Adjunct Law Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving legal landscape, the role of adjunct law professors has never been more crucial.

As the dynamics of law and justice shift, the need for knowledgeable minds that can educate, guide, and shape the future of our legal system grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an adjunct law professor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager conceptualizing the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the inner workings of legal academia,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable adjunct law professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Adjunct Law Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Adjunct Law Professors are responsible for delivering lectures, facilitating discussions, and overseeing student research in the area of Law.

They typically work part-time and are expected to keep current with new developments in their field.

Duties and responsibilities of an Adjunct Law Professor include:

• Prepare and deliver lectures on various law topics to undergraduate or graduate students
• Facilitate classroom discussions and encourage debate to help students understand differing viewpoints
• Develop and implement innovative instructional methods in order to meet students’ needs and ensure a high level of academic standards
• Grade students’ assignments, exams, and papers and provide constructive feedback
• Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records
• Stay informed about changes and innovations in their field of expertise
• Participate in faculty and college activities such as serving on committees and participating in relevant academic meetings
• Conduct research in their field of knowledge and present findings in professional journals, books, or at conferences
• Provide consultation to law students for career growth and opportunities
• Advise students on academic and vocational curricula, and on career issues

 

Adjunct Law Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a knowledgeable and experienced Adjunct Law Professor to join our academic team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching law courses, contributing to curriculum development, and participating in academic research.

Our ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with outstanding knowledge of their specialism and a deep understanding of the legal system.

They will have a passion for education and a commitment to helping students reach their full potential.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach law courses to undergraduate and/or graduate students
• Prepare course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts
• Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials
• Stay updated on innovations and changes within their course field
• Assess student performance, including grading assignments, papers, and exams
• Participate in campus and community events
• Conduct research and publish findings in professional journals, books, and/or electronic media
• Provide guidance and support to students

 

Qualifications

• JD degree from an accredited law school
• License to practice law in the state
• Experience as a practicing lawyer or judge
• Proven experience teaching in a law school or similar academic setting
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient in legal research
• Ability to work as part of a team

 

Benefits

• Opportunities for professional development
• Flexible schedule
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Health insurance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Adjunct Law Professor
• Work Environment: University campus
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dean of the Law School or Department Head
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a statement of teaching philosophy to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Adjunct Law Professor Do?

Adjunct Law Professors usually work in universities or law schools on a part-time basis.

They are often practicing lawyers or judges who teach a class or two on the side to share their expertise and practical experience with students.

Their primary responsibility is to teach law subjects.

This can include preparing and delivering lectures, creating and grading assignments and exams, and advising students on academic matters.

Adjunct Law Professors may teach a variety of law courses depending on their specialization, including but not limited to constitutional law, criminal law, civil rights, corporate law, and environmental law.

They bring current and practical knowledge to the classroom, enhancing students’ learning with real-world examples and scenarios.

This helps students to better understand the complexities of the law and its applications in various situations.

In addition to teaching, Adjunct Law Professors are also expected to stay current in their area of expertise.

This means conducting legal research, attending legal seminars, and keeping up with the latest court cases and legal rulings.

Furthermore, they may also participate in faculty meetings, serve on committees, and engage in other activities to contribute to the overall advancement of the law school and its programs.

 

Adjunct Law Professor Qualifications and Skills

Adjunct Law Professors must possess a combination of skills and qualifications that allow them to educate students effectively in legal principles, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the law and its application, often with a specialization in a particular area of law.
• Educational qualifications such as a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree and typically a license to practice law, with the addition of professional experience in the legal field being highly desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner to students.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with students, faculty, and administration, fostering a positive learning environment.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to dissect and discuss legal cases, principles, and theories.
• Problem-solving skills to help students navigate through challenging legal scenarios or academic issues.
• Organization and planning skills for preparing lessons, grading assignments and exams, and managing their time effectively.
• Commitment to staying updated on current legal trends, changes in law, and ongoing research in their specialized field.
• The ability to inspire, motivate, and mentor students in their pursuit of a legal career.

