Gavin Howe
If you're a law graduate who's interested in teaching, you may be wondering what your options are. The good news is that there are several paths you can take to pursue a career in education. At the university level, for example, your law degree and bar exam qualification may allow you to teach part-time, and you could even pursue a full-time, tenure-track position. Alternatively, you could teach in high schools or academies, where you may not need a teaching qualification, especially if you're teaching law-related subjects. However, if you want to teach at the primary or secondary level, you will likely need to obtain a teaching qualification, such as a PGCE.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Teach law at university with a law degree | Yes, but you may also need to pass the bar exam, have years of experience, or have published scholarly work |
| Teach law at K-12 with a law degree | Yes, but you may need to certify for a state teaching license or qualify for alternative certification |
| Teach non-law subjects at K-12 with a law degree | Yes, but you may need to certify for a state teaching license or qualify for alternative certification |
| Teach non-law subjects at university with a law degree | Yes, but you may need to have years of experience or have published scholarly work |
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What You'll Learn
- You can teach at the university level with a law degree
- You can teach at academies and private schools without being qualified
- You can teach law-related subjects at K-12 with alternative certification
- You can teach at community colleges with a law degree
- You can teach at high schools with a law degree and an education B.A
You can teach at the university level with a law degree
If you have a law degree, you can teach at the university level. However, the process of becoming a university professor varies depending on the institution and state. For example, in some states, you may need to obtain additional certifications or qualifications, such as a graduate degree in a law-related discipline or pass the bar exam. Additionally, some universities may require you to have practical experience as a lawyer or legal professional.
To increase your chances of obtaining a university teaching position, it is recommended that you start preparing well in advance, as the hiring process for entry-level, tenure-track positions can begin more than a year before the start date. You should also be prepared to undergo a rigorous screening process, which may include tests on your subject matter expertise and teaching skills.
One way to gain experience and establish yourself as a candidate for a university teaching position is to pursue post-J.D. fellowship programs aimed at bringing law graduates into teaching. These programs allow emerging scholars to gain experience in legal research, writing, and teaching, while also developing their scholarship. Similar programs are offered at top schools like Columbia Law School, and admission is not limited to graduates of these schools.
Another path to consider is the "Classical Path," which involves exceptional academic performance in law school, service on the law review, and a prestigious judicial clerkship. Alternatively, Path B, the LLM/”Post-Doc”/VAP Path, may require slightly less academic achievement and work experience, focusing more on additional academic experience and research after graduating from law school.
Finally, when applying for university teaching positions, it is important to demonstrate your expertise and interest in the specific area of law you wish to teach. This may involve pursuing a course of study during your second and third years of law school that allows you to develop real knowledge in your desired teaching area.
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You can teach at academies and private schools without being qualified
If you have a law degree and are interested in teaching, you may be able to teach at academies and private schools without being qualified. The requirements for teaching in these settings can vary, and in some cases, a law degree may be sufficient to begin teaching. However, it is important to note that the specific requirements may differ depending on your location and the school's preferences.
In the United States, the requirements for teaching in private schools can vary from state to state. Some private schools may require teachers to have a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant subject area, while others may prioritize teaching experience or certification. It is always a good idea to review the specific requirements of the school or state you are interested in teaching in.
In the UK, academies and private schools may have different requirements and autonomy when it comes to hiring teachers. While a law degree may be advantageous, additional qualifications or training may be necessary. It is worth exploring the specific academies or private schools you are interested in teaching at to understand their unique requirements and hiring processes.
Additionally, it is important to consider the level and subject you wish to teach. For example, if you want to teach law-related subjects at the high school level, your law degree may be sufficient, and states or schools may waive certain requirements. On the other hand, if you want to teach younger students or academically challenging subjects, certification or additional qualifications may be necessary.
Overall, while it is possible to teach at academies and private schools without a teaching qualification, it is essential to research the specific requirements of your desired teaching position. Each school and location may have unique criteria, and understanding these requirements will help you navigate the application process effectively.
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You can teach law-related subjects at K-12 with alternative certification
If you have a law degree and are interested in teaching, you may be able to teach law-related subjects at the K-12 level with alternative certification. While the requirements for K-12 teachers vary by state, almost all states offer alternative routes to becoming a teacher. This includes options for those applying to teach in a law-related field. The screening process for alternative certification can be rigorous, and some states may test your competency in the subject matter.
