competitive. Consider applying to multiple schools, beyond a small geographical area. Register with the AALS Faculty Appointments Register (FAR) and apply directly to schools, ensuring your application is comprehensive and includes a cover letter, résumé, transcript, and scholarly writing sample.
While a law degree is a solid foundation, pursuing additional qualifications, gaining practical experience, and networking strategically will enhance your prospects for clinical teaching positions. Remember that requirements vary between schools, so tailor your applications accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. However, the process may differ depending on whether you want to teach at a school or become a professor at a university.
The requirements vary depending on the level of education and location. For instance, in the US, anyone teaching K-12 has to certify for a state teaching license. If you're teaching subjects related to law, you may qualify for alternative certification. Otherwise, you may need to pursue an education degree.
The requirements vary across universities. Generally, universities are looking for potential scholars. Publishing scholarly work before looking for a job can be beneficial. Additionally, pursuing graduate studies in another area relevant to law, such as history, economics, or philosophy, can enhance your credentials.
Yes, there are three well-trodden paths to a career in law teaching: The Classical Path, which involves exceptional academic performance in law school; The Interdisciplinary Path, which combines law with another discipline; and Path C, which may involve graduate studies in areas like history, economics, or philosophy.
A law degree can provide a strong foundation for teaching various subjects, such as history, English, or economics. Additionally, your legal expertise may be valuable in teaching law-related courses or even offering law at the A-level.
