Legal Education Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of legal studies, the focus on legal education instructors is more critical than ever.

As laws evolve and societal needs transform, the demand for capable minds who can educate, mentor, and guide the next generation of legal professionals escalates.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of legal education,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Legal Education Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Education Instructors, also known as law professors, teach law to students and aspiring legal professionals.

They are experts in various areas of law and are responsible for educating and guiding students, as well as contributing to the development of the field through research and publications.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Teaching law courses to undergraduate or graduate students
• Developing comprehensive and effective course curriculum and lesson plans
• Providing students with an understanding of various legal concepts, terminologies, and principles
• Conducting research in a specialized field of law and publishing findings in academic journals
• Administering and grading exams, and providing constructive feedback to students
• Mentoring students, providing career guidance, and assisting with internships and clerkships
• Staying updated with the latest legal developments and incorporating them into the curriculum
• Participating in faculty meetings, committees, and other institutional services
• Engaging in professional development activities, such as attending legal conferences and seminars

 

Legal Education Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for an experienced Legal Education Instructor to deliver high-quality legal training to students.

This role involves developing curriculum, conducting lectures, leading discussions, assessing student performance, and staying updated with developments in the field of law.

The ideal candidate should be an expert in law with excellent communication and presentation skills.

They should have a strong commitment to inspiring students to achieve high standards in legal education.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver law curriculum to students
• Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
• Assess students’ learning and progress through grading assignments, papers, exams, and other work
• Provide feedback to students and parents on students’ progress and development
• Maintain discipline and decorum in the classroom
• Stay updated with changes and developments in the structure of the curriculum
• Participate in departmental and school meetings, parent meetings
• Continue to further knowledge and understanding of their subject area

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Legal Education Instructor or similar role
• Thorough knowledge of teaching best practices and legal education system
• Ability to communicate complex information in an understandable way to students
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Patience and resilience
• J.D. degree in Law and a valid teaching license

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Legal Education Instructor
• Work Environment: Classroom setting. Some travel may be required for conferences or seminars.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head or Principal.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 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 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 copy of your teaching license to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Legal Education Instructor Do?

Legal Education Instructors, often known as law professors, work in law schools and universities where they provide instruction on various areas of law.

These can range from criminal law, civil law, constitutional law to specific fields like international law, corporate law, and environmental law.

Their primary responsibility includes creating lesson plans, preparing and delivering lectures, and evaluating student performance through assignments, presentations, and exams.

They often develop their curriculum and materials, tailored to the level and interests of their students.

Legal Education Instructors also conduct research, write articles, and publish their work in academic journals.

They keep themselves updated with the latest legal developments and court decisions, which they incorporate into their teaching.

In addition to classroom teaching, they mentor students, offering guidance for their future careers, providing advice on internships, and helping them network within the legal community.

They may also participate in faculty meetings, serve on academic or administrative committees, and engage in other institutional activities.

Legal Education Instructors play a vital role in shaping the future lawyers of the country by imparting legal knowledge and developing their students’ critical thinking and advocacy skills.

 

Legal Education Instructor Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Legal Education Instructor should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Extensive legal knowledge and expertise to provide a comprehensive legal education to students.
• Superior communication skills to effectively convey complex legal theories and principles to students in an understandable manner.
• Interpersonal skills to engage with students, colleagues, and other stakeholders, fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment.
• Curriculum development skills for creating relevant and engaging learning materials and course outlines that meet the learning objectives.
• Time management skills to efficiently balance preparation, teaching, grading, and other administrative tasks.
• Problem-solving skills to address student queries, identify gaps in understanding, and devise effective teaching strategies.
• Patience and empathy to provide support to students who may struggle with understanding complex legal concepts.
• Proficiency in using various teaching aids and digital tools to facilitate remote learning, if necessary.
• Continuing commitment to professional development, staying updated with changes in law and legal practice.

 

Legal Education Instructor Experience Requirements

Legal Education Instructors usually need a substantial amount of practical and theoretical experience in the legal field.

This experience can be gained through several years of working as a legal professional, such as a lawyer, legal assistant, paralegal, or court clerk.

