Cecily Zamora
While it is possible to teach English with a law degree, it is not a straightforward path. In some countries, such as England, academies and free schools can employ teachers without Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). In other cases, individuals with law degrees have been able to teach English by completing additional reading or having relevant A-levels. However, it is important to note that teaching qualifications are typically required, and some schools will not employ individuals without these qualifications. Additionally, teaching legal English, or Legalese, is an option for those with law degrees, but it requires specialized knowledge and training in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).
Can I teach English with a law degree?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| TEFL certification | Required |
| Understanding of Legal English | Required |
| Teach at a law school | Difficult |
| Teach at a lower-tier school | Easier |
| Teach at a primary school | Possible |
| Teach at a secondary school | Possible |
| Teach at a college | Possible |
| Teach online | Possible |
| Qualifications | May need additional reading or A-levels |
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What You'll Learn
Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL)
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, which is also known as Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), English Language Teaching (ELT), and teaching ESL (English as a Second Language). It involves teaching English to non-native speakers in a foreign country or online. TEFL certification is typically required to teach English abroad as most schools and language institutes seek to hire teachers who have received proper training.
TEFL certification programs are training courses regulated by international standards. These courses are designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge required to teach English as a foreign language. The courses are taught by highly qualified instructors and are recognized by employers worldwide. They can be taken online, offering convenience and flexibility, or in-person at 20+ locations across the globe.
Upon completion of a TEFL certification course, individuals are awarded a TEFL certificate, which can be used to secure jobs teaching English worldwide. This presents thousands of excellent professional opportunities for teaching English online or abroad in countries such as Japan, Spain, South Korea, Mexico, and Taiwan, where EFL teachers are in high demand.
Specialty TEFL courses are also available to help graduates advance their teaching careers in specific educational areas. Additionally, there is a demand for TEFL teachers specializing in legal English, a specialized form of language used internationally by legal professionals to communicate with precision.
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Qualifications for teaching English
Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is a popular career choice for those with a strong command of the language and a desire to travel or live abroad. While a degree is not always necessary to teach English, having a bachelor's degree is generally required by most reputable TEFL certification programs. Some programs may also require prior teaching experience or a minimum number of hours of teaching practice. Additionally, some countries or institutions may require specific qualifications, such as a teaching license or certification in teaching English as a second language (TESL) or TEFL.
For those with a law degree, there are several options available to teach English. One option is to pursue a TEFL certification and specialize in teaching Legal English, which is a specialized form of language used in the legal profession. This option may be well-suited for those with a law degree as it combines their legal knowledge with English language instruction. Teaching Legal English is particularly valuable for law students, legal professionals working internationally, foreign lawyers, and corporate professionals involved in international business transactions.
Another option for those with a law degree is to teach English at the secondary school level. While the requirements may vary by country and school type, some schools may accept a law degree as a qualification for teaching English. It is important to note that additional qualifications, such as a teaching certificate or a degree in the subject you want to teach, may be preferred or required in some cases. It is recommended to research the specific requirements of the country or school where you intend to teach.
Furthermore, for those interested in teaching at the college or university level, a law degree can be a valuable asset. While the competition is high, particularly at top law schools, individuals with a law degree and practical experience in the field can consider teaching undergraduate or college-level courses. Publishing scholarly work and obtaining advanced degrees can also increase the chances of obtaining a professorship at a law school or university.
Overall, while a law degree may not be the traditional route to teaching English, there are several pathways available depending on the specific teaching goals and the individual's background and experience. It is always advisable to research the requirements and qualifications for the specific teaching position or audience, as they may vary.
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Teaching law at a school
While I could not find information specific to teaching law at a school with a law degree, I did find information on teaching law more generally, as well as information on teaching with a law degree. I also found some information on teaching English with a law degree, which may be of interest.
To become a law teacher, it is essential to have a strong academic background, preferably with excellent grades from a distinguished law school. Additionally, scholarly achievements, such as publications in law reviews or other prestigious journals, are highly valued. Some schools also prefer candidates with experience in legal practice, as this can enhance their teaching and scholarship.
Teaching with a Law Degree
It is possible to teach with a law degree, and in some cases, individuals with law degrees have been employed as teachers in secondary schools, teaching subjects such as history, English, or law itself. However, the specific requirements may vary depending on the country and type of school. For example, in some cases, a degree in the subject you want to teach is required, while in other cases, schools may employ teachers without a degree in the subject or even without a teaching qualification. Gaining experience in a school setting and contacting local teacher training providers can help individuals explore their options.
