Cecily Zamora
A law degree can be a versatile qualification, opening doors to a variety of career paths. For those interested in teaching, a law degree can be a valuable asset, but the path to becoming a law teacher or professor is competitive and varies depending on the level and type of institution. While some jurisdictions offer alternative routes to teacher certification for law-related subjects, others may require additional education or certifications, especially for primary and secondary school teaching positions. At the university level, a law degree can be a strong foundation for a career as a law professor, but additional factors such as exceptional academic performance, practical experience, scholarly work, and further advanced degrees are often necessary to secure a position.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Level of education | Primary, secondary, undergraduate, graduate, or law school |
| Additional schooling | Advanced law degree, master's or PhD in law or a related field |
| Certification | Alternative certification for law-related subjects |
| Experience | Exceptional academic performance, years practicing law, practical experience |
| Competition | Very competitive |
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What You'll Learn
Additional qualifications: Master's, PhD, or JD?
While a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a versatile qualification that can enable you to teach at various levels, from primary to graduate school, additional qualifications like a Master's or PhD can further enhance your career prospects in academia.
Masters, PhD, or JD?
The path you choose depends on your specific career goals and the region in which you intend to work. In the United States, a JD is considered a professional doctorate in law and is often sufficient for teaching at the university level, particularly at community colleges or as an adjunct professor. However, for more competitive tenure-track positions, a PhD or additional academic credentials may be preferred.
Masters Degree:
Obtaining a Master's degree, such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.), can be a strategic step towards a career in law teaching. This additional qualification showcases your expertise and commitment to the field. It can be particularly beneficial if you're aiming for teaching positions at law schools or seeking to enhance your academic credentials before pursuing a PhD.
PhD in Law:
Earning a PhD in Law (or a Doctor of Juridical Science, as referred to by some universities) is the highest academic qualification you can attain in the field. It demonstrates your ability to conduct original research and contribute significantly to legal scholarship. While a PhD is not always necessary for teaching at the university level, it can make your application more competitive, especially for prestigious tenure-track positions at top-ranked universities. Additionally, having professors with PhDs enhances the reputation and research capabilities of the law school and the university as a whole.
JD and Beyond:
The JD degree itself already signifies a high level of academic achievement and is often sufficient for teaching positions, especially when combined with practical experience. However, if you're interested in pursuing a more comprehensive academic career, you might consider additional steps. Some universities offer graduate law degrees like the LL.M. or even encourage their graduates to pursue teaching positions at other top law schools to develop as legal scholars and future law teachers. This strategy can lead to positions like Visiting Assistant Professor or Fellow, which serve as stepping stones to full-time teaching careers.
In conclusion, while a JD is a strong foundation for a teaching career, additional qualifications like a Master's degree or PhD can broaden your opportunities, enhance your academic credentials, and provide a competitive edge in the job market, especially for prestigious tenure-track positions at renowned universities.
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Practical experience: How much do you need?
The amount of practical experience required to teach at a university with a law degree can vary depending on the specific institution and the type of teaching position you are seeking. Here are some factors to consider when thinking about the amount of practical experience needed:
Academic Achievements and Practical Experience:
Universities often seek candidates with impressive academic achievements, such as exceptional academic records, high grades, and law review membership. However, having practical experience in the legal field can also be highly valuable. This experience can include working at a law firm or in government agencies or nonprofits. It is recommended to have at least three to five years of practical experience to demonstrate your expertise and applicable knowledge.
Clinical Teaching:
If you are interested in clinical teaching, which combines academic teaching with real-world practice, practical experience is especially crucial. Clinical teaching positions often require the ability to supervise students working on real cases or projects. Therefore, having experience in the legal field can better prepare you for this role and demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.
Specializations and Advanced Degrees:
Pursuing specializations, advanced certifications, or additional degrees, such as a Master's or PhD, can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate expertise in specific legal domains. This specialized knowledge, gained through academic research and practice, can contribute to becoming a well-rounded educator.
Scholarly Achievements:
In addition to practical experience, focus on developing a record of scholarly achievements. This can include participating in research projects, presenting papers at seminars and conferences, and publishing your work. These achievements will establish your authority in your field and enhance your credentials when applying for teaching positions.
Networking and References:
Establishing relationships with faculty members and professors who can later serve as references is essential. Seek out opportunities to work closely with them, such as through research assistant positions or by taking advantage of mentorship opportunities. These connections can provide valuable support and endorsements when applying for teaching positions.
In summary, while academic achievements are crucial, practical experience is an essential component of becoming a law teacher at a university. Aim for a well-balanced resume that showcases your academic excellence and your ability to apply your knowledge in real-world legal contexts. The specific amount of practical experience required may vary, but a solid foundation of a few years of experience will enhance your qualifications and increase your competitiveness when applying for teaching roles.
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The Classical Path: What is it?
The Classical Path is one of the three well-trodden paths to a career in law teaching. It starts with exceptional academic performance in law school, such as graduating with honours. This is followed by service on the law review, preferably in a senior editorial position, and then a prestigious judicial clerkship.
The Classical Path is becoming less common, with many who would have taken it in the past now opting for alternative routes, such as the LLM/"Post-Doc"/VAP Path, which requires less academic accomplishment and work experience.
