Kara Sears
A law degree can open doors to various career paths beyond the legal profession. For those interested in teaching, a law degree can be a valuable asset. Depending on the jurisdiction, additional certification or education may be required to meet the standards for teachers. However, a law degree can provide the necessary qualifications to teach at different levels, including primary, secondary, undergraduate, and graduate programmes. In the United States, a law degree can be advantageous for teaching positions in law schools, undergraduate programmes, and even high schools offering law-related courses. Additionally, adjunct faculty positions in fields like political science, criminal justice, and taxation are often filled by those with law degrees. While the path to a tenure-track professorship may be challenging, a law degree combined with publications and expertise in specific subjects can enhance one's credentials for teaching roles in academia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Teaching level | Primary, secondary, undergraduate, graduate, community college, university, law school |
| Subject | Law-related, political science, history, taxation, criminal justice, business law, sociology |
| Additional requirements | PhD, publication, excellent grades, years of practice, contributing articles to legal journals |
| Other career options | Mediator, financial advisor, foreign service officer, employee benefits manager |
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What You'll Learn
Teaching law at a college or university
A law degree can be a great asset if you are interested in teaching at a college or university. The specific requirements may vary depending on the institution and location, but here are some insights and considerations:
Qualifications and Credentials:
While a law degree is a valuable qualification, additional schooling or certification may be necessary to teach at the college or university level. In the United States, for example, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree may allow you to teach at law schools and undergraduate programs. However, for tenure-track or full-time university positions, the competition is high, and some institutions may prefer candidates with a PhD or doctorate in a specific field. It is important to check with the specific universities and their requirements.
Subject Matter Expertise:
Your law degree can be particularly advantageous when teaching law-related subjects. Departments you can consider approaching include political science, criminal justice, business law, and sociology. Additionally, larger universities with criminal justice departments or political science departments may seek individuals with law degrees to teach relevant courses.
Part-Time Teaching Opportunities:
Starting as a part-time lecturer or adjunct professor can be a good way to gain experience and test your interest in teaching. Many colleges and universities first look at their part-time faculty when full-time openings become available. It is also a way to get your foot in the door and build your credentials for more permanent positions.
Publications and Research:
Beyond your degree, publications and research can significantly enhance your profile as a potential lecturer or professor. Consider contributing articles to legal journals or other relevant publications. This demonstrates your expertise, authority, and commitment to the field, making you a more attractive candidate.
Alternative Paths:
If you are interested in education but not necessarily classroom teaching, there are other paths to explore. You can work behind the scenes in curriculum development, focusing on law-related subjects like civic engagement, immigration law, and civil rights. Nonprofit organizations, such as Teaching for Change, Street Law, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, offer curriculum resources in these areas.
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Teaching law at high school
A law degree is a versatile qualification that can be applied to a variety of teaching roles. While many law graduates go on to practice law, a significant number pursue careers in education.
Teaching law at the high school level is a viable option for those with a law degree. High schools often offer courses related to government, criminal justice, and other law-related topics. Additionally, extracurricular activities focused on civic engagement provide opportunities to engage students in law-related discussions and activities.
To teach law at the high school level, additional certification or education may be required, depending on the specific requirements of the state or school district. Some states offer alternative certification for individuals teaching subjects related to their degree. It is important to check with the state's board of education or the local school district to understand the specific requirements.
Those with a law degree can also explore teaching positions at the undergraduate or community college level. While competition for tenure-track professorships can be intense, adjunct teaching positions are often available for those with a law degree, particularly in subjects like political science, criminal justice, and taxation.
To enhance one's credentials for a teaching career, it is beneficial to establish authority in a specific field of law through years of practice, excellent grades, or contributions to legal journals and publications. These additional qualifications can make a candidate more competitive in the job market and open up further opportunities in education.
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Working as a mediator
A law degree is a versatile qualification that can serve as a gateway to numerous career paths, including working as a mediator. Mediators are neutral third parties who assist disputing individuals or entities in reaching a mutually agreeable resolution without having to go to trial. This career option is ideal for those who want to work in a field related to law but without the stress and pressure associated with being a lawyer.
While it is not mandatory to possess a law degree to become a mediator, having one can be advantageous and even essential in certain contexts. Some states and employers may require a background in law for mediator positions. For instance, Arkansas mandates that aspiring mediators hold a master's degree or a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, along with completing at least 40 hours of training in mediation. Similarly, Indiana requires an advanced university degree or a law degree, plus specialized training in domestic relations mediation for those interested in this particular field.
The knowledge and skills gained from a law degree can significantly enhance your effectiveness as a mediator. Understanding the legal system, legal jargon, and the intricacies of state laws can be beneficial when dealing with attorneys and represented clients in court mediation. Additionally, certain types of disputes, such as those involving business or medical issues, may benefit from a mediator with a legal background.
