Law School Professor Job Description [Updated for 2024]
In the world of jurisprudence, the role of law school professors remains highly esteemed.
As legal paradigms shift and evolve, there is an increasing demand for knowledgeable individuals who can guide, mentor, and mold our future legal minds.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a law school professor?
Whether you are:
- A candidate seeking to grasp the core of this prestigious position,
- A hiring committee outlining the perfect prospect,
- Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of legal education,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable law school professor job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Law School Professor Duties and Responsibilities
Law School Professors are responsible for instructing students on the principles and theories of law.
They serve as mentors and advisors, conduct legal research, and contribute to the scholarly literature in the field.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Designing and delivering lectures to law students
- Assessing students’ progress and performance through assignments, presentations, and examinations
- Mentoring students, providing guidance, and advising them on their career paths
- Developing course syllabus and choosing relevant textbooks and other teaching materials
- Conducting research in a particular field of law and publishing findings in academic journals
- Staying updated with the latest developments and changes in law and incorporating them into the curriculum
- Participating in faculty and college activities, committees, and conferences
- Providing consultation and legal advice within the academic community
- Contributing to the development and implementation of the law school’s strategic plan
Law School Professor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Law School Professor to join our faculty.
The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching students, conducting legal research, and publishing scholarly works in their field of expertise.
The Law School Professor will develop curriculum, provide training and education in law, participate in faculty committees, and hold office hours for students.
Ideal candidates should be passionate about teaching, have in-depth knowledge of law, and be able to inspire students.
Responsibilities
- Teach courses in the field of law at various levels
- Prepare and deliver lectures to students
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media
- Participate in faculty committees and in other service roles such as student advising
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in law (J.D. or equivalent)
- Proven teaching experience in a law school
- Substantial professional experience in the legal field
- Strong publication record in reputable law journals
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of legal principles and practices
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Law School Professor
- Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for academic conferences and professional development opportunities.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dean of Law School.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and educational considerations.
- Pay Range: $115,000 minimum to $215,000 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 School Professor Do?
Law School Professors are specialized educators who work in academic institutions such as colleges or universities.
They primarily teach law students, preparing them for careers as attorneys, judges, legal consultants, and other law-related professions.
They instruct on various areas of law, such as criminal law, constitutional law, civil rights, environmental law, and corporate law, among others.
Their lessons usually involve a combination of lectures, class discussions, case analyses, and mock court proceedings to provide a comprehensive understanding of the law and its practical application.
Law School Professors are also responsible for preparing course materials, creating and grading exams, and guiding students in their research projects or dissertations.
They also supervise students during internships or practical training.
Apart from teaching, they are often involved in scholarly activities like conducting research, writing legal articles or papers, attending academic conferences, and contributing to law journals.
Many Law School Professors also provide legal advice or consultation services, drawing from their wealth of knowledge and experience in the field.
They may serve on legal committees, work with government agencies, or contribute to the development of public policy.
Overall, Law School Professors play a significant role in shaping the future generation of legal professionals, instilling in them the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical standards of the profession.
Law School Professor Qualifications and Skills
A competent law school professor should have the qualifications and skills that align with the job role, such as:
- Substantial knowledge of the law, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, and government regulations to provide a comprehensive understanding to students.
- Strong pedagogical skills to effectively convey complex legal concepts to students in a clear and engaging manner.
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills to present lectures, engage in classroom discussions, and give feedback to students.
- Research skills to stay updated on legal developments and engage in scholarly contributions to the legal field.
- Interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse student body, faculty members, and other stakeholders in the legal and academic community.
- Critical thinking skills to analyze legal issues, think creatively about legal problems, and offer meaningful insight and perspective in class discussions and scholarly work.
- Organizational skills to manage course materials, grade assignments, and balance a variety of academic responsibilities.
- Patience and empathy to support students in their academic and professional development, understanding the challenges faced in legal studies.
- A Juris Doctorate degree from an accredited law school, and typically previous experience as a practicing attorney.