To gain the necessary teaching experience, many instructors often start their careers in academia as teaching assistants, guest lecturers, or adjunct professors in law schools.

Prior experience in designing and delivering legal coursework, mentoring students, and evaluating student performance is typically preferred.

Entry-level Legal Education Instructors may have 3 to 5 years of legal professional and teaching experience, whereas candidates for more senior positions often possess more than 5 years of such experience.

The highest-level positions often require not just teaching experience, but also a history of published research, experience supervising other faculty members, and a record of service to the academic community.

Moreover, in the world of legal education, specialization matters.

Instructors often need specific experience in the area of law they will be teaching, such as criminal law, corporate law, or family law.

Therefore, a history of working in these specializations can be a key experience requirement.

Additionally, because Legal Education Instructors also need to be members of the bar, they must have passed the bar exam and have some years of experience practicing law.

Some positions may even require the instructor to be a current member in good standing of their state’s bar.

 

Legal Education Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Legal Education Instructors are generally required to have a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

They must also have passed the bar exam in the state where they plan to teach.

Experience in practicing law is highly desirable, as this provides them with a practical understanding of the subject matter they will be teaching.

Legal Education Instructors should also have a strong background in legal research and writing.

This includes familiarity with legal databases such as Westlaw or LexisNexis, and the ability to produce clear and informative legal documents.

It is often preferred that Legal Education Instructors have a master’s degree or a doctorate in Education, with a focus on curriculum development or instructional design.

This helps them to develop effective teaching strategies and educational materials.

Some positions, particularly those at college or university level, may require Legal Education Instructors to have a record of published legal research or academic work.

Certifications in specific areas of law, such as family law, criminal law, or corporate law, can be beneficial for Legal Education Instructors who specialize in teaching these subjects.

Overall, the role of a Legal Education Instructor requires a combination of legal knowledge, practical experience, and teaching skills.

Ongoing professional development is important in order to keep up with changes in the law and in teaching methodologies.

 

Legal Education Instructor Salary Expectations

A Legal Education Instructor earns an average salary of $60,823 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary based on factors such as experience, geographical location, and the institution for which they work.

Additional qualifications, such as a Juris Doctor degree, can also significantly impact this salary.

 

Legal Education Instructor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Legal Education Instructor need?

A Legal Education Instructor needs a strong understanding of legal principles, court procedures, and laws.

They should also possess strong communication and presentation skills to effectively teach and engage students.

Additionally, they should have excellent organizational skills to plan lessons and manage class time efficiently.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are also essential to assess students’ progress and adjust teaching methods accordingly.

 

Do Legal Education Instructors need a degree?

Yes, a Legal Education Instructor typically requires at least a Bachelor’s degree, but a Juris Doctor (JD) or Master’s degree in law is often preferred.

They also usually need some experience as a lawyer or in a legal profession.

Instructors who wish to teach at a college or university level may also need a teaching credential or certification.

 

What should you look for in a Legal Education Instructor resume?

Look for substantial legal experience and a strong academic background in the field of law.

This could include practicing as a lawyer, serving as a law clerk, or working in some other legal capacity.

Also, look for teaching experience or evidence of the ability to convey complex legal concepts clearly.

Any experience in curriculum development or educational leadership could also be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Legal Education Instructor?

A good Legal Education Instructor is passionate about the law and able to inspire a similar passion in their students.

They should be patient, understanding, and able to adapt their teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles.

They also need to stay up-to-date on changes in the law to ensure their teaching material remains relevant and accurate.

 

What is the difference between a Legal Education Instructor and a Law Professor?

While both roles involve teaching about the law, the main difference lies in the level of education they provide.

Legal Education Instructors can teach at various levels, from high school to professional training courses.

On the other hand, a Law Professor typically teaches at a law school, covering complex and specialized areas of law at a much deeper level.

Law Professors also often engage in research and may be required to publish scholarly articles and books.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricacies of being a legal education instructor.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about teaching law.

It’s about shaping the architects of justice, one lesson at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive legal education instructor job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone towards meticulously drafted listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson taught is a cornerstone to justice.

Let’s shape the future. Together.

How to Become a Legal Education Instructor (Complete Guide)

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