Teaching English with a Law Degree
While I could not find specific information on teaching English at a school with a law degree, there is a field known as "Legal English" or "Legalese," which involves teaching the specialized language used in the legal profession. To teach Legal English, individuals typically need a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification and a strong understanding of the subject matter. This field is particularly relevant for teaching law students, legal professionals working internationally, foreign lawyers, and corporate professionals dealing with international legal documents.
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Teaching law at a college
While I could not find specific information on teaching law at a college with a law degree, I did find some general information on becoming a law teacher, as well as some details on teaching English with a law degree.
To teach law at a college or university, one typically needs to pursue a career as a law professor. There are three well-trodden paths to a career in law teaching:
- The Classical Path: This path involves exceptional academic performance in law school, such as graduating with honours. It may also involve serving on the law review or moot court boards.
- The Applied Path: This path involves gaining practical experience in the legal field, such as working as a lawyer or judge. This path demonstrates a strong understanding of the law in practice, rather than just in academia.
- The Interdisciplinary Path: This path involves pursuing graduate studies in another area relevant to law, such as history, economics, or political science. Candidates may earn a Ph.D. in one of these fields and combine it with their legal expertise to attract the attention of law schools.
Regardless of the path chosen, establishing scholarly potential is crucial. This can be done by publishing scholarly articles or books in law-related topics. Additionally, building substantial relationships with faculty members who can later provide references is essential. Networking with prominent faculty members who can advocate for your candidacy can significantly increase your chances of securing a law teaching position.
It is worth noting that certain areas of law, such as constitutional law and jurisprudence, may have an oversupply of candidates, while other areas like real estate law, commercial law, and corporate law may be in higher demand. Therefore, developing expertise in a specific area of law that is in demand can make your application more attractive.
Teaching English with a Law Degree
While a degree in the subject you want to teach is ideal, it is not always a requirement. For example, a user on Mumsnet shared that they trained as an English teacher and recalled a student on their course with a law degree. Additionally, another user with a law degree expressed interest in teaching history, and while they were not allowed to teach this subject due to it not accounting for 50% or more of their degree, they were considered suitable to teach maths with an A-level in the subject.
Therefore, it is possible to teach English with a law degree, especially if you have relevant English literature qualifications or are willing to undertake additional reading or training.
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Teaching law online
While I could not find information specifically about teaching law online with a law degree, I did find information about teaching legal English online and about online law courses.
Teaching Legal English
Legal English, often referred to as "Legalese", is a specialised form of language used internationally by legal professionals and scholars to communicate with precision. As the international legal community continues to expand, the importance of having proficient legal English skills is increasing. This means that there are a multitude of non-native speakers around the world involved in the legal profession who need to learn legal English. The responsibility for this usually falls on the shoulders of TEFL teachers. However, you will need to specialise in teaching legal English.
The audience for teaching legal English can be diverse and may include law students, legal professionals, foreign lawyers, corporate professionals, language instructors, government officials, legal translators and interpreters, and staff working in legal departments of international organisations and NGOs.
Online Law Courses
Online law courses are a great fit for studying subjects in law, as the ability to complete coursework on a flexible schedule can be ideal for doing the close readings of legal texts required to develop expertise in this field. Online law courses can help prepare you for diverse career opportunities across the legal field and related areas, such as a lawyer, legal consultant, policy analyst, corporate compliance officer, or paralegal.
You can choose from hundreds of free Law courses or pay to earn a Course or Specialization Certificate. Law courses explore the history and interpretation of legal systems and codes, including criminal and civil law, environmental law, and international law. You can also focus on specific areas of interest in the law, such as business law, common law, immigration law, or intellectual property and copyright law.
Harvard Law School and the University of Law offer online programs that allow you to access faculty expertise, content, and opportunities to engage with peers from around the world with the added flexibility of a virtual classroom.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the school and the level you wish to teach at. Some schools may require teachers to have a degree in the subject they will be teaching, while others may not. It is recommended that you contact the specific schools or educational boards you are interested in working with to inquire about their requirements. Additionally, gaining some experience in a school setting and obtaining relevant teaching qualifications, such as a PGCE, can increase your chances of becoming an English teacher.
Yes, you can teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) with a law degree, but you will also need to obtain a TEFL certification. However, it is important to note that teaching legal English, a specialized form of language used in the legal profession, may require additional expertise and understanding of legal terminology and concepts.
While it is possible to become a teacher or professor of law without a law degree, it is highly competitive. Most law professors at prestigious universities are alumni of top law schools themselves. However, you can increase your chances by gaining industry experience, publishing legal scholarship, and obtaining relevant teaching qualifications.
