Kara Sears
Becoming a law professor is a highly competitive process that requires a combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and networking. While a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is the basic requirement, candidates can enhance their prospects through various means, such as pursuing graduate studies, establishing expertise in a specific area of law, developing scholarly writing, and cultivating relationships with faculty members. Law schools also consider an individual's values, experiences, and talents in alignment with their institutional mission. Overall, aspiring law professors should be prepared for a challenging journey that demands perseverance and a strong commitment to the field of legal education.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | High |
| Competition | High |
| Requirements | Undergraduate degree, Juris Doctorate degree, passing the bar examination, excellent grades, outstanding legal practice record, scholarly publications, mentorship experience |
| Salary | Varies; adjunct professors at community colleges earn $1500-$3000 per class |
| Resources | "Becoming a Law Professor" (ABA, 2010), "Becoming a Legal Scholar" (Michigan Law Review, 2012), Association of American Law Schools (AALS) |
| Opportunities | Community colleges, large political science departments, criminal justice departments, taxation classes, clinical teaching positions |
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What You'll Learn
Law professor qualifications
The qualifications required to become a law professor vary depending on the region and type of institution. Here is a general overview of the qualifications typically expected for this role:
Education
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is often considered the minimum requirement for teaching law at the university level, particularly at community colleges or as an adjunct professor. However, the job market is competitive, and some universities and law schools may prefer or require candidates with additional qualifications, such as a Ph.D. in a related field like philosophy or economics, or a postgraduate law degree like an LL.M. or J.S.D.
Work Experience
In addition to academic credentials, law professors typically have significant work experience in the legal field. This may include experience as a lawyer, judge's clerk, or partner at a law firm. This practical experience is often valued alongside academic credentials and can enhance one's credentials as a law professor.
Academic Achievements
Beyond degrees and work experience, law professors are expected to have stellar academic credentials, including top grades from a highly-ranked law school. It is also beneficial to have experience in law review, preferably in a senior editorial position, and a strong record of publishing scholarly articles in law journals. This demonstrates expertise in a specific field of law and contributes to the prestige of the institution.
Other Considerations
While not strictly qualifications, there are other factors that can influence one's path to becoming a law professor. These include networking and building relationships with other legal professionals and academics, as well as demonstrating a passion for teaching and a serious interest in a particular area of legal scholarship.
Overall, becoming a law professor requires a combination of academic excellence, practical legal experience, and a strong publication record. It is a highly competitive field, and those aspiring to enter it should be prepared for the challenges of securing a tenure-track position.
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Job market competitiveness
The job market for law professors is highly competitive. While it is possible to become a law professor with just a JD, it is rare and most law schools prefer to hire candidates with a JD and a Ph.D. in a related field, such as philosophy or economics. Additionally, law schools value teaching experience, and most professors have published several academic articles or books prior to being hired.
Those seeking a tenure-track position at a university will face even more competition. It is uncommon for someone with just a JD to secure a tenure-track professorship without also having a Ph.D. or having completed a fellowship or VAP (Visiting Assistant Professor). While it is possible to become an adjunct professor with a JD, adjuncts are often paid very little and have little to no chance of earning tenure.
To stand out in the competitive law professor job market, it is important to have strong references, preferably from law professors. It is also beneficial to have a long list of public articles or other academic publications. Additionally, gaining teaching experience at community colleges or in paralegal programs can be a good way to get a foot in the door.
The job market for law professors is also highly dependent on location. It may be easier to secure a position at a lower-ranked school or in an undesirable location, but even then, there is no guarantee of receiving offers from preferred schools or regions. The market is also subject to rapid change, with hiring stops and starts being relatively common.
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Networking and mentorship
Networking Opportunities:
- On-Campus Events: Law schools often host a variety of networking events, providing students with opportunities to connect with faculty, alumni, and peers. These events can include mentorship programs, workshops, guest lectures, and social gatherings. For example, the University of Miami's School of Law offers "Breakfast with the Bench," where students can interact with state and federal judges, and "Evening with Esquires," where they can network with local attorneys.
- Student Organizations: Joining student organizations, such as the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) or the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), offers networking opportunities through mentorship programs, resume workshops, and collaboration with other professional organizations.
- Alumni Networks: Alumni of your law school or undergraduate institution are valuable connections. They have firsthand experience with the legal education system and can provide insights, referrals, and guidance on career paths, including academia.
- Legal Events and Conferences: Attending legal conferences, seminars, and networking receptions can introduce you to potential mentors and peers. These events often attract attorneys, professors, and legal professionals who are open to sharing their expertise and expanding their networks.