If you are interested in teaching at a public school, you will need a bachelor's degree and a state teaching license. Some states may also require you to take a test, such as the Praxis exam. Private and charter schools may have more flexibility regarding teacher certification and degree requirements, although they are still subject to state laws.
If you are interested in teaching law-related subjects at the high school level, such as in a criminal justice program, states may waive some of the usual requirements for teachers if you have professional expertise in the field. This can save you time, effort, and the cost of further student loan debt.
In addition to state teaching licenses, there are also emergency teaching certificates available through certain school districts. These certificates allow candidates to teach for a school year and can be useful in addressing teacher shortages.
If you are interested in teaching at the university level, you will likely need to have passed the bar exam and have excellent grades from your law school studies or years of practice that establish you as an authority in your field. Contributing articles to legal journals can also boost your marketability. Entry-level, tenure-track teaching jobs typically begin the hiring process more than a year in advance, and applications are often distributed through the Association of American Law Schools (AALS).
If you are interested in teaching at a community college, you may have more flexibility in the credentials required, and part-time positions may be available.
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You can teach at community colleges with a law degree
If you have a law degree and are interested in teaching, you may be able to teach at community colleges.
While it is possible to teach at community colleges with a law degree, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, you may need additional qualifications or credits in the subject you wish to teach. Most colleges require a minimum of a Master's degree and 18 graduate credit hours in the subject you plan to teach. This requirement may vary depending on the specific community college and the subject you want to teach. For example, career and technical education instructors often only need a license or journeyman card in their trade without a bachelor's degree. Additionally, some states may offer alternative certification routes for teaching law-related subjects.
If you are interested in teaching at the university level, having a law degree and passing the bar exam will allow you to teach part-time. However, for full-time, tenure-track positions, the requirements may vary, and it is recommended to explore specific universities' requirements. The academic job market is highly competitive, and it is advantageous to have excellent grades, years of practice, and publications in legal journals to establish yourself as an authority in your field.
To increase your chances of obtaining a teaching position at a community college with a law degree, consider the following steps:
- Review the catalogs of related community colleges to identify courses that align with your expertise.
- Approach department heads directly and inquire about the possibility of part-time positions.
- Obtain a Master's degree and the necessary graduate credits in the subject you wish to teach.
- Gain teaching experience, either through alternative certification routes or by pursuing a teaching degree.
- Stay informed about the specific requirements of the community colleges you are interested in teaching at.
By following these steps and leveraging your law degree, you can explore opportunities to teach at community colleges.
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You can teach at high schools with a law degree and an education B.A
If you have a law degree and are interested in teaching at the high school level, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the requirements for becoming a high school teacher may vary depending on your location, so it's important to check the specific regulations in your state or country.
In general, to teach at the high school level, you will need a bachelor's degree in education, often specializing in the subject you wish to teach. This could include subjects like English, math, or history. Some states or schools may offer alternative certification routes for individuals with degrees in other fields, such as law, who want to teach law-related subjects. These alternative certifications may involve additional testing or requirements, so be sure to research the specific process in your area.
If you are interested in teaching law-related subjects, your law degree could be an advantage. However, keep in mind that high schools typically require teachers to have some form of teaching qualification or certification, so you may need to pursue additional education or training to meet the requirements. This could include obtaining a teaching license or completing a teacher preparation program.
Additionally, if you are considering transitioning into teaching, it is important to gain some experience in a school setting. This could involve spending time in a high school classroom as an observer or assistant to help you understand the day-to-day realities of teaching. You may also want to consider building relationships with faculty members who can later serve as references when you apply for teaching positions.
While it is possible to teach at the high school level with a law degree and an education B.A., it is important to be aware of the specific requirements and challenges that may arise. The job market for teachers can be competitive, and gaining practical experience and establishing relationships with faculty members can help set you up for success in securing a teaching position.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can teach at a university with a law degree. However, you will likely need to have passed the bar exam and have excellent grades from a reputable university. It is also beneficial to have some experience practicing law.
There are three main paths to a career in law teaching. The first, and most traditional, path involves exceptional academic performance in law school and service on the law review. The second path can include a graduate law degree and some practical experience. The third path involves establishing scholarly potential by publishing scholarly work before looking for a job.
Yes, you can teach at the primary or secondary level with a law degree. In some cases, you may need to have additional qualifications, such as a teaching degree or certification. However, it is not always necessary to be a qualified teacher, especially in academies and private schools.
