Legal Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the role of legal professors has never been more critical.

As law and society evolve, so does the need for skilled and knowledgeable individuals who can guide, educate, and shape our future legal landscape.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker exploring the core aspects of this role,
• A hiring committee outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of legal education,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Legal Professor Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Professors provide instruction on various aspects of law in an academic setting.

They combine their extensive knowledge of law, practical experience, and academic research to facilitate student learning and prepare them for careers in the legal field.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Preparing and delivering lectures on various legal topics such as constitutional law, criminal law, civil rights, and corporate law
• Designing, administering, and grading exams to assess student understanding and progress
• Supervising student research and providing guidance on legal writing projects
• Conducting independent research to maintain current knowledge of legal issues and to contribute to the body of legal scholarship
• Publishing research findings in academic journals and presenting at conferences
• Providing advice and mentoring to students about career paths within the legal field
• Participating in academic committees and contributing to the development and improvement of the law program’s curriculum
• Remaining updated on changes and developments in law and legal practice
• Engaging in professional development activities to maintain law licenses and stay updated with teaching methodologies

 

Legal Professor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Legal Professor to join our faculty.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching courses in various aspects of law, developing innovative curriculum, conducting scholarly research, and participating in committee service.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the legal profession, a passion for education, and a commitment to student success.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate and/or graduate students on topics such as criminal law, corporate law, and constitutional law
• Evaluate and grade students’ class work, assignments, and papers
• Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences
• Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions
• Guide and advise students on academic and career issues
• Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media
• Participate in campus and community events

 

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Law or related field
• Significant professional experience in the legal field
• Teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level
• Strong record of academic research and publication
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to engage and inspire students

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition waiver for employees and their dependents
• Professional development funding
• Paid sabbatical leave
• Generous holiday and vacation time

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Legal Professor
• Work Environment: University campus. Some travel may be required for conferences and professional development opportunities.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dean of the Law School.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate’s educational qualifications, teaching and professional experience, and record of research and publication.
• 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 CV, a cover letter detailing your teaching philosophy and research interests, and contact information for three professional references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Legal Professor Do?

Legal Professors, also known as Law Professors, typically work in universities or law schools.

They may also work as consultants or advisers for legal firms, corporations, or government agencies.

They are responsible for teaching various courses in the field of law, which can range from constitutional law to criminal law, and from corporate law to international law.

Legal Professors create and implement lesson plans, deliver lectures, assign homework, and administer exams.

They need to keep up with developments in the field of law to ensure that their teachings are up-to-date and relevant.

In addition to teaching, Legal Professors often conduct scholarly research in their area of expertise.

They publish their findings in academic journals, law reviews, and books.

They also mentor students and provide guidance regarding their coursework, career paths, and professional development.

Some Legal Professors may also contribute to their field by participating in various law reform activities, serving on committees, and presenting papers at conferences.

Their role requires a deep knowledge of law, excellent communication skills, and a passion for teaching and research.

 

Legal Professor Qualifications and Skills

A competent Legal Professor should have the skills and qualifications that align with the academic and professional demands of the role, such as:

• Advanced knowledge of law and legal principles, practices, and applications to provide expert instruction to students.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively deliver complex legal concepts to a diverse student body.
• Strong research skills to stay updated with the latest legal developments, court verdicts, and changes in law and incorporate them into the curriculum.
• Problem-solving abilities to aid in the development and execution of legal strategies in simulated classroom scenarios.
• Interpersonal and mentoring skills to guide students in their academic journey and advise them on their career paths in the legal field.
• Organizational skills to balance teaching, research, administrative responsibilities, and professional development.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate students’ performance, provide constructive feedback, and develop effective teaching strategies.
• A demonstrated commitment to ethics, justice, and inclusivity in the legal profession and in classroom teaching.

 

Legal Professor Experience Requirements

For the role of a Legal Professor, the experience requirements are quite extensive and varied.

To start, a Juris Doctor (JD) degree is the minimum educational requirement which is usually followed by passing a state bar examination.

Candidates should have several years of experience practicing law, ideally in a variety of fields.

Entry-level candidates for a legal professor role might have around 3 to 5 years of legal practice experience.

