Law Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era where legal interpretation and application are crucial, the role of a law professor has never been more critical.

As laws evolve and adapt to our changing world, the demand for insightful minds who can educate, interpret, and contribute to our legal systems grows.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring committee defining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of legal education,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Law Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Law Professors are responsible for educating students in various areas of law, conducting academic research, and contributing to the field of law through publications and other scholarly activities.

They are expected to have a deep understanding of their specific areas of expertise and to use that knowledge to instruct and guide future legal professionals.

The duties and responsibilities of a Law Professor may include:

• Preparing and delivering lectures on various legal topics
• Designing, administering, and grading exams and assignments
• Conducting research to stay updated on legal trends and developments
• Publishing scholarly articles and books in their area of expertise
• Advising students on their academic progress and career paths
• Serving on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues
• Participating in campus and community events
• Reviewing and selecting textbooks for course instruction
• Developing and modifying course curricula in consultation with departmental colleagues
• Maintaining office hours to help and counsel students outside of class

 

Law Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Law Professor to join our faculty and impart knowledge in various areas of law.

The Law Professor’s responsibilities include designing comprehensive and engaging course material, conducting seminars, lectures and workshops, conducting research and publishing scholarly articles and books.

A successful candidate should have a deep understanding of the law and legal principles, excellent public speaking skills, and a passion for teaching.

 

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• Prepare and grade examinations based on course objectives and learning outcomes.
• Guide students in independent research.
• Publish scholarly articles and books.
• Remain current in the field through continuous learning and research.
• Provide academic advising and support to students.
• Participate in faculty and college committee work.
• Contribute to curriculum development.
• Assist in the recruitment and admission process of new students.

 

Qualifications

• Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Experience practicing law or teaching law at the college level.
• Strong knowledge of legal principles and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and public speaking skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Record of published research is a plus.
• Experience with online teaching and course development is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Law Professor
• Work Environment: University setting. Some travel may be required for academic conferences and research.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dean of the Law School.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $150,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our university. 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 list of published works to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Law Professor Do?

A Law Professor typically works in universities or law schools, where they teach law courses to undergraduate and graduate students.

They are responsible for preparing course materials, delivering lectures, leading seminar discussions, and mentoring students.

Their primary duties include creating and implementing curricula, assessing student’s progress, supervising research projects, and fostering critical and analytical thinking by using real-world examples and case studies.

Law Professors are also often involved in producing scholarly articles, research papers, and books in their areas of expertise.

They engage in critical analysis of existing laws, propose new theories, and contribute to the advancement of legal scholarship.

In addition, they may participate in faculty meetings, serve on committees, and have some administrative responsibilities within their institutions.

Some Law Professors may also take on pro bono cases, provide legal consultation, or participate in public policy discussions to keep their knowledge current and bring practical insights into the classroom.

Their role requires keeping up-to-date with current legal trends, court decisions, and changes in laws and regulations.

They must also have excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively teach and engage with students.

 

Law Professor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient law professor should have the skills and qualifications that align with the responsibilities of the role, such as:

• Advanced knowledge in a range of law subjects and the ability to stay current with updates and changes in legislation and case law.
• Outstanding communication skills to effectively convey complex legal concepts to students with varying levels of understanding.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with students, staff, and faculty, as well as to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.
• Experience in legal research and the ability to guide students in conducting their own research, including using legal databases and other resources.
• Teaching and facilitation skills, with the ability to design and deliver engaging lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• Organizational skills for managing course content, grading assignments, and coordinating with other faculty members.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze legal scenarios and guide students in exploring potential solutions.
• A track record of published academic research in law, demonstrating expertise in a particular legal area.
• Ability to mentor and advise students on career paths in the legal profession.

 

Law Professor Experience Requirements

Becoming a Law Professor typically requires an extensive amount of legal and educational experience.

Candidates should hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.

Some law professors might also have a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field, which could provide a specialization for their teaching.

It is usually expected for candidates to have practiced law for several years, gathering significant professional experience.

This can be as attorneys, solicitors, barristers, or even judges.

The practice of law provides a wealth of practical knowledge and insights that can be transferred to a teaching environment.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their understanding of legal principles and practices in entry-level legal roles, such as an associate attorney or legal researcher.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have had exposure to complex legal cases or projects that require advanced knowledge and understanding of the law.

Candidates with 10 or more years of experience may have held leadership positions in law firms or legal departments, and are often considered for senior academic positions such as a tenured professor or dean of a law school.

Additionally, some law schools prefer candidates who have a record of scholarly publication in esteemed law journals, as this demonstrates a commitment to advancing the legal field through research and thought leadership.

Overall, these experience requirements ensure that a Law Professor is equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights to effectively educate future legal professionals.

 

Law Professor Education and Training Requirements

Law Professors typically hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which is the first professional graduate degree in law obtained after a bachelor’s degree.

In addition to a JD, many law schools prefer candidates who have a Master of Laws (LLM) or a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) for teaching positions.

A strong background in legal research is also essential, as is the ability to communicate complex legal principles and theories effectively.

Many law schools also prefer candidates who have published articles in law reviews or other reputable legal publications, demonstrating their expertise and contribution to the field.

Moreover, real-world experience in the legal profession, such as practicing law, working in a law firm, or serving as a judge or attorney, is highly valued.

Finally, most law schools require law professors to be licensed attorneys, which means passing the state bar examination.

Continuing professional development through attending conferences, seminars, and workshops is also encouraged to stay updated with the latest trends and developments in law.

 

Law Professor Salary Expectations

A Law Professor earns an average salary of $136,255 (USD) per year.

This figure can fluctuate based on factors such as academic qualifications, years of teaching experience, the prestige of the institution, and the geographical location of the institution.

 

Law Professor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Law Professor need?

The minimum requirement for a Law Professor is typically a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

However, many universities also require potential Law Professors to have a track record of scholarly research and publication.

Post-doctoral education, such as an LL.M. or a Ph.D. in law or a related field, can make a candidate more competitive.

 

What does a typical day look like for a Law Professor?

A Law Professor’s day might consist of preparing lectures, grading papers, conducting legal research, and teaching classes.

They also need to stay current in their field of expertise, which might involve attending conferences, writing articles or books, and serving on academic committees.

In addition, many Law Professors provide legal consultation or serve on legal panels.

 

What skills are important for a Law Professor?

Law Professors must possess excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively deliver complex legal concepts to their students.

They should have strong research skills, intellectual curiosity, and a passion for law.

In addition, they need to have strong analytical skills and critical thinking abilities to interpret and apply legal principles.

 

What should you look for in a Law Professor’s resume?

Look for a strong academic background including a JD and possibly an LL.M. or Ph.D. Check for relevant experience in legal practice and a track record of scholarly research.

Involvement in professional associations, public speaking engagements, and evidence of ongoing professional development are also positive signs.

 

Is it difficult to hire Law Professors?

Hiring Law Professors can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and experience required.

In addition, the demand for experienced and qualified Law Professors often exceeds the supply.

As a result, institutions may need to offer competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for research, and a conducive academic environment to attract top candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

We’ve just unveiled the true essence of being a law professor.

And you know what?

It’s not just about teaching law.

It’s about shaping the legal minds of the future, one case law at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive law professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But don’t stop just yet.

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every case law taught is a part of a larger legal framework.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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