Switching Careers: Law Degree To Teaching

If you're a law graduate looking to teach, you have a few options. You could become a law professor, teaching at a university or private law school. This typically involves obtaining a bachelor's degree, attending law school, pursuing clerkship, and practicing law for a few years. Alternatively, you could teach law to younger students, such as in high school. This usually requires certification to teach in your state, which may involve additional education or an alternative certification process.

Education requirements

The education requirements to become a teacher with a law degree vary depending on the level of students you want to teach and the subject you want to teach. Here are the educational steps you need to take to become a law teacher:

• Obtain a bachelor's degree: Aspiring law teachers usually start by enrolling in a pre-law or related programme (e.g. political science, psychology, English, criminal justice, history, or philosophy). This typically takes three to four years to complete and provides a solid foundation for advanced legal studies.
• Pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT): After completing your bachelor's degree, you need to pass the LSAT to become eligible for law school admission. You can prepare for the LSAT by taking specialised courses, hiring a tutor, or using study guides.
• Attend law school: Law school typically lasts about three years. During this time, you will gain an in-depth understanding of legal concepts, legislative processes, legal analysis, and complex problem-solving.
• Earn a Juris Doctorate degree: To become a law teacher, you will need to obtain a Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school. This degree signifies that you have completed the necessary legal education and are well-versed in legal theory and practice.
• Pass the bar examination: In addition to your law degree, passing the bar exam is crucial. It demonstrates your proficiency in legal principles and qualifies you to practice law.
• Pursue clerkship and legal practice: Gaining practical experience through clerkships and legal practice is highly beneficial. Serving as a legal clerk under a licensed judge will provide valuable insights into the legal profession. Aim for clerkships with higher courts, such as federal courts, the U.S. Supreme Court, or the U.S. Court of Appeals, as they enhance your resume and improve your credentials as a future law teacher.
• Publish legal research and articles: Build your reputation as a legal professional and researcher by conducting legal research and publishing your findings in legal magazines, journals, or other publications. This establishes your authority in the field and showcases your ability to interpret laws and cases critically.
• Consider advanced degrees: Although not mandatory, pursuing graduate degrees, such as a master's or doctoral degree, can enhance your credentials and provide more opportunities for publication and teaching experience.

If you are interested in teaching at the K-12 level, the requirements may differ. You will typically need to obtain a state teaching license or alternative certification, especially if you plan to teach subjects unrelated to law. For high school teaching, you may need a degree in education, specialising in the subject you wish to teach.

Alternative routes

If you are interested in teaching law at a university or law school, you will need to obtain a bachelor's degree, attend law school, pursue a clerkship, and practice law for a few years. Publishing legal articles and research during and after law school can also help establish your credentials.

However, if you are looking to teach at the K-12 level, you will need to certify for a state teaching license. If you are teaching subjects related to law, you may qualify for alternative certification. This route is simpler and can save you time and effort. Almost all states offer some alternative route to becoming a teacher. However, the screening is rigorous, and in some states, you will be tested on the subject matter to prove your competence.

If you are unable to obtain alternative certification, you may need to go back to school to obtain an education degree. To teach kindergarten, for example, you will need a degree in early childhood education. To teach in high school, you will typically need a Bachelor of Arts in Education, specialising in the subject you want to teach.

For any K-12 teaching position, you will need to take a state certification test that includes testing on teaching skills and your knowledge of the subject matter. Each state sets specific rules for its teachers, so be sure to check the requirements for your state.

If you are interested in teaching at a private school or community college, keep in mind that only public school teachers are required to have teaching certificates or licenses in most states. Private schools can set their own standards for teachers.

Additionally, consider building a network of mentors and connections in the field. This can include law professors, faculty members, and other professionals who can offer guidance and support. Their advice and mentorship can be invaluable as you navigate your career path.

