Legal Writing Instructor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of the law, the role of a Legal Writing Instructor stands out significantly.

As the legal landscape evolves, the demand for highly skilled professionals who can craft, refine, and teach the nuances of legal writing amplifies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Legal Writing Instructor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of legal writing instruction,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile Legal Writing Instructor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Legal Writing Instructor Duties and Responsibilities

Legal Writing Instructors have the primary responsibility of teaching students the principles and techniques of legal writing, and may also be involved in grading students’ work, providing constructive feedback, and developing teaching materials.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Teaching the principles of legal writing to students
• Providing individualized feedback on students’ written work
• Developing and implementing effective teaching strategies and methods
• Evaluating students’ progress and providing regular feedback
• Grading students’ assignments and examinations
• Developing teaching materials, such as syllabi, lecture notes, and tests
• Keeping abreast of developments in the field of legal writing
• Maintaining office hours to assist students and respond to student inquiries
• Participating in professional activities, such as attending conferences and serving on committees
• Performing administrative tasks as required

 

Legal Writing Instructor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Legal Writing Instructor to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching students how to write effectively in legal contexts, review student work, provide constructive feedback, and guide students in researching legal matters.

The ideal candidate for this position should have a strong background in law, excellent writing skills, and a passion for teaching.

They should be able to employ various teaching methods to facilitate learning and help students improve their legal writing skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Teach classes on legal writing, research, and analysis
• Provide constructive feedback on student work
• Develop course materials and syllabi in line with departmental guidelines
• Guide students on conducting legal research
• Keep up-to-date with legal developments to ensure course content is current
• Participate in faculty meetings and contribute to curriculum development
• Adhere to all institutional policies and procedures

 

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school
• Experience teaching legal writing or related courses at a college or university level
• Strong legal research skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to use different teaching methods to reach students with various learning styles
• Commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the classroom

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Legal Writing Instructor
• Work Environment: Classroom setting. Some online teaching may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $90,000 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 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 resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and a writing sample to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Legal Writing Instructor Do?

Legal Writing Instructors typically work for law schools, universities, or other educational institutions, offering specialized instruction on legal writing and research to law students and professionals in the legal field.

They design and implement course syllabi, instructional materials, and assignments, ensuring the materials align with the broader objectives of the legal education curriculum.

Legal Writing Instructors teach students how to draft legal documents such as briefs, memos, contracts, and pleadings.

They also instruct on legal research methods, citation formats, and the use of legal databases.

They provide feedback on students’ written work, identifying areas of improvement and offering guidance on how to enhance their writing skills.

In addition, they may conduct workshops or seminars on specific legal writing topics and stay abreast with the latest trends and updates in the field of legal writing and research.

Legal Writing Instructors also promote ethical and professional writing standards, and they often collaborate with other faculty members in the development of effective legal writing programs.

They may also contribute to the academic community by publishing scholarly articles on legal writing.

 

Legal Writing Instructor Qualifications and Skills

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

• Extensive knowledge of legal terminology, jurisprudence, and legal citation formats to offer comprehensive instruction to students.
• Proficiency in teaching methods and pedagogical techniques to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to students with different learning styles.
• Experience with legal research tools and databases to guide students in conducting thorough and accurate legal research.
• Superior written and oral communication skills to effectively convey legal writing principles and provide constructive feedback.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with students, providing support and mentorship.
• Ability to critically analyze legal texts and cases, and to teach students to do the same, fostering their critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in using technology to deliver lessons, grade assignments, and communicate with students.
• Patience and problem-solving skills to help students overcome challenges in learning legal writing.

 

Legal Writing Instructor Experience Requirements

Legal Writing Instructors typically require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and must have passed the bar exam in their respective state.

They must have a strong background in both legal practice and academic settings, which includes substantial experience in legal writing and research.

Entry-level Legal Writing Instructors may have 1 to 2 years of experience in practicing law, ideally with an emphasis on writing or a related area.

This experience can be gained through internships, clerkships, or junior associate roles in law firms.

They may also gain teaching experience as adjunct professors or teaching assistants in law schools.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a solid foundation in legal writing and have demonstrated the ability to effectively communicate complex legal concepts.

They may have worked as associates in law firms, legal researchers, or lecturers in law schools.

Those with more than 5 years of experience typically have substantial expertise in legal writing, and often possess teaching experience at the post-secondary level.

These instructors may have held senior associate or partner positions at law firms, or may have worked as legal consultants or researchers.

They could also have authored scholarly articles or texts in the field of law.

At this level, instructors may be ready for leadership or administrative roles within law school faculties.

 

Legal Writing Instructor Education and Training Requirements

Legal Writing Instructors typically require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.

They should have substantial experience in legal writing and analysis, often gained from practicing as a lawyer.

A background in teaching or professional development training is also beneficial.

In some instances, a master’s degree or a PhD in Law, English, Rhetoric, or a related field may be required, particularly for those aiming to work in higher education settings.

Legal Writing Instructors should also have excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of legal terminology, principles, and research methods.

Continuing education in the form of workshops, seminars, and courses is often recommended to stay updated on new legal research tools, evolving legal writing styles and methodologies.

Additionally, prior publication of legal articles or scholarly research may be advantageous and a state bar license is usually required.

Furthermore, some positions may require experience in a specific area of law, such as criminal law, business law, or intellectual property law.

 

Legal Writing Instructor Salary Expectations

A Legal Writing Instructor earns an average salary of $57,000 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as the level of experience, the location of the job, and the type of educational institution.

 

Legal Writing Instructor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Legal Writing Instructor need?

A Legal Writing Instructor typically holds a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from a law school.

Many also hold advanced degrees in English, Journalism, or Education.

Additionally, a few years of experience working in law or academia is typically preferred.

Familiarity with legal research, writing, and analysis is crucial for this role.

 

What are the daily duties of a Legal Writing Instructor?

A Legal Writing Instructor is primarily responsible for teaching law students how to write legal documents such as briefs, memoranda, and contracts.

They develop lesson plans, conduct classes, give and grade assignments, and provide feedback to students.

They may also conduct workshops or seminars, contribute to curriculum development, and stay updated on changes in laws and legal practices.

 

What qualities make a good Legal Writing Instructor?

A good Legal Writing Instructor should have excellent command of the language and be able to explain complex legal concepts in a simple and understandable manner.

They need to be patient and encouraging, as law students may find legal writing challenging.

They must also have a deep understanding of the law, be organized, and have excellent communication skills.

 

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

In addition to checking for the necessary qualifications, look for evidence of teaching experience, especially in legal writing.

Publications in legal journals or participation in legal conferences can be a positive sign.

Check also for a record of participation in ongoing professional development.

Look for a blend of practical legal experience and academic achievement, as this can be a good indicator of their ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Legal Writing Instructor?

The hiring difficulty for a Legal Writing Instructor largely depends on the specific requirements of the role and the pool of available candidates.

The role requires a unique combination of legal expertise, writing skills, and teaching abilities.

Therefore, finding a candidate who excels in all these areas can be challenging.

Attracting top candidates may involve offering competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and a supportive work environment.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve shed light on the intricate role of a Legal Writing Instructor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about understanding laws and regulations.

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

Our comprehensive Legal Writing Instructor job description template, coupled with real-world examples, equips you to make your next career move.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your indispensable tool for crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Keep in mind:

Every lesson taught is a building block for a student’s legal prowess.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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