Gavin Howe
If you're a law graduate considering a career in teaching, you may be wondering if you can teach at a college or university with your law degree. The answer is yes, it is possible to teach at the college level with a law degree, particularly if you're teaching law-related subjects. However, the specific requirements can vary depending on the school and the type of position you're interested in. Some colleges and universities may hire lawyers to teach law-related subjects such as business law, criminal justice, or taxation. In some cases, a law degree may even be sufficient to teach subjects outside of the legal field, such as history or political science.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Level of education | A law degree is sufficient to teach at community colleges and undergraduate level. However, a PhD or J.D. is often preferred for university-level teaching. |
| Type of college | Public colleges, community colleges, and state schools are more likely to hire lawyers to teach law-related subjects. |
| Competition | The competition for professorships is very high, and it is even more challenging to secure a full-time, tenure-track position. |
| Requirements | In addition to a law degree, publications, excellent grades, and years of practice are essential for establishing expertise in the field. |
| Alternative options | Online teaching on platforms like YouTube and social media is an option for lawyers interested in teaching. |
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What You'll Learn
Teaching law school vs. undergrad
Teaching law is a rewarding profession that involves research, teaching, and service. While a law degree is a great starting point for teaching at the college level, there are some key differences between teaching law school and undergraduate courses.
Curriculum and Teaching Methods
The law school curriculum is very different from undergraduate programs. In law school, the focus is on reading and analyzing case studies, with most assignments coming from casebooks rather than textbooks. Law professors often use the Socratic method, where they randomly call on students to answer questions about the law and assigned cases. This method can be challenging for students as it involves difficult questions that may not have a clear-cut answer.
In contrast, undergraduate courses may involve more traditional lecturing, and the curriculum could include a wider range of subjects beyond law, such as business or economics.
Student Expectations and Grading
Law school students often experience high levels of anxiety due to the heavy workload, competitive nature of grading, and lack of feedback throughout the semester. They are expected to read several cases each night, which can be challenging due to the complex legal jargon. Grades in law school are primarily determined by exams, with one exam often accounting for 100% of the final grade.
Undergraduate students may have a more varied assessment structure, including quizzes, midterms, essays, and homework assignments, providing more opportunities for feedback and a less competitive environment.
Faculty Expectations
For law school professors, research and publishing scholarly work are crucial aspects of their roles. Most law schools seek potential scholars and highly value candidates who have practiced law and published articles in law reviews or other respected publications. Additionally, law professors are expected to serve on committees and contribute to the profession through pro bono work, legislative work, consulting, or participating in scholarly organizations.
While undergraduate teaching positions may also value research and publishing, the expectations may be less intense, and there could be more opportunities for those without extensive scholarly credentials.
In conclusion, while a law degree is a valuable qualification for teaching at the college level, those aspiring to teach law school should be prepared for the unique challenges and expectations of law school education. Undergraduate teaching may offer more flexibility in terms of curriculum, teaching methods, and faculty expectations.
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Getting published
Publications are crucial for landing a teaching job in law. As one source puts it, "publications make and break candidacies". However, it is important to remember that quality is more important than quantity. It is better to publish one well-written, polished piece than several shoddy ones.
If you are still in law school, you are surrounded by a significant resource: law professors. Try to establish relationships with as many professors as possible, and seek their mentorship. They can offer invaluable advice and help you to develop your research and writing skills. Consider working as a research assistant for a professor in your area of interest. This will enhance your research skills and your familiarity with the subject matter, and ideally, you will receive some mentoring.
To develop a record of scholarly achievement, select courses that require writing papers rather than taking an exam. This will help you to develop your research interests and produce publishable work. Write articles on your chosen topic and seek to have them published in trade journals. You could also revise and submit work from law school—such as a seminar paper or an independent study—for publication in law reviews.
In addition to registering with the AALS Faculty Appointments Register (FAR), you may also want to apply independently to schools that you are particularly interested in. Your application should include a cover letter, résumé, transcript, and scholarly writing sample. Your résumé should include a prominent section listing published works, forthcoming publications, and works in progress.
It is also a good idea to attend conferences and bar groups focused on your area of specialty. This will help you to network and establish yourself within the field.
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Qualifications and certifications
The qualifications and certifications required to teach at the college level with a law degree vary depending on the institution and the specific teaching position. Here are some general insights and considerations:
- Teaching certifications: In the United States, each state has specific requirements and certifications for teachers. If you're transitioning from a legal career to teaching, you may need to obtain alternative certification, especially if you're teaching subjects unrelated to law. Some states offer alternative routes to certification for teachers in law-related fields. However, these routes often involve rigorous screening processes and subject matter tests.
- Law degree and bar exam: A law degree, such as a Juris Doctor (JD), is typically the minimum qualification to teach law-related subjects at the college level. Passing the bar exam is also advantageous and may be required for certain positions.
