Becoming A Ta: Asking A Law Professor

Becoming a teaching assistant (TA) can be a great way to gain teaching experience and establish yourself as an authority in the legal field. To approach a law professor about becoming a TA, it is important to first excel in your courses and build a good relationship with the professor. Doing well in classes demonstrates your commitment and strengths, and increases your chances of being considered for a TA position. Networking with professors and expressing your interest in teaching or research opportunities can also be beneficial. When reaching out, it is advisable to send a concise email expressing your interest and highlighting your strengths and qualifications. It is also important to be mindful of the professor's time and not be discouraged by rejection, as TA positions are highly competitive.

Befriend your law professors

Becoming a teaching assistant (TA) is a great way to gain experience in the field of academia and can be a stepping stone to a career as a law professor. One of the most important steps to securing a position as a TA is to develop relationships with your law professors. Here are some tips to help you befriend your law professors and increase your chances of becoming a TA:

• Make the most of office hours: Professors often hold office hours where they are available to meet with students. Take advantage of these opportunities to seek guidance and advice from your professors. This can help you stand out and build a rapport with them.
• Participate in class: Active participation in class discussions and seminars can help you get noticed by your professors. It demonstrates your engagement and interest in the subject matter.
• Seek mentorship: Some professors may be open to the idea of mentoring students. A mentor can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your academic journey. Don't be afraid to express your interest in their research and seek their advice.
• Excel in your courses: Performing well in your classes is crucial. Professors are more likely to consider high-achieving students for TA positions as it demonstrates commitment and a strong understanding of the subject.
• Show genuine interest: Express your passion for the subject and your interest in their research. Professors are more likely to be receptive if they see your enthusiasm and dedication.
• Network with multiple professors: Don't put all your efforts into impressing just one professor. Cast a wide net and build relationships with several professors. This increases your chances of finding a mentor or a professor who is looking for a TA.

Remember, building solid relationships with your law professors can not only help you secure a TA position but can also provide valuable references and mentorship opportunities as you pursue your career goals.

Write a concise email

Subject: Teaching Assistant Position Inquiry

Dear Professor [Recipient],

I am writing to express my interest in becoming a teaching assistant for your course [Course Name]. I recently completed this course and thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the focus on [X, Y, and Z topics]. I believe that my performance in the class, as evidenced by my final grade, demonstrates my strong understanding of the material.

I am keen to further develop my teaching skills and gain experience in academia. I am confident that my background in [relevant qualifications/experience] and my passion for the subject will enable me to effectively support and guide students in their learning journey.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this possibility further and am available at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Emailing a Professor:

• Keep the email concise and to the point, focusing on your interest in the TA position and highlighting relevant qualifications or experience.
• It is advisable to send the email soon after completing the course while the professor still remembers your performance and engagement.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the course content and explain why you enjoyed it.
• Emphasize your strong performance in the course as an indicator of your ability to assist other students.
• Express your motivation for wanting to become a TA, such as a desire to develop teaching skills or gain academic experience.
• Be respectful of the professor's time and express your willingness to meet at their convenience.

Remember that TA positions are often competitive, so don't be discouraged if you don't receive a positive response. Each application is a learning experience, and you can use the feedback to improve your approach for future opportunities.

Highlight your grades

When approaching a law professor about becoming a teaching assistant, highlighting your grades is a crucial aspect of your pitch. Here are some paragraphs to help you make a compelling case:

The Importance of Grades

Grades are a significant factor in the hiring process for teaching assistants in law school. While other factors, such as writing skills, references, and teaching abilities, also play a role, grades are often the initial screening criterion. Law schools typically seek candidates who have excelled academically and demonstrated a strong understanding of complex legal concepts. Your grades serve as a testament to your mastery of the subject matter and your ability to convey that knowledge to students effectively.

Demonstrating Academic Excellence

When highlighting your grades, it is essential to provide specific details. Mention your overall GPA, but also point out any notable achievements, such as Latin honours or awards received for academic excellence. If you have consistently improved your grades throughout your academic career, be sure to emphasise that upward trajectory. Law professors will be impressed by your dedication and ability to overcome challenges. Additionally, if you have performed exceptionally well in courses directly related to the field of law you wish to teach, be sure to mention those grades specifically. For example, if you're aiming to become a teaching assistant for criminal law, highlight your grades in criminal justice or criminology courses.

