Becoming An Adjunct Law Professor: Strategies For Success

Becoming an adjunct law professor is a great way to teach without having to go through the traditional tenure process. Adjunct professors are typically practitioners who teach courses on a part-time basis, often in addition to their full-time job. While it may not be a lucrative career option, with adjuncts making only a few thousand dollars per course, it can be a rewarding way to share your knowledge and experience with the next generation of lawyers. To become an adjunct law professor, networking and connections are key. Start by reaching out to your law school alumni network and faculty members who can advocate for you. It is also important to have a well-developed idea for a course that fills a gap in the curriculum. While publications are not always necessary, prior positive teaching evaluations can be helpful. So, if you have a passion for teaching and want to share your expertise with law students, becoming an adjunct professor could be a great option!

Start with legal writing

To become an adjunct law professor, one of the best ways to start is by teaching legal writing. Many legal writing programs use practitioners from the community to teach first-year legal writing. This is because first-year legal writing classes are often small seminars, making it more cost-effective to hire adjuncts instead of full-time professors. Additionally, legal writing needs to be practical, and practitioners are well-versed in what effective writing looks like.

If you're interested in teaching legal writing, here are some steps you can take:

Hone Your Own Writing Skills

Focus on developing your writing abilities, not just in law but also in other areas. A liberal arts education can provide a strong foundation for good writing. History theses, English literature studies, and sociology experiments can all contribute to improving your writing. While in law school, take upper-level writing classes that offer practical experience in writing legal documents and provide regular feedback. Consider participating in moot court for appellate practice and oral advocacy, and take clinics to gain research and writing experience.

Understand Pedagogy

Effective teaching should be the primary goal of any law professor. Understand the unique challenges of teaching legal writing and the methods employed by experienced professors. LRW (Legal Research and Writing) professors use techniques like flipped classrooms, the workshop model, and frequent formative assessments. They tailor their instruction to individual learners, teaching both skills and concepts. Observe your most effective professors and reflect on the methods they use to enhance your understanding and retention of the material.

Network with Professors and Expand Your Connections

Get to know your professors, especially those teaching LRW. Learn about their journeys and seek their guidance. Additionally, expand your network beyond your law school. Engage with national student organizations and online communities, such as Twitter. Follow and connect with LRW professors, legal writing experts, and attorneys who value legal writing. Participating in these communities will provide you with valuable connections and a deeper understanding of the role.

Gain Practice Experience

Significant practice experience is crucial for becoming an LRW adjunct. Aim for at least five years of practice in various areas, such as private practice, government, public interest, or criminal law. This will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to draw from when teaching.

Volunteer and Seek Adjunct Opportunities

Reach out to local law schools and offer your time as a volunteer. You can serve as a moot court judge, mock trial coach, guest speaker, or in other capacities. This will help you build relationships with the faculty and increase your chances of being considered for adjunct positions. Keep an eye out for adjunct or visiting teaching positions, as they can provide valuable experience and demonstrate your commitment to teaching.

Immerse Yourself in Scholarship

Familiarize yourself with the latest scholarship and research in legal writing. Read articles, monographs, and journals focused on legal writing pedagogy and best practices. If possible, consider publishing your own work in this field, as it showcases your interest and initiative.

Remember, adjunct law professors are typically unpaid or receive a small stipend, so ensure that you are passionate about teaching and are aware of the financial considerations.

Consider community college

If you're looking to become an adjunct law professor, it's worth considering community colleges, also known as junior colleges. These institutions often require adjuncts to teach various courses and are usually more flexible in terms of qualifications and experience.

Depending on your background, you may be able to teach introductory law-related subjects such as legal studies or a criminal law primer for non-lawyers. If you have a master's degree, you might even find opportunities for non-legal adjunct positions.

While the pay for adjunct professors might not be enough to replace your main source of income, it can provide a good supplementary income. However, it's important to keep in mind that adjunct positions typically don't lead to tenure-track jobs, as schools have different hiring processes for those roles.

To get started, you can reach out to community colleges in your area and inquire about any openings for adjunct professors. Networking with alumni or faculty members can also be beneficial. Additionally, having a well-developed idea of the specific course you want to teach can increase your chances of being hired.