To become a law professor, it is essential to have practical experience in the legal field. This can be gained by spending at least three to five years practicing law at a firm or independently. This experience enhances your resume and helps you provide accurate advice to your future students about working in the legal profession.
Additionally, publishing legal articles and research papers can establish your authority in the field and boost your marketability. Obtaining advanced degrees, such as a Master's or PhD in law or a related field, can also enhance your qualifications and improve your chances of obtaining a tenure-track position.
While the specific requirements may vary depending on the institution and level of education, having a strong academic background, practical experience, and specialized knowledge will increase your chances of becoming a successful law teacher.
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Alternative routes: Are there other ways to teach?
There are alternative ways to teach at a university with a law degree, although they may depend on the specific institution, your specialty area, competition in the market, and the geographic location, among other factors.
Firstly, it's worth noting that many colleges and universities value industry experience alongside academic qualifications. If you have extensive experience in your field, this can sometimes compensate for not having a PhD, and you may be able to find adjunct or lecturer positions, particularly in subjects like IT, web design, or mathematics. Summer is a good time to look for these positions, as colleges are usually less strict about qualifications during this period.
Another option is to start by teaching night classes or offering to substitute for teachers who are sick or on leave. This can get your foot in the door and help you gain valuable teaching experience.
Additionally, consider pursuing advanced certifications or master's degrees in specialized areas of law, such as international law, employment law, or medical malpractice. These credentials can demonstrate your expertise and create opportunities to teach advanced courses while conducting scholarly work in your chosen field.
Furthermore, if you're interested in teaching at the graduate level, experience in law review and participation in academic writing programs can provide a competitive edge. You can also look into teaching fellowships or research assistantships, which can sometimes serve as stepping stones toward full-time positions.
Lastly, there are teaching opportunities outside of universities, such as adult education, prisons, high schools, youth programs, and summer camps. These options may provide more flexibility and less competition compared to academia.
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Teaching law: What does a law professor do?
Teaching law at the university level requires a different set of qualifications and procedures than teaching law at the high school level. While a law degree is a good starting point, there are several paths one can take to become a law professor.
The Classical Path
The first path, known as the "Classical Path," involves exceptional academic performance in law school, such as graduating with honours, serving on the law review, preferably in a senior editorial position, and completing a prestigious judicial clerkship. This path sets a high standard for those aspiring to become law professors and is considered the most traditional route.
The LLM/Post-Doc/VAP Path
The second path, referred to as the "LLM/Post-Doc/VAP Path," is slightly less demanding academically. It requires strong academic performance, some writing experience, and practical experience in law practice or clerkship. This path may lead to teaching positions at less competitive schools, but it is important to note that hiring in this field is becoming increasingly competitive. The key to this path is gaining additional academic experience and research after graduating from law school.
Alternative Routes
In addition to these two main paths, there are alternative routes to becoming a law teacher. Some law schools may offer positions as legal writing professors or clinical professors, which may not require the same extensive scholarship as other tenure-track positions. These positions still involve instructing students on legal research, writing, and advocacy skills, and may be a good starting point for those interested in teaching law.
Furthermore, while not strictly a separate path, pursuing an advanced law degree, such as a Master's or PhD, can enhance one's credentials and open up opportunities for graduate-level teaching. Experience in law review, academic writing programs, teaching fellowships, and research assistantships can also provide a competitive edge when applying for law professor positions.
The Role of a Law Professor
Law professors are experienced legal professionals who educate students on the intricacies of law, its philosophy, ethics, and practical applications. They work in various institutions, including private universities, community colleges, and private law schools. Their duties may include interpreting complex legal concepts, teaching law applications in society, and guiding students on making ethical decisions. Additionally, law professors may contribute to the collective knowledge in their field by publishing research papers, collaborating with other law professionals, and participating in studies.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can teach at a university with a law degree, but you may need additional qualifications or experience.
There are three well-trodden paths to a career in law teaching:
- The Classical Path: This involves exceptional academic performance in law school, service on the law review, and a prestigious judicial clerkship.
- The LLM/“Post-Doc”/VAP Path: This path requires strong academic performance and some practical experience. It may also involve additional academic experience or research after graduating from law school.
- Alternative Certification: Some states offer alternative routes to becoming a teacher in a law-related field, which may involve rigorous screening and subject matter testing.
The qualifications to teach law at a university vary depending on the institution and the specific role. Some common requirements include:
- A graduate degree, such as a Master's or PhD, in law or a related field.
- Practical experience in the legal field, such as working at a law firm or as an independent lawyer.
- Publications or research in legal journals or academic writing programs to establish authority and expertise.
- Specialised credentials or certifications in specific legal domains, such as international law or employment law.
A law degree can be a versatile qualification that can open up various teaching opportunities, such as teaching law-related subjects at the primary, secondary, undergraduate, or graduate levels. It can also provide a strong foundation for understanding the legal system and contributing to academic discourse through scholarly work and publications.
To become a law professor, you typically need to obtain a bachelor's degree, attend law school, pursue clerkship, and gain practical experience by practicing law for a few years. You may also need to pursue additional education, such as a Master's or doctoral degree, to enhance your qualifications and resume. Networking and collaborating with faculty members can also help you advance your career in law teaching.
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