Becoming A College Law Teacher In The Uk: A Guide

Teaching law at a UK college is a rewarding career that involves educating students on the intricacies of the law, its philosophy, and its practical application. To become a law teacher at the college level, you will need to obtain certain qualifications and develop specific skills. Here is an introduction to guide you on your path to becoming a college law teacher in the UK.

Academic Qualifications: A Master's in a specialist area of law, followed by a PhD

To become a college law teacher in the UK, you will need to obtain a master's degree in a specialist area of law, such as Commercial Law or Human Rights, followed by a PhD.

Obtaining a master's degree in a specialist area of law will provide you with advanced knowledge and expertise in your chosen field. This qualification will also demonstrate your commitment to the field of law and your ability to conduct independent research and study. During your master's programme, you will have the opportunity to develop specialised skills and knowledge that will be beneficial for your future career as a college law teacher.

Pursuing a PhD in law will further enhance your subject matter expertise and establish you as an expert in your chosen field. A PhD is the highest academic qualification and will involve original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of law. During your PhD, you will have the opportunity to work closely with renowned academics and researchers, developing your analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

While pursuing your master's and PhD, it is advisable to gain teaching experience by applying for a position as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with your law school or department. This will provide you with valuable practical experience in teaching and allow you to develop your pedagogical skills. Additionally, gaining teaching experience during your studies can make your job application more competitive and demonstrate your passion for both research and education.

When choosing your specialist area of law, it is essential to select a field that deeply interests you and aligns with your career aspirations. Additionally, considering the job market and choosing an area with growing employment opportunities can increase your chances of finding a college law teacher position after completing your academic qualifications.

Practical Experience: Several years of professional practice as a solicitor or barrister

Practical experience is an important aspect of becoming a college or university law teacher in the UK. While there is an academic route to securing such a position, several years of professional practice as a solicitor or barrister can also be a pathway to a teaching career. This route usually requires academic qualifications beyond a bachelor's degree.

For those who have practised as solicitors or barristers, the next step is typically to pursue a master's degree (LLM or MA) in a specialist area of law. Commercial Law and Human Rights are examples of such specialist areas. This is followed by a PhD, during which it is beneficial to gain a post as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in a Law school or department.

It is important to choose a specialist area that you are deeply interested in and one that is likely to offer a growing number of job opportunities. This practical experience, combined with academic qualifications, can enhance your prospects of becoming a college or university law teacher in the UK.

Classical Path: Exceptional academic performance in law school, service on a law review, and a prestigious judicial clerkship

The Classical Path to becoming a law teacher in the UK is a traditional route that emphasises exceptional academic performance and prestigious credentials. Here is a detailed breakdown of what this path entails:

Exceptional Academic Performance in Law School

The first step on the Classical Path involves excelling in law school. This means achieving high grades, demonstrating strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and standing out among your peers. Law is a highly competitive field, and top universities have stringent entry requirements. Aim for excellent grades, particularly in research-intensive, analytical, and communication-based modules.

Service on a Law Review

Serving on a law review, preferably in a senior editorial position, is a key component of the Classical Path. Law reviews are student-run law journals that publish articles, notes, comments, and other legal content. Being part of a law review demonstrates your ability to review and edit legal scholarship, as well as your commitment to the field. Aim for roles such as Articles Editor or Editor-in-Chief to showcase your leadership and management skills.

Prestigious Judicial Clerkship

Following law school, the Classical Path typically involves securing a prestigious judicial clerkship. This means clerking for a high-profile court, ideally a U.S. Court of Appeals or even the U.S. Supreme Court. A judicial clerkship provides valuable experience in legal research and writing, and it offers insights into the judicial process. It also enhances your resume when applying for academic positions.

Benefits and Challenges of the Classical Path

The Classical Path used to be considered a guaranteed route to law school teaching positions. However, due to increasing competition and changing academic priorities, it is no longer a sure path. Law schools are seeking potential scholars, and while the Classical Path demonstrates academic excellence, it may not always showcase scholarly potential.