Keep your day job

Adjunct law professors are members of the faculty but do not have tenure, meaning they are not guaranteed full-time, continuous employment. Adjunct professors are often part-time, with contracts lasting for a semester or a year before they are up for renewal. This means that adjunct professors can keep their day jobs while teaching law.

Adjunct teaching does not take up much time, and the time commitment is manageable, especially once you have taught the class and are refining the curriculum. It usually only takes a few hours per week, including prepping, teaching, and meeting with students. You can also choose how often you teach, from one quarter per year to every quarter.

The pay for adjunct professors is not high, and it is not a replacement for a regular salary. Most adjunct professors make a few thousand dollars per course. However, adjunct teaching can bring other benefits, such as feeling deeply fulfilling, helping you become better at your day job, and providing opportunities to network and build your professional profile.

Additionally, adjunct teaching can be a great way to get your foot in the door if you want to eventually transition to a full-time teaching position. It can also enhance your resume and demonstrate your qualifications and experience to potential employers.

Overall, keeping your day job while working as an adjunct law professor is feasible, and the flexibility of adjunct teaching allows you to balance your commitments effectively.

Check out your law school

If you live and work close to where you obtained your law degree, it is worth asking your school if they have any openings for adjunct professors. Networking with your alma mater is a great way to find adjunct work and it is good for alumni relations.

If you are interested in teaching at your former school, it is a good idea to have a well-developed idea of what you would like to teach. Identify a gap in their curriculum that you are qualified to fill and reach out to the relevant professor with a focused course proposal. This will show that you are interested in and knowledgeable about a particular subject, rather than just sending a generic application.

You could also consider guest lecturing at your former school. This can help you to build a network of advocates and, if there is a need for the subjects you are an expert in, having advocates on the faculty can help you get an adjunct position.

If you know any professors at your local law schools, talk to them first. They may be able to give you an idea of the procedures and requirements for adjunct professors at their school.

Just apply

If you're a lawyer who's thought about becoming a law professor, you may have realised that it's challenging to secure a full, tenured professorship. However, you can always consider becoming an adjunct professor, an untenured "guest" professor who teaches courses on a part-time basis. Here's a detailed guide on how to make that happen by just applying for it:

Identify Your Preferred Law Schools:

Start by researching and identifying law schools where you would like to teach. Consider factors such as location, reputation, and areas of specialisation. You might want to begin with your alma mater or law schools in your vicinity.

Develop a Compelling Course Proposal:

Before reaching out, it's essential to have a well-defined idea of what you want to teach. Think about the specific course or subject area you're passionate about and qualified to teach. Develop a course proposal that showcases your expertise and fills a gap in their curriculum. This will make your application more appealing.

Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter:

Craft a resume that highlights your legal qualifications, practice experience, and any prior teaching or guest lecturing roles. Emphasise any accomplishments or awards that demonstrate your expertise. In your cover letter, express your interest in teaching at the law school and explain why you would be a valuable addition to their adjunct faculty.

Reach Out to the Right People:

Identify the appropriate contact person, typically the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and send them your application materials. You can simply submit your resume and cover letter expressing your interest. Alternatively, you can try a more proactive approach by emailing or calling the Associate Dean to request an informal meeting or coffee chat. This can help you make a personal connection and stand out from other applicants.

Leverage Your Network:

While not always necessary, networking can be advantageous. If you know any current professors or faculty members at your target law schools, reach out to them and seek their advice and support. They may be willing to advocate for you or provide valuable insights into the application process.

Be Persistent and Proactive:

Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back immediately. Follow up on your application after a reasonable amount of time has passed. Additionally, keep an eye out for new adjunct openings and be proactive in applying for them. Sometimes, it's about being in the right place at the right time, so demonstrating your continued interest can be beneficial.

Remember, adjunct professors are often sought to fill specific needs or gaps in the curriculum. By presenting yourself as a qualified and enthusiastic candidate, you increase your chances of being selected when those opportunities arise. So, don't hesitate to just apply and take that first step towards becoming an adjunct law professor!

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