 

Adjunct Law Professor Experience Requirements

Adjunct Law Professors are typically required to have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, and many institutions prefer individuals who also hold a Master of Laws (LLM) or similar postgraduate law degree.

Experience in the legal field is crucial for these positions.

Many adjunct law professors have at least 3 to 5 years of professional experience as practicing lawyers, legal consultants, or in other law-related roles.

In addition to this, teaching experience at a collegiate or professional level is often highly valued.

This can be obtained through guest lecturing, tutoring, mentoring, or even through experience gained in corporate training roles within law firms.

Candidates with more than 5 years of legal practice, and those who have published scholarly articles or books, are generally preferred.

They should also have experience presenting complex legal ideas and theories clearly, as this is a large part of the role.

Those seeking to become adjunct law professors should also be actively involved in the legal community.

This could mean participation in professional organizations, providing pro bono legal services, or contributing to legal journals.

Finally, those who have held leadership roles in law firms, legal departments, or legal organizations may have an advantage, as they have demonstrated their ability to guide and influence others in the legal field.

 

Adjunct Law Professor Education and Training Requirements

Adjunct Law Professors typically need a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

They should have excelled academically, often demonstrated by being in the top percentage of their law school class or being a part of the law review.

A strong background in law and legal concepts, as well as expertise in a specialized area of law, such as constitutional law, corporate law, or criminal law, is necessary.

Typically, they should also have passed the bar exam in the state where they intend to teach.

Having practical experience as a working attorney is often preferred or even required by many law schools.

In addition to this, teaching experience or demonstrable skill in teaching and public speaking is often a requirement.

This could be achieved through previous adjunct teaching positions, seminars, or public speaking engagements.

Finally, it is beneficial if the candidate demonstrates a commitment to scholarly work, such as publications in law reviews, legal journals, or authorship of legal textbooks.

Continued education to stay updated with recent legal developments, and participation in legal seminars, workshops, and symposiums is also highly encouraged.

The goal for an Adjunct Law Professor is not only to have a thorough understanding and experience in law but also the ability to effectively impart that knowledge to students.

 

Adjunct Law Professor Salary Expectations

An Adjunct Law Professor is expected to earn an average salary of $78,470 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on the professor’s level of experience, the prestige of the institution they are teaching at, and the geographical location.

 

Adjunct Law Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does an Adjunct Law Professor need?

Adjunct Law Professors should hold a JD degree from an accredited law school.

They also must have a few years of experience practicing law, preferably in a field relevant to the subject they will teach.

Depending on the institution’s requirements, they might also need to have passed the Bar exam.

 

What are the daily duties of an Adjunct Law Professor?

Adjunct Law Professors spend their time preparing and delivering lectures on various law subjects, grading student papers and exams, providing academic guidance to students, engaging in school-related activities such as faculty meetings, and maintaining their legal expertise by continuing their professional development and research in their legal field.

 

What qualities make a good Adjunct Law Professor?

A good Adjunct Law Professor should have excellent communication skills to effectively deliver complex legal concepts to students.

They must be able to motivate and engage students, as well as demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and ethical conduct.

Additionally, they should possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and be able to stay updated with the latest legal trends and changes.

 

How can one become an Adjunct Law Professor?

After obtaining a JD degree and practicing law for several years, one can apply to become an Adjunct Law Professor at law schools.

The selection process may involve a demonstration lecture and interview.

In addition to teaching experience, law schools may also look for adjunct professors who have a history of publications or other contributions to the legal field.

 

Is teaching experience required for an Adjunct Law Professor role?

While teaching experience is not always required, it can be advantageous for an Adjunct Law Professor role.

Candidates who have proven their ability to communicate complex legal concepts effectively in a classroom setting are often preferred.

Even without formal teaching experience, having mentored or trained junior colleagues in their law practice can also be beneficial.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intriguing world of an adjunct law professor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching legal principles.

It’s about molding the legal minds of tomorrow, one lecture at a time.

With our essential adjunct law professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But why not go further?

Take a leap with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon to creating precise job listings or sharpening your resume to its finest point.

Always remember:

Every lecture shapes a future lawyer’s perspective.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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