Challenges of Becoming a Law Teacher

After earning a bachelor's degree, individuals interested in becoming a law professor must first complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. This typically takes three years of full-time study. After completing the JD, individuals must typically gain several years of experience practicing law, either as an attorney, law clerk, or judicial law clerk. This experience is important because it provides a foundation of legal knowledge and practical skills that will be beneficial in teaching law students.

Once they have gained sufficient experience, individuals can then pursue a Ph.D. or Master of Laws (LLM) degree in law. A Ph.D. in law is a research-based degree that typically takes four to six years to complete and requires the completion of a dissertation. An LLM degree is a one-year, course-based degree that focuses on a specific area of law.

After completing the Ph.D./LLM degree, individuals can then apply for positions as law professors at colleges and universities. The hiring process varies depending on the institution, but typically includes an application, resume, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, as well as an interview and teaching demonstration.

It is quite predictable, that becoming a law professor is highly competitive, and many applicants with strong qualifications may not be offered a position. In addition, becoming a law professor is not the only career option for individuals with a JD or PhD/LLM in law, and there are many other ways to put their legal education and experience to use.

Let’s figure out why becoming a law professor can be a challenging process:

1. Competition: The field of law is highly competitive, and there are often many qualified applicants for a limited number of open positions. This makes it difficult to secure a job as a law professor, and many applicants with strong qualifications may not be offered a position.
2. Education and Experience: Becoming a law professor typically requires a significant amount of education and experience. In addition to a JD degree, many law professors also have a PhD or LLM degree, and several years of experience practicing law. This can be a significant investment of time and money.
3. Research and Scholarship