- Online Communities: Engage in online forums, such as law-focused subreddits or legal blogs, where you can connect with a diverse range of individuals in the legal field.
Mentorship Programs:
- Law School Mentorship: Many law schools offer mentorship programs that pair senior students or alumni with those in their first year of law school. These programs provide guidance, support, and industry insights, helping mentees navigate their academic and career paths.
- Specialized Mentorship: Seek out mentorship programs tailored to specific demographics, such as the John W. Kozyak Minority Mentoring Program (KMMF), which pairs minority law students with community attorneys and members of the judiciary.
- Nationwide Mentorship Initiatives: Take advantage of nationwide mentorship initiatives, such as the Legal Mentor Network, which provides free mentorship to law students and young attorneys, offering navigational help and industry connections.
It is important to remember that networking and mentorship are not one-time endeavors but ongoing processes that require cultivation and maintenance. Building solid relationships with mentors and peers can open doors to collaborative opportunities, academic insights, and potential job prospects in the legal academic field.
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Publishing and writing
Becoming a law professor is a highly competitive process, and aspiring law professors are often advised to ""write"" and become experts in a particular field. This means developing the knowledge and insight to write something that contributes to the existing literature and gets noticed by other experts.
One of the most important steps towards becoming a law professor is to start writing scholarly articles while in law school, which can be published after graduation. This helps build momentum for future publishing endeavours. It is important to note that the quality of the work is more important than the quantity, as publishing shoddy work can do more harm than good. However, having publications to your credit demonstrates your commitment to a career in scholarship.
To get started, you can leverage seminars and directed studies in law school to produce papers and articles. Additionally, if you are on a journal, you can consider publishing your note in a prestigious law review journal, such as the Texas Law Review (TLR). It is also beneficial to establish relationships with faculty members who can provide guidance and potentially serve as references when applying for teaching positions.
After graduating from law school, it is essential to continue researching and writing. Taking time to focus on reading and understanding the literature, debates, and dialogues in your area of interest can help you make original contributions through your writing. Attending annual conferences related to your field of scholarship is another way to stay engaged and connected with the latest developments.
While publishing is crucial, it is not the only factor considered when hiring law professors. The trend for law professorships is to favour candidates with a JD and a Ph.D. in philosophy or economics. However, having a strong publication record can sometimes compensate for not having a Ph.D., especially in certain subject areas.
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Law professor salaries
While it is possible to become a law professor with a JD, it is a highly competitive field. The median salary for a law professor with a JD, MD, or PhD is $176,067–$212,312, with the average annual salary being $191,012. Salaries can vary depending on location, experience, and the specific employer. For example, in California, the average yearly salary for a law professor is $210,687, while in Massachusetts, it is $207,821, and in New Jersey, it is $209,349. At leading research universities, the average salary is about $150,000, with top universities like Harvard and Columbia paying over $200,000.
There are several factors to consider when evaluating the salary of a law professor. Firstly, law professors are typically evaluated based on output rather than input. This means that compensation is determined by the quality of their work, such as teaching and research publications, rather than the amount of time spent working. Secondly, law professors may have the flexibility to negotiate their salaries based on factors such as years of experience and the number of direct reports. Additionally, grants and other sources of funding can impact a law professor's total compensation, which may not be reflected in publicly available salary information.
It is worth noting that salary should not be the only consideration when pursuing a career as a law professor. The job offers several advantages, such as the opportunity to contribute to scholarly literature and mentor students, and enjoy a great career with less variance compared to private legal practice. However, it is important to be prepared for the competitive nature of the field and the evaluation system, which may differ from that of a practicing lawyer.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is the basic law degree in the United States and is the highest educational level attained by most law professors. However, it is not a research degree, and some schools may prefer candidates with PhDs.
A Juris Doctor, or Juris Doctor Degree, is a professional doctorate degree that prepares students for a legal career. It is the most common educational path to qualify for the bar exam.
The curriculum includes fundamental legal subjects such as constitutional law, civil procedure, criminal law, contracts, property, and torts. It also offers opportunities for specialisation in areas like international law, corporate law, or public policy.
A JD degree can open doors to various professions. Some people use a JD to become law librarians, enter academia, or go into consulting. It is also useful for those interested in politics or advocacy work.
In the US, admission to a JD program requires a bachelor's degree. However, the requirements differ in other countries, and individual schools may have their own specific requirements. Most JD programs are three-year, full-time programs, but part-time options are also available.