To become a successful mediator, it is essential to develop certain skills and attributes. Empathy, impartiality, and strong negotiation abilities are key characteristics of effective mediators. Understanding the mediation process and possessing strong analytical skills to evaluate claims and identify potential areas of agreement are also crucial.
While a law degree can be beneficial, it is important to note that specific training in mediation is usually required. Most states mandate around 40 hours of mediation training, which can be obtained through community colleges, conflict resolution centers, or courts. Additionally, further specialized training in your chosen practice area, such as family or workplace mediation, may be necessary to meet the requirements of your state or employer.
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Becoming a financial advisor
A law degree is a versatile qualification that can be useful in many fields, including finance. Financial advisors help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about their money, and a law degree can provide a strong foundation for this role.
Financial advisors assist clients in managing their money wisely and achieving their financial goals. They assess a client's financial position, understand their needs, and then make recommendations accordingly. This may include providing advice on investing, saving, and spending, as well as assisting with estate planning, tax liabilities, and creating wills. Financial advisors must stay updated with industry trends and regulations, and a law degree can be advantageous in this regard.
To become a financial advisor, a bachelor's degree is typically required, preferably in a related field such as business, economics, or finance. While a law degree is not specifically mentioned as a requirement, it can certainly provide a competitive edge and enhance your credibility. Obtaining a master's degree, such as an MBA with a concentration in finance, or pursuing the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® program, can further bolster your qualifications.
In addition to educational credentials, building experience in the finance industry is crucial. Consider internships, entry-level positions, or volunteering at financial institutions to gain practical knowledge and skills. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and good communication skills are essential for financial advisors. Additionally, a deep understanding of investment strategies, tax laws, and financial planning tools is vital to providing sound advice to your clients.
While a law degree is not a direct path to becoming a financial advisor, it can certainly complement the role. The knowledge of legal principles gained through a law degree can help ensure that financial transactions are conducted within a legal framework. Furthermore, the critical thinking, research, and analytical skills developed during a law degree are transferable to the financial advisory field.
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Working in international relations
A degree in law can be a great asset for a career in international relations. International relations is a broad and competitive field, and a law degree can provide a solid foundation for various roles within it.
International relations involves understanding the relationships between nations and how they connect globally. It covers various aspects, including the culture, politics, economics, governance, law, and security of individual nations and how these factors influence collaboration and competition on the world stage. A law degree can offer valuable insights into the legal and governance aspects of international relations, as well as a solid understanding of how the justice system works.
There are several career paths you can consider within international relations with a law degree:
- Foreign Service Officer: Working as a Foreign Service Officer with the State Department can be an excellent fit for law degree holders. Although there is no specific degree requirement for this role, a law degree, especially with knowledge of international law, can boost your chances. Foreign Service Officers often negotiate with foreign government officials, conduct research, and write reports, drawing on skills similar to those of lawyers.
- Mediator: Mediators work with disputing parties who want to avoid going to trial. They facilitate discussions and offer advice without providing any ruling. This career path is ideal for those seeking a similar field to law without the pressure of being a lawyer.
- Teaching: A law degree can be a great asset for teaching roles, especially in subjects related to law, government, and criminal justice. Depending on your location, you may be able to teach at various levels, from primary to graduate school, without needing an additional education degree. However, additional certifications or a PhD may be advantageous for certain teaching positions.
- Research and Writing: If you enjoy the research and writing aspects of law, you can work as a legal book publisher or provide research for law firms and institutions.
- Specialized Postgraduate Degrees: You can also consider pursuing specialized postgraduate degrees, such as a Master's in international relations, security studies, diplomacy, or global governance. These degrees can further enhance your knowledge and qualifications for careers in international relations.
It is important to note that while a law degree can be advantageous, gaining relevant experience and building skills, such as language proficiency and intercultural awareness, will also significantly benefit your career in international relations.
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Frequently asked questions
With a law degree, you can teach at any level, from primary to university. However, to teach at a university, you may need additional qualifications, such as a PhD, and you may need to be published extensively. You could also teach law-adjacent subjects, such as political science, criminal justice, or sociology.
There are many jobs within the justice system that require a law degree, such as a court clerk, probation officer, or court writer. You could also work as a mediator, financial advisor, or employee benefits manager. If you're interested in international relations, a law degree can also be useful for a career as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. State Department.
The qualifications needed to teach with a law degree vary depending on the level and subject you want to teach. To teach at a university, you will likely need additional qualifications, such as a PhD. To teach at the primary or secondary level, you may need to obtain a teaching certification, depending on your location.
Teaching with a law degree can be a rewarding career that allows you to share your knowledge and expertise with others. It can also be a less stressful alternative to working as a lawyer, as it does not involve the same pressure and billable hours. Additionally, a law degree can provide you with a strong understanding of government and legal systems, which can be beneficial for teaching law-related subjects.
