Becoming A Law Teacher: Qualifications And Steps

Teaching law is a challenging yet rewarding career path. Law professors are experienced legal professionals who educate students on the intricacies of law, its philosophy, and practical applications. They provide instruction on ethics, legal practices, and the philosophy of law and its applications. To become a law teacher, one must obtain a bachelor's degree, attend law school, pursue clerkships, and gain practical experience by practicing law. Additionally, publishing legal research and articles can establish authority and enhance one's credentials. The hiring process for law teachers can be nuanced and competitive, and it is beneficial to have a strong academic record and seek mentorship from faculty members.

Obtain a bachelor's degree

To become a law teacher, the first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree. Aspiring law professors often enrol in a pre-law program, which 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.

Political Science

A background in political science helps prospective law students understand the politics that often accompany laws and how the law applies to political systems.

Psychology

Studying psychology can aid in comprehending human behaviour, which is valuable for understanding how and why legislators draft laws.

English

A background in English can enhance one's understanding of the language used in laws and legal documents, improving their interpretation and communication skills.

Criminal Justice

Gaining knowledge about criminal justice provides insights into criminality and how the law relates to criminal activities, which is essential for teaching criminal law.

History

Studying history illuminates the evolution of laws, allowing students to grasp the connection between historical contexts and present-day legal systems.

Philosophy

A degree in philosophy helps students understand the diverse interpretations of the law and how lawmakers think, fostering a more nuanced approach to legal education.

Attend law school

After completing a bachelor's degree, you can apply to law school. Law school typically takes three years to complete. During law school, you will learn how legislators write laws and how law enforcement officers and judges apply them. You will also develop advanced analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex problems.

To enter a law programme, you will need to pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). After passing the LSAT, you will become eligible to apply to law schools. You can take LSAT courses, hire a tutor, or use a study guide to help you prepare for the test.

There are three well-trodden paths to a career in law teaching. The majority of law teachers follow one of these paths:

• The Classical Path: This path involves exceptional academic performance in law school, service on the law review, and a prestigious judicial clerkship. However, due to the fierce competition in academic positions, this path no longer guarantees a good law school teaching position.
• The LLM/ "Post-Doc"/VAP Path: This path may require slightly less academic accomplishment and work experience than the Classical Path. It involves strong academic performance, practical experience, and additional academic experience/research after graduating from law school.
• The Interdisciplinary Path: This path involves pursuing graduate studies in an area relevant to law, such as history, economics, philosophy, sociology, or political science, often earning a Ph.D.

Regardless of the path chosen, it is important to establish scholarly potential by publishing research papers or articles in legal magazines or law reviews. This will enhance your credentials as a legal professional and researcher, making you a more competitive candidate for law teaching positions.

Additionally, developing substantial relationships with faculty members who can later serve as references is crucial. Their letters of recommendation, phone calls, and emails can significantly impact your job applications.

Pursue a clerkship

Pursuing a clerkship is an important step in becoming a law teacher. A clerkship is a coveted résumé builder, and for good reason. Clerkships offer a unique opportunity to gain extensive knowledge of the legal profession and the American judicial process.

Clerks typically work under judges, helping with cases, filing legal paperwork, conducting legal research, and completing bench memos. A clerkship can be a highly valuable experience, as clerks often act as the judge's personal attorney. This means clerks are relied on for counsel on the legal issues and cases on the judge's docket.

There are two types of clerkships: term clerks and career clerks. Term clerks usually serve for 1-3 years, while career clerks work for an undisclosed period. Term clerks are often recent law school graduates, while career clerks can be at any stage in their legal career.

The most prestigious clerkship is with a federal judge. All levels of federal judges have law clerks, from District Court judges to Supreme Court justices. The application process for federal clerkships is extremely competitive and formal, with specific start and end dates. Judges often hire law clerks 1-2 years in advance.

State court judges and justices also hire law clerks, and these positions can be slightly less competitive. State supreme court justices and appellate court judges often have at least one law clerk, and some state trial court judges also have clerks.