Additionally, the Classical Path may be less relevant for those interested in interdisciplinary scholarship, as it focuses primarily on traditional legal credentials. Nevertheless, the Classical Path still holds weight and can be a strong foundation for a career in law teaching. It showcases your academic prowess, dedication to the field, and ability to secure prestigious opportunities.

To increase your chances of success, consider developing scholarly work, such as publishing articles in reputable law reviews, and establish relationships with prominent faculty members who can provide references and support. Remember that exceptional academic performance and a strong resume are essential, but they may not be sufficient on their own. Combining the Classical Path with additional academic experience, such as Path B or Path C as described in the source, can further enhance your prospects of becoming a law teacher in the UK.

LLM/Post-Doc/VAP Path: Strong academic performance, practical experience, and additional academic experience/research

This path to becoming a law teacher is a good option if you have strong academic credentials and practical experience, but not necessarily an exceptional academic record. It can be a more accessible route than the traditional "Classical Path", which has become increasingly competitive and may not be as well-suited to the current landscape of interdisciplinary scholarship.

Strong Academic Performance:

Aim for strong academic performance during your law degree. While you don't need to graduate at the very top of your class, solid grades and a good overall academic record will be important.

Practical Experience:

Gain some practical experience, either through legal practice or a clerkship. This could include working as a solicitor or barrister, providing legal support and advice to clients, or carrying out research and appearing in court.

Additional Academic Experience/Research:

The key differentiator of this path is the emphasis on additional academic experience and research after completing your law degree. Here are some options to consider:

• Graduate Law Degree (LL.M.): Pursue a master's degree in law (LL.M.) from a top law school. This will allow you to specialise in a specific area of law and conduct in-depth research.
• Teaching Legal Research and Writing: Consider applying for positions that focus on teaching legal research and writing at top law schools. These positions are often designed to help develop future legal scholars and teachers.
• Visiting Assistant Professor or Fellow: Apply for positions as a Visiting Assistant Professor or Fellow at programs aimed at providing a stepping stone to teaching careers. These positions can help you gain teaching experience and develop your scholarly profile.
• Publish Scholarly Work: Aim to publish at least one article in a law review or reputable academic journal. This will demonstrate your potential as a legal scholar and enhance your candidacy for teaching positions.
• Develop Faculty Relationships: Cultivate relationships with faculty members who can later serve as references and mentors. These connections can provide valuable advice, support, and recommendations when applying for teaching roles.
• Choose a Specialist Area: Focus on developing expertise in a specific area of law that you are passionate about and for which there is a growing demand for teachers. This could include areas such as commercial law, property law, or tax law.

Remember, this path offers a combination of academic and practical experience, allowing you to build a strong profile for law teaching positions. It is a great option if you are interested in both the academic and practical aspects of law and want to develop your scholarly credentials further.

For more tailored advice, you may also want to consult resources and mentors at your law school, as they can guide you based on your specific background and interests.

Interdisciplinary Path: Graduate studies in another area relevant to law, such as history, economics, or philosophy

Interdisciplinary Path to Becoming a College Law Teacher in the UK

The interdisciplinary path to becoming a college law teacher in the UK involves pursuing graduate studies in an area other than law that is still relevant to the field, such as history, economics, philosophy, sociology, or political science. This path can be combined with the classical path (Path A) or the LLM/post-doc/VAP path (Path B) but doesn't have to be if your work in the other discipline is of sufficient quality and distinction to attract the attention of law schools.

This route typically involves earning a Ph.D. in one of the aforementioned fields. For example, if you choose to pursue graduate studies in economics, you could seek advice from professors of economics at your chosen university.

The interdisciplinary path can be a good option for those who want to teach law but also have a strong interest or expertise in another area. It can also be a way to stand out from other candidates and attract the attention of law schools, especially if you are able to publish scholarly work in your chosen field.

It is worth noting that most law schools are primarily looking for potential scholars, and publishing scholarly work before applying for teaching positions can be a significant advantage. Therefore, it is important to consider pursuing graduate studies in an area that you are deeply interested in and passionate about, as this will help you produce high-quality research that will make your application more competitive.

Additionally, gaining a post as a Graduate Teaching Assistant during your graduate studies can also be beneficial and provide valuable teaching experience.

Frequently asked questions