Publishing research

How to Get Published

• Conduct thorough research on a topic of interest to compose articles and papers.
• Seek to have your articles published in trade journals and legal magazines.
• Write about a topic that you hope will become your specialty.
• Revise and submit seminar papers or independent study papers for publication in law reviews.
• Consider the quality of your work—while it is important to publish frequently, avoid publishing shoddy work as this can hurt more than it helps.
• Aim to publish at least one article since graduating law school.
• If you are still in law school, take advantage of the resources around you by establishing relationships with law professors and seeking their mentorship.

Benefits of Publishing Research

• It establishes your credentials as a legal professional and researcher.
• It demonstrates your scholarly potential and credentials to hiring institutions.
• It shows that you are serious about a career in scholarship.
• It helps to establish your skill as a writer.
• It provides an opportunity to interpret laws and cases from your own professional perspective.

Practical experience

Gaining Practical Experience:

• Clerkship: Pursue a clerkship position, typically lasting a few years, where you work under judges, assist with cases, conduct legal research, and complete legal paperwork. Aim for a federal court clerkship or a position with a higher court, such as the U.S. Supreme Court or the U.S. Court of Appeals. This experience will enhance your resume and provide valuable insights into the legal system.
• Legal Practice: Spend a few years, ideally three to five, practicing law. You can work for a law firm or independently to gain practical experience and industry knowledge. This will not only make you a highly qualified candidate for teaching positions but will also enable you to provide accurate advice to your future students about working in the legal field.
• Mentorship: Seek mentorship opportunities by establishing relationships with law professors or other legal professionals. Their guidance and advice can be invaluable as they have first-hand experience in the market you aim to enter. They can also help you navigate the important connections and share their methods for success.
• Networking: Attend conferences, bar groups, and networking events related to your area of legal specialty. This will help you build a professional network and establish yourself within the legal community.
• Teaching Experience: Consider teaching at the community college level or part-time at universities. This will allow you to gain teaching experience and test your interest in academia without leaving your current position. You can approach department heads directly and inquire about part-time teaching positions in areas such as political science, criminal justice, business law, or sociology.
• Fellowships: Look into fellowship programs offered by many law schools, which can provide financial support during your education and help expand your professional network.
• Alternative Certification: If you're interested in teaching law-related subjects at the K-12 level, explore alternative certification options. Almost all states offer alternative routes to becoming a teacher in these fields, which may include rigorous screening and subject matter testing.

Job applications

The job application process for a law teaching position is highly nuanced and competitive. It is important to note that the specific requirements may vary depending on the educational level you wish to teach, with positions at universities and law schools being the most competitive.

The first step is to ensure that you meet the necessary qualifications. For law professors, this typically includes a bachelor's degree, a Juris Doctorate degree from a law school, and a passed bar examination. Excellent grades and a strong academic performance throughout your legal education are highly advantageous.

If you are applying for a university or law school position, it is essential to have a solid academic foundation, including exceptional grades, service on a law review, and a prestigious judicial clerkship. Consider pursuing additional education, such as a master's or doctoral degree, to enhance your credentials and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

The next step is to develop your application materials, which may include a resume, cover letter, and any other required documents. Highlight your education, legal experience, and accomplishments in law. Emphasize any research you have conducted and publications or contributions to legal journals.

When applying for teaching positions, it is beneficial to establish relationships with faculty members and mentors in the field. Seek advice, mentorship, and potential references from law professors and established legal professionals. Their support and recommendations can significantly strengthen your application.

Additionally, consider attending job fairs and networking events specifically for law teaching positions, such as the one hosted by the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) in Washington, DC. Many law schools also hire through the AALS, which publishes a job newsletter with academic positions.

Keep in mind that the competition for law teaching positions is intense, and you may need to be flexible in your approach. Consider alternative routes, such as teaching at the community college level or part-time positions, which can provide an excellent opportunity to gain experience and establish yourself as a teacher.

Finally, be prepared for a comprehensive interview process. During the interviews, you will have the opportunity to elaborate on your legal experience, credentials, and areas of specialization. The interview process can vary in duration, ranging from a few days to several weeks, depending on the employer and the level of competition for the position.

Frequently asked questions