Law School Professor Experience Requirements
To become a Law School Professor, candidates must typically have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
This educational pursuit provides them with a deep understanding of the law, as well as the ability to teach it to others.
Beyond their academic credentials, many Law School Professors have several years of experience practicing law.
This practical experience allows them to bring real-world insights to their teaching and helps them prepare students for the realities of legal practice.
Candidates with 5 to 10 years of experience practicing law are often preferred, especially for tenured positions.
This experience may be in a variety of settings such as private practice, public interest law, or government roles.
In addition to legal practice, candidates may also have experience in legal research or scholarship, often demonstrated through published papers or articles in reputable law journals.
Some positions may also require or prefer candidates with previous teaching experience, either at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Finally, Law School Professors with more than 10 years of experience in the field, whether in practice, research, or teaching, may be considered for senior or leadership roles within the faculty, such as Department Chair or Dean.
Law School Professor Education and Training Requirements
Becoming a Law School Professor generally requires a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
The J.D. is the first level of professional law degree and includes studies in constitutional law, civil procedure, and contracts.
In addition to the J.D., many universities prefer candidates who also possess a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in law or a related field.
This demonstrates a higher level of understanding of the subject matter, research skills, and the ability to contribute to the academic community.
Law School Professors should have a strong academic record and ideally have experience in the legal profession.
This experience can be obtained through clerking for a judge, working in a law firm, or serving in a governmental legal position.
Moreover, it is often beneficial for a Law School Professor to be admitted to the state bar.
Although it is not always a requirement, being a member of the bar indicates a high level of professional competency.
Finally, many universities prefer professors who have published scholarly articles or books in their field.
This demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the legal field, research abilities, and a contribution to the legal discourse.
Continuing legal education is also important, as professors should always be up-to-date with the latest legal developments, rulings, and changes to the law.
Candidates interested in a law professorship should have strong public speaking skills, an ability to break down complex legal theories and concepts, and a passion for teaching and mentoring future generations of lawyers.
Law School Professor Salary Expectations
A Law School Professor can expect an average salary of $136,127 (USD) per year.
However, the actual salary may vary based on factors such as years of experience, the prestige of the law school, and geographical location.
Law School Professor Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a Law School Professor need?
A Law School Professor typically needs to have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, and often they need a Master of Laws (LLM) or a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD).
Additionally, most law school professors have several years of experience practicing law professionally.
What are the typical duties of a Law School Professor?
Typical duties of a Law School Professor include developing and delivering lectures, creating and grading examinations, conducting legal research, publishing scholarly articles, advising students, and serving on academic committees.
They may also conduct or participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences.
What qualities make a good Law School Professor?
A good Law School Professor should be knowledgeable about their area of legal expertise, have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be able to explain complex legal concepts in a way that students can understand.
They should also have strong research skills, be patient, and be passionate about teaching and mentoring students.
Do Law School Professors need to be licensed attorneys?
While it varies by institution, most law schools prefer or require their professors to be licensed attorneys.
This ensures that they have practical experience in the field and can provide students with insights from their practice.
Is previous teaching experience required to become a Law School Professor?
While not always required, previous teaching experience, particularly at the college or university level, is often preferred.
Some law schools may consider extensive professional experience in lieu of teaching experience, particularly for specialized courses.
How competitive is the job market for Law School Professors?
The job market for Law School Professors is quite competitive.
Positions are often limited and the number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of available positions.
This is particularly true at prestigious law schools.
Candidates with a strong record of scholarship, teaching experience, and professional practice have the best chances of securing a position.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap.
Today, we’ve scrutinized the ins and outs of what it truly means to be a law school professor.
Surprise, surprise!
It’s not just about lecturing on laws.
It’s about shaping the legal minds of tomorrow, one case study at a time.
With our readily available law school professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to make that leap.
But why stop at just that?
Delve further into our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulously detailed listings or enhancing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every law lecture is a stepping stone to a greater understanding.
Let’s shape the legal future. Together.
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