Becoming A Law Professor In Europe: A Guide

If you're considering a career as a law professor in Europe, there are several steps you should take to achieve your goal. Firstly, you'll need both a first law degree and the ambition to teach law. This is the foundation for your career path. While a doctorate or graduate degree is not mandatory, it is advantageous and can open up more opportunities. Postgraduate degrees can provide a platform for publications and teaching experience, which are highly valued by hiring committees. Additionally, gaining expertise in a specific area of law and establishing yourself as an authority through publications and industry recognition will enhance your prospects. Networking with law professors and seeking their mentorship is also invaluable. Finally, when you're ready to take the leap, you can start applying for positions at universities or private law schools, showcasing your unique blend of education, legal experience, and accomplishments.

Undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate

To become a law professor in Europe, you will need an undergraduate degree and a Juris Doctorate degree from a law school.

Undergraduate Degree:

The first step to becoming a law professor is to obtain an undergraduate degree. Aspiring law professors often enrol in a pre-law programme, which typically takes three to four years to complete. While not all law schools require a degree in pre-law, it can help prepare students for advanced legal concepts. Examples of suitable undergraduate degrees include:

• Political Science: Provides an understanding of the politics that often accompany laws and their application to political systems.
• Psychology: Offers insights into the motivations and behaviours of legislators and how laws are drafted.
• English: A background in English can aid in better comprehending the language of laws and legal documents.
• Criminal Justice: Studying criminal justice helps establish a foundation for understanding criminality and the application of law in criminal contexts.
• History: Provides context for the evolution of laws over time and their relevance in the present.
• Philosophy: A background in philosophy encourages critical thinking and an understanding of different interpretations of the law.

Juris Doctorate Degree:

After completing your undergraduate degree, the next step is to pursue a Juris Doctorate degree from a law school. This typically involves passing the law school admission test (LSAT) and then enrolling in a law programme, which usually takes about three years to complete. During their studies, students learn about law creation, interpretation, and enforcement, as well as developing advanced analytical skills.

While an undergraduate degree and a Juris Doctorate are the basic academic requirements, it is worth noting that graduate degrees, such as master's or doctoral degrees, can enhance your qualifications and improve your competitiveness for law professor positions. These additional degrees demonstrate a strong academic background and a high level of expertise in the field.

Pass the bar exam

Passing the bar exam is a crucial step on the path to becoming a law professor in Europe. While the specific requirements and procedures may vary across different European countries, here is a general overview of what you can expect:

Firstly, it is important to note that passing the bar exam is typically required for admission to the bar in many European countries, such as Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. This means that you will need to fulfil certain academic requirements, which often include obtaining a bachelor's degree in law, followed by a master's or doctoral degree in law. In some countries, a legal apprenticeship or practical training period is also necessary. For example, in Germany, candidates must pass the first State Examination, complete two years of practical training, and then pass the second State Examination to become fully qualified.

The bar exam itself will test your knowledge and understanding of the law. It may include written exams, oral exams, or both. The format and content of the exam will depend on the country and the specific requirements of the bar association or regulatory body. It is important to familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the bar exam in the country or region where you intend to practise law.

In addition to academic qualifications and passing the bar exam, gaining practical experience as a lawyer is also crucial. Most countries require several years of legal practice before you can be considered for a law professor position. This experience can be gained through working at a law firm, practising independently, or a combination of both. During this time, you can also focus on building your authority in the field by publishing legal articles and research.

While the bar exam is a significant milestone, it is important to remember that becoming a law professor in Europe typically requires a combination of academic qualifications, passing the bar, practical experience, and a strong publication record. Each of these elements plays a vital role in establishing your expertise, authority, and credibility in the legal field.

Publish research and articles

Publishing research and articles is a crucial step in becoming a law professor. It helps establish your credentials as a legal professional and researcher, and supplements your resume for law professor positions. Publishing research papers can also contribute to the collective knowledge of the legal industry and its applications.

To begin publishing, you can start by conducting legal research and writing articles during and after law school. Aim to get your work published in legal magazines and other reputable publications. You can also gain experience in interpreting laws and cases from your professional perspective by working as a legal clerk in a higher court, which will provide opportunities for legal writing and research.