Clerking for a judge can be a great way to network with other attorneys and gain exposure to a wide variety of types of law. It is also an excellent opportunity to improve research, writing, and analytical skills.

When applying for clerkships, it is important to consider your goals and interests. For example, if you are interested in a particular area of law, such as copyright law, you should pursue federal clerkships. If you want to establish a practice in a specific state, consider clerking for a state court.

In addition, the relationship between the judge and clerk is important. It is beneficial to establish a good rapport with the judge during the application process, as this may increase your chances of being selected.

Overall, pursuing a clerkship is a highly valuable step in becoming a law teacher. It provides an opportunity to gain practical experience, build a professional network, and develop the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in law teaching.

Practice law

Practicing law is an important step in becoming a law teacher, as it gives you practical experience and allows you to learn industry knowledge. This experience can help you provide accurate advice to your future students about working in the legal field. It is recommended to spend at least three to five years practicing law at a firm or independently. During this time, you can also work on completing your clerkship.

While gaining practical experience, it is important to focus on education. This includes obtaining a bachelor's degree, preferably in a pre-law program, and then attending law school. Law school typically takes three years to complete, and you will need to pass the law school admission test (LSAT) to gain entry. During law school, you will learn how to write legislation, how law enforcement officers and judges apply the law, advanced analysis skills, and how to interpret complex problems. Exceptional academic performance in law school, such as graduating with honours, can increase your chances of securing a teaching position.

In addition to your legal education, pursuing a graduate degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree, can enhance your resume and demonstrate your qualifications and experience to potential employers. These degrees typically take between three and eight years to complete.

Another way to gain practical experience and build your resume is by pursuing fellowships. Many law schools offer fellowship programs that can help you pay for your education and expand your professional network. These programs often serve as stepping stones to teaching careers.

Publish research

Publishing research papers is an important step in establishing yourself as a credible and knowledgeable law teacher. It demonstrates your expertise, enhances your resume, and showcases your ability to contribute to the collective knowledge of the legal industry. Here are some tips to help you effectively publish your research:

Establish Scholarly Potential

The best way to showcase your potential as a law teacher is to publish scholarly articles or papers in reputable law reviews or journals. Aim to have at least one article published after graduating from law school. This will make your candidacy more attractive to potential employers and demonstrate your commitment to a career in scholarship. Remember, the quality of your work is essential; ensure your research is thorough and well-crafted before submitting it for publication.

Choose Relevant Topics:

Select topics for your research that align with your areas of expertise and interest. Focus on subjects that you are passionate about and have a strong understanding of. This could include specialisations such as tax law, human rights law, constitutional law, commercial law, or any other area of law that interests you. By establishing yourself as an expert in specific areas of law, you become more attractive as a candidate for law teaching positions.

Utilise Academic Resources:

Take advantage of the resources available during your time in law school. Participate in seminars, independent studies, or other research opportunities that can form the basis of your published work. Collaborate with professors and seek their guidance on topics, methodologies, and publications. Establishing relationships with faculty members is crucial, as they can later serve as references and provide recommendations for teaching jobs.

Consider Interdisciplinary Scholarship:

Don't be afraid to explore interdisciplinary scholarship. Many law schools value candidates with diverse academic backgrounds. Consider pursuing graduate studies in areas such as history, economics, philosophy, sociology, or political science, which can provide a unique perspective to your legal research. This approach can make your application stand out and demonstrate your ability to think critically and innovatively.

Publish Frequently:

To establish yourself as a prominent authority in the legal field, aim to publish regularly. Consistently producing high-quality research will enhance your reputation and credibility. Stay informed about current legal topics, trends, and developments to identify potential areas of research. Remember that publishing is a process, and it may take time to build a solid body of work, so be patient and persistent.

Maintain High Standards:

While it's important to publish frequently, always prioritise quality over quantity. Ensure that your research is well-researched, analysed, and presented. Avoid publishing something just for the sake of it; instead, focus on producing thoughtful, insightful, and original work that contributes to the advancement of legal knowledge. Remember, your publications reflect your commitment to academic excellence.

Frequently asked questions