- Practice experience: Having years of practice experience as a lawyer can establish you as an authority in your field. This practical knowledge can be valuable for teaching law-related subjects and is often considered alongside academic achievements.
- Academic achievements: Excellent grades during your law school studies can enhance your credentials for a teaching position. Additionally, pursuing graduate studies in another area relevant to law, such as history, economics, philosophy, sociology, or political science, can make your application more competitive.
- Scholarly achievements: Publishing scholarly articles in law reviews or other academic journals is highly valued by law schools. Having published work demonstrates your expertise and can significantly boost your marketability when applying for teaching positions. Consider revising and submitting seminar papers or independent studies completed during your law school education for publication.
- Teaching experience: While not always required, prior teaching experience can be beneficial. Consider adjunct teaching positions or part-time roles as a starting point to gain experience and establish yourself as an educator.
- Specialization: Identify areas of law that you can cultivate as specialties. Focus on subjects that interest you and for which you have relevant expertise. This specialization will make you more attractive as a candidate for teaching positions in those specific areas.
- University reputation: The reputation of the university you attended can impact your chances of obtaining a teaching position. Top law schools, such as Harvard, Yale, Chicago, Stanford, Virginia, and Texas, are often preferred by hiring institutions.
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Types of teaching positions
A law degree can be a great starting point for a career in teaching. While the most common path to becoming a law professor involves attending a top law school and cultivating expertise in a specific area of law, there are other ways to break into the field. For instance, publishing scholarly articles or books can make a candidate more attractive to prospective employers.
College Professor
College professors are responsible for teaching their subject area and guiding students towards completing their degrees. They create tests, assignments, and projects, as well as grading them. Professors may also advise clubs or organizations and write recommendation letters for students. To be eligible for tenured positions, professors typically need a doctorate.
Clinical Teaching Positions
These positions involve teaching students practical skills that will help them find jobs immediately after graduation. Technical education teachers are often employed at junior and vocational colleges, and a master's degree can help set candidates apart from the competition.
Adjunct Professor
Adjunct professors typically teach at four-year universities and community colleges. They may teach part-time or full-time and often have more flexibility in their schedules.
Online Educator
With the rise of online learning, individuals with law degrees can create online courses or teach via YouTube or social media. This option offers more freedom and the opportunity to build a following by relating content to current events.
School Administrator
School administrators oversee the daily activities of a school, including budgeting, curriculum development, and hiring. A master's degree or higher is typically required for this position.
School Counsellor
School counsellors address the psychological and social needs of students. They administer and interpret psychological tests, make diagnoses, and cooperate with teachers and parents to help students access the resources they need.
These are just a few examples of the types of teaching positions available to individuals with law degrees. Each position offers unique opportunities to educate and make a positive impact on students' lives.
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The job market
At the undergraduate level, law graduates can teach law-related subjects such as business law, criminal justice, and taxation. Some colleges and universities hire lawyers to teach these types of courses, and a law degree may be sufficient to qualify. However, it is important to note that the competition for these positions can be high, and institutions may prefer candidates with additional qualifications, such as a Master's degree or a Ph.D. in a related field.
To teach at the university level, a law degree and passing the bar exam are typically required to teach part-time. For full-time, tenure-track positions, the requirements may vary depending on the specific institution, and it is recommended to review the catalogs of related colleges and law schools to explore these options. Competition for tenure-track positions is intense, and institutions seek candidates with excellent academic performance, years of practice, and publications in legal journals or other scholarly work.
In addition to traditional academia, law graduates can also explore online teaching through platforms like YouTube and social media. This route provides more freedom and the opportunity to build a following by relating legal topics to current events.
Overall, the job market for law graduates seeking to teach at the college level offers a range of opportunities, from part-time and adjunct positions at colleges and universities to full-time professorships. The specific qualifications and requirements will depend on the institution and subject area, and it is important for individuals to research and network to find the best fit for their skills and interests.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can teach college with a law degree. Many colleges hire lawyers to teach subjects related to law, such as business law, criminal justice, taxation, and political science. However, it is important to note that competition for professorships is fierce, and you may need to start by teaching part-time or at the undergraduate level.
The qualifications needed to teach college with a law degree can vary depending on the school and subject area. Some colleges may require additional education or certifications, such as a graduate degree in a law-related discipline or a teaching license. However, others may only require a law degree and passing the bar exam. It is important to research the specific requirements of the colleges you are interested in teaching at.
Teaching college with a law degree can be a rewarding profession, as it allows you to help others learn and have a positive impact on their lives. It can also provide an opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise in a particular area of law. Additionally, teaching college can offer more flexibility and freedom than a traditional legal career.
To get started teaching college with a law degree, you should first identify the subject area and level you want to teach. You can then begin researching colleges and law schools that offer those programs and reach out to their recruitment offices to inquire about any open positions. It is also important to build your scholarly portfolio by publishing articles, contributing to legal journals, and establishing yourself as an authority in your field.