They may also have experience as a teaching assistant, adjunct professor, or guest lecturer in a law school.

This initial experience is crucial in gaining a strong understanding of the teaching methods and expectations in a law school setting.

Candidates for more senior or tenured positions in legal academia typically have more than 5 years of teaching experience at the post-secondary level.

They might also have a strong record of academic research and publications in peer-reviewed law journals.

Those aspiring to take up leadership roles such as a dean or head of a legal department are generally expected to have significant teaching experience, a robust portfolio of published research, and experience in administrative roles.

In addition to legal and teaching experience, a legal professor should also be familiar with the latest developments and trends in their area of expertise, exhibit strong interpersonal skills, and possess the ability to engage and inspire students.

 

Legal Professor Education and Training Requirements

Legal Professors are typically required to have a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

This degree program usually takes about three years to complete post-bachelors.

Furthermore, a majority of legal professors have practical experience in the legal field, often working as attorneys before transitioning into academia.

This professional experience can offer valuable insights and practical applications to their teaching.

Many legal professors also hold a Master of Laws (LLM) or a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) degree, which are advanced law degrees that allow for specialization in a particular area of law.

In addition, a background in research is highly advantageous for a career as a legal professor, as many are expected to contribute to their field by publishing articles, papers, and books on various legal topics.

Teaching experience, either as a teaching assistant during graduate school or as an adjunct professor, is also beneficial as it provides familiarity with curriculum development, lesson planning, and classroom management.

Certain schools may require their professors to have a state bar license, especially if they are teaching practical law courses.

While not required, some legal professors may choose to obtain certifications in specific areas of law to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to ongoing education.

Additionally, having a portfolio of published work is often advantageous for candidates applying for legal professor positions.

Finally, strong communication, public speaking, and analytical skills are necessary to effectively impart knowledge and concepts to students.

 

Legal Professor Salary Expectations

A Legal Professor earns an average salary of $113,691 (USD) per year.

The actual compensation may fluctuate based on factors such as the level of experience, area of specialization, educational background, and the geographical location of the institution.

 

Legal Professor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Legal Professor need?

Legal Professors should have excellent communication skills, as they need to explain complex legal theories and concepts to students in a clear and understandable way.

They should also have a deep understanding of the law, staying updated on the latest changes and developments.

Critical thinking, research abilities, and interpersonal skills are equally important, as well as the ability to create and deliver engaging lectures.

 

Do Legal Professors need a degree?

Yes, Legal Professors typically need a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.

Additionally, many universities prefer candidates with a Master of Laws degree or a doctoral degree in a relevant field.

A significant amount of legal practice or teaching experience is also highly desirable.

 

What should you look for in a Legal Professor resume?

Look for a Juris Doctor degree, or higher, from an accredited law school and an active law license.

Experience in legal practice, teaching experience, and a record of research and publication in respected legal journals are also important.

Membership in relevant professional organizations and any specialization in a particular area of law can be additional indicators of a strong candidate.

 

What qualities make a good Legal Professor?

A good Legal Professor has a deep passion for the law and a desire to impart that passion to their students.

They should be patient, approachable, and have the ability to inspire and motivate their students.

Good Legal Professors also maintain high ethical standards, have excellent organizational skills, and are committed to continuous learning and professional development.

 

Is it difficult to hire Legal Professors?

Hiring Legal Professors can be a challenging process due to the specific requirements and high qualifications needed for the role.

Competition can be intense, especially for positions at prestigious institutions.

Therefore, offering competitive salaries, opportunities for research, and a supportive teaching environment can be essential in attracting top candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shone a light on the true essence of being a legal professor.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about teaching law.

It’s about molding future legal minds, one lesson at a time.

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

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating perfectly tailored job listings or fine-tuning your curriculum vitae to perfection.

Remember:

Every lesson you teach is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Legal Professor (Complete Guide)

AI and Employment: The Jobs That Are Changing Forever

Avoid These Careers: A Revealing Look at the Jobs with the Smallest Paychecks

Stress-Free and Satisfied: The Jobs That Offer the Best Balance

Aspire Higher: The Most Prestigious Careers in the Marketplace