The more you publish, the more you establish yourself as an authority in the legal field. This is an important factor in securing a position as a law professor, as publications are highly valued by hiring committees. They demonstrate your expertise, writing skills, and recognition within the industry.

Additionally, consider attending conferences and bar groups focused on your area of specialty. These provide excellent networking opportunities and help establish your presence within the legal community.

Remember, while teaching experience is valuable, it is challenging to secure an academic position without publications. Therefore, focus on producing solid research and articles to enhance your chances of becoming a law professor.

Gain practical experience

To become a law professor in Europe, you will need to gain practical experience in the field. This can be achieved through several avenues, each providing valuable skills and knowledge that will enhance your resume and improve your chances of securing a teaching position. Here are some ways to gain practical experience:

Legal Practice

Gaining experience as a practising lawyer is highly beneficial when pursuing a career as a law professor. Working in a law firm or independently for at least three to five years will provide you with valuable insights into the industry. This experience will enable you to advise your future students accurately and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. It will also help you establish connections and build a professional network, which can be advantageous when seeking a teaching position.

Clerkships

Pursuing a clerkship, particularly under a licensed judge, is an excellent way to gain practical experience. Working as a legal clerk offers an opportunity to assist judges with cases, conduct legal research, and draft legal documents. Clerkships typically last a few years and can be undertaken during law school or after graduation. Serving as a clerk for a local or state court and then progressing to a higher court can enhance your resume and improve your credentials as a legal professional. Many law professors have completed prestigious clerkships, such as those with the U.S. Supreme Court or the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Publishing Legal Articles and Research

Conducting legal research and publishing your findings in legal magazines, journals, or other publications is an essential aspect of gaining practical experience. Publishing establishes your credentials, showcases your expertise, and demonstrates your contribution to the collective knowledge of the legal industry. It also helps to build your reputation and establishes you as an authority in your field. Publishing research papers and articles is a crucial aspect of a law professor's role, so demonstrating success in this area is highly beneficial.

Mentorship and Guidance

Offering mentorship and guidance to others in their careers and educational journeys is a valuable form of practical experience. This can include providing advice, sharing your knowledge, and supporting individuals in making informed decisions about their future. Mentorship demonstrates your ability to educate and guide others, which is a key aspect of a law professor's role. It also allows you to build relationships and establish yourself as a trusted source of information and support.

Networking and Specialisation

Attending conferences, bar groups, and networking events focused on your area of specialisation is crucial for establishing yourself in the field. These events provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, expand your professional network, and enhance your knowledge. Specialising in a particular area of law, such as financial law, human rights law, or criminal law, can help you develop expertise and become a recognised authority in your field. Networking allows you to promote your specialisation and connect with potential employers or collaborators.

Gaining practical experience is essential when pursuing a career as a law professor in Europe. By combining legal practice, clerkships, publishing, mentorship, and effective networking, you can enhance your resume, establish your authority, and improve your chances of securing a teaching position at a university or law school.

Apply for positions

Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you can start applying for positions as a law professor.

Where to Look for Jobs

You can find law professor job postings on university websites or on job boards such as THEunijobs and the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) website. The AALS also holds a major job fair every October, where you can interview with different law schools.

The Application Process

The interview process for law professor positions can vary in length, from a few days to several weeks, depending on the employer and the level of competition. During the interview, you will be expected to discuss your legal experience and credentials, as well as highlight any specialisations or subjects you have expertise in.

Creating a Standout Application

To create a strong application, focus on your education and practical experience. Universities typically seek candidates with advanced academic credentials and extensive knowledge of the law. Consider including any research you have conducted or papers you have published, as these can enhance your application and establish your authority in the field. Additionally, if you have graduated from a well-known university or achieved high grades, be sure to highlight these accomplishments.

Networking

While not strictly part of the application process, establishing relationships with law professors and other professionals in the field can be invaluable. They can offer advice, mentorship, and insights into the market and important people to know. Attending conferences, bar groups, and industry events can also help you network and establish yourself within the legal academic community.

Frequently asked questions