Grades and Publication Record

In the legal academic world, publication records are highly valued. While your grades are essential, pairing them with a strong publication record can set you apart from other candidates. Consider submitting scholarly articles to law reviews or legal magazines, especially if you can showcase your expertise in a particular area of law. Professors often seek teaching assistants who are not only academically brilliant but also actively contribute to the advancement of legal knowledge. By demonstrating your ability to conduct research and convey complex legal concepts through writing, you enhance your profile as a potential teaching assistant.

Grades and Teaching Ability

While grades are crucial, it's also essential to recognise their connection to teaching ability. Strong grades indicate a solid understanding of the subject matter, which is a prerequisite for effectively teaching others. Law professors will be confident that you can explain complex legal concepts clearly and accurately. Additionally, your grades demonstrate your work ethic, dedication, and ability to manage your academic responsibilities. These traits are highly desirable in a teaching assistant, as they indicate your potential to handle the demands of teaching and provide support to students.

Grades and Career Aspirations

If you aspire to become a law professor yourself one day, your grades will play a pivotal role in achieving that goal. Law schools seek professors who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and a strong foundation in legal scholarship. By highlighting your grades and academic achievements, you not only increase your chances of becoming a teaching assistant but also set yourself up for a successful career in legal academia. Remember, your academic record is a testament to your commitment, work ethic, and expertise in the field of law.

Focus on education

If you are a student, your academic performance is the most direct path to becoming a TA. Doing well in your courses shows your commitment and strengths to the course instructor. Once you excel in a course, you can approach its instructor and express your interest in becoming a TA for the next offering of the course.

To further your chances, you can take classes that will give you the opportunity to write scholarly papers and get to know professors. As you take classes, start a file of ideas that might become articles. It is advantageous if there is some intellectual relationship among your different articles, so as to form a coherent research agenda. However, the most important thing is to get writing done, and on subjects you care about, even if the various papers don’t obviously cohere.

If possible, you should try to produce at least one paper while at university that you can turn into a publishable article or student note. Many law reviews like to publish book review essays regularly and often have fewer submissions from established faculty than they would like. If you pick out a book on a hot topic or by a prominent professor and submit a review to a flock of law reviews, there is a good chance of having it published, even while you are a student.

Unlike other disciplines, in law, the book review essay is often article-length and gives the author space to develop independent ideas. At the same time, book reviews are easier to write than conventional articles because they typically don’t require extensive independent research or a freestanding thesis. They count less than articles but are much better than no publication.

If you are a graduate, you can still become a TA by serving as a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses or for some law school courses.

Include your research

To approach a law professor about becoming a teaching assistant, it is important to include your research in your pitch. Here are some ways to do that:

Emphasize Your Academic Credentials

When reaching out to a law professor, it is essential to highlight your academic credentials and research experience. This could include mentioning your bachelor's degree, law school attendance, clerkships, and any other relevant educational achievements. For example, you might say something like, "I recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and I am currently enrolled in law school, where I am gaining advanced analytical skills and a deeper understanding of legal concepts."

Discuss Your Research Interests

It would be best if you also talked about your research interests and how they align with the professor's work. Before your conversation, thoroughly review the professor's research areas and publications. This will demonstrate your interest and knowledge in their field of expertise. For instance, you could say, "I am particularly interested in the philosophy of law and its applications, which aligns with your recent research on legal ethics."

Provide Examples of Your Research Work

It is beneficial to provide specific examples of your research work, such as legal articles or research papers you have published. This will showcase your writing skills and your ability to contribute to the legal industry's collective knowledge. You might say, "I have published two research articles on the interpretation of complex legal documents, which I believe could be of value to your upcoming course."

Highlight Your Understanding of the Role

When approaching the professor, demonstrate your understanding of the teaching assistant role and how your research experience can contribute to it. For example, explain how your research skills can help create coursework, support students, and enhance their understanding of legal concepts. You could say, "As a teaching assistant, I would be able to assist in developing coursework that draws on my research experience, providing valuable insights to students and helping them apply legal theories to real-world situations."

Express Your Interest in Mentorship

Many professors value the opportunity to mentor aspiring law professionals. Express your interest in learning from their expertise and your willingness to engage in research collaborations. For example, you could say, "I am eager to learn from your extensive knowledge and research background, and I am open to exploring joint research projects that could benefit from my skills in qualitative empirical investigation."

Offer to Send Additional Information

Finally, offer to provide additional information or materials that showcase your research skills and experience. This could include a resume, writing samples, or a list of relevant courses you have taken. For instance, you could say, "I would be happy to send you my resume and some examples of my research work, which I believe demonstrate my qualifications for the teaching assistant position."

Frequently asked questions