Legal Academic Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of the legal profession, the demand for legal academics has never been more significant.

As the legal system continues to advance, the need for scholarly minds who can explore, shape, and defend our legal principles grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a legal academic?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intellectual challenges of legal academia,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable legal academic job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Legal Academic Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Academics are responsible for studying, researching, and teaching various topics within the field of law.

They conduct scholarly research, publish papers, and often teach classes to law students.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting thorough and detailed research on various legal topics
• Preparing and delivering lectures to law students on specified topics such as criminal law, civil rights, and corporate law
• Developing and implementing innovative teaching methods to make the study of law more interesting
• Providing academic advice and guidance to law students
• Contributing to the development of the curriculum and designing courses
• Participating in departmental and faculty meetings and serving on academic committees
• Writing and publishing scholarly papers, books, and reviews
• Presenting research findings at conferences and seminars
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in law and the legal system
• Participating in continuing education and professional development activities
• Applying for research funding and grants

 

Legal Academic Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly skilled Legal Academic to join our prestigious institution.

The successful candidate will be responsible for instructing students on aspects of law, conducting detailed research, and contributing to departmental administration.

The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in academia, a dedication to legal education and research, and a strong understanding of the current laws and legal practices.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct lectures, seminars, and tutorials on various aspects of law
• Prepare and deliver engaging lesson plans, assignments, and examinations
• Carry out detailed research into legal topics
• Contribute to the development of the department’s academic policies and curriculum
• Participate in faculty meetings and serve on committees as required
• Attend academic conferences and contribute to scholarly publications
• Provide mentorship and guidance to students
• Keep up to date with the latest developments in law and legal practices
• Provide academic advice and support to students

 

Qualifications

• PhD in Law or a related field
• Experience working in academia and teaching at the post-secondary level
• Comprehensive knowledge of the law and legal practices
• Strong research skills and a track record of published research
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proven record of commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Ability to design and deliver course content
• Experience in academic advising and mentoring

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Tuition benefits for employees and their families

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Legal Academic
• Work Environment: University campus setting. Some travel may be required for academic conferences.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair or Dean of the Law School.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and academic qualifications.
• 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 in our institution. 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 CV, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of published works to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Legal Academic Do?

Legal Academics are professionals typically employed by universities, law schools, and other higher education institutions.

They can also be self-employed individuals or consultants.

They are primarily involved in teaching law to students, conducting research, and contributing to the development of legal knowledge.

This involves preparing and delivering lectures, seminars, and tutorials, and setting and marking assignments and exams.

Legal Academics are also responsible for conducting research in their area of expertise, producing publications, and presenting findings at conferences.

They often play an active role in shaping public policy by contributing to debates on legal issues.

In addition to teaching and research, Legal Academics may provide guidance and supervision to students, especially at the postgraduate level.

They may also engage in administrative tasks within their institution, such as participating in staff meetings, serving on committees, and contributing to curriculum development.

They may also provide legal advice or commentary to the media or general public, based on their areas of expertise and research.

Depending on their level of experience and reputation in the field, some Legal Academics may also be invited to serve as expert witnesses in court cases or to provide specialist advice to law firms, businesses, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.

 

Legal Academic Qualifications and Skills

A Legal Academic should have the skills and qualifications that are necessary for researching and teaching legal topics.

These include:

• Strong knowledge of the legal system, laws, and procedures.
• Ability to conduct detailed and thorough research in various areas of law.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for publishing articles, delivering lectures and presenting findings.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to dissect and interpret complex legal information and cases.
• Proficient teaching skills to effectively instruct and mentor law students.
• Interpersonal skills to engage with colleagues, students, and other professionals in the field.
• Strong organizational skills for managing workload, deadlines, and balancing multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to stay up-to-date with current legal trends and developments for effective teaching and research.
• A Ph.D. in Law or a related field and often a Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Prior experience in legal practice can also be beneficial.

 

Legal Academic Experience Requirements

Legal Academics typically have extensive educational qualifications, including a bachelor’s degree in pre-law or a related field, followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

Entry-level legal academics often gain practical experience during their studies through internships, clerkships or fellowships at law firms, courts, or governmental agencies.

This experience often encompasses conducting legal research, drafting memorandums or briefs, and possibly presenting arguments in court.

In addition to hands-on legal practice, many positions also require teaching experience, which can be gained as a teaching assistant or adjunct professor during graduate studies.

This is especially true for roles that require teaching law courses to undergraduate or graduate students.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their legal expertise, research skills, and teaching abilities.

They may have published academic papers, articles, and books in their area of specialization.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have held a tenured faculty position or a senior role in a legal setting.

They are likely to have a track record of contributing to the development of the legal field, through research, teaching, and service to the academic community.

Leadership experience, including managing research projects or leading academic departments or centers, is often necessary for higher-level roles in legal academia.

 

Legal Academic Education and Training Requirements

Legal Academics typically require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

This program includes courses in constitutional law, contracts, property law, civil procedure, and legal writing.

In addition to the JD degree, a Master of Laws (LLM) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law is often required for those intending to specialize in a particular area of law or planning to teach law.

These advanced degrees provide focused training in areas such as tax law, constitutional law, or international law.

Legal Academics should also have been admitted to the bar in their state, which requires passing a written bar examination, as well as a written ethics examination in most cases.

They must also have relevant experience in the legal field, either through practicum experiences during their studies or through practicing law.

Moreover, they should continuously stay updated with current legal trends, court decisions, and new laws and regulations.

Therefore, ongoing education and professional development are essential in this profession.

Lastly, legal academics with published research, particularly in law journals, are often preferred by universities and other higher learning institutions.

Therefore, strong research and writing skills are also necessary.

 

Legal Academic Salary Expectations

A Legal Academic typically earns an average salary of $78,549 (USD) per year.

However, this may vary based on the individual’s level of experience, area of specialization, the reputation of the institution where they are employed, and the region in which they are located.

 

Legal Academic Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Legal Academic need?

A Legal Academic should have an extensive understanding of law and legal practices, excellent research skills, and the ability to simplify complex legal concepts.

They should possess strong written and verbal communication skills for publishing research papers and delivering lectures.

Additionally, they should have critical thinking and analytical skills to interpret laws and court decisions and predict their implications.

 

Do Legal Academics need a degree?

Yes, Legal Academics typically need a law degree at a minimum.

However, many universities prefer candidates with a Doctorate in Law (JD).

A strong background in research, teaching experience, and published work in relevant law areas could be advantageous.

 

What should you look for in a Legal Academic’s resume?

A Legal Academic’s resume should highlight their qualifications in law, specialization areas, published research papers, and teaching experience.

It should also mention any contributions to law journals, participation in legal conferences, or any awards they have received.

Look for a strong knowledge base in their respective fields and evidence of continuous learning and research.

 

What qualities make a good Legal Academic?

A good Legal Academic demonstrates passion and dedication for law, research, and teaching.

They should have the ability to inspire and engage students, be detail-oriented, and possess strong analytical skills.

Furthermore, a good Legal Academic should have a commitment to ethical conduct and a willingness to contribute to the legal community.

 

What are the typical responsibilities of a Legal Academic?

Typical responsibilities of a Legal Academic include conducting original legal research, writing and publishing academic papers, teaching legal courses, mentoring students, and participating in academic committees.

They may also be called upon to provide expert commentary on legal developments in the media or provide consultancy services to law firms or governmental bodies.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricacies of what it means to be in a legal academic profession.

Surprised?

It’s not just about interpreting laws and statutes.

It’s about shaping legal minds and influencing the future of jurisprudence, one case study at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive legal academic job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your next career move.

But why not go further?

Venture deeper with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to meticulously tailored job listings or refining your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Each case study you analyze contributes to the broader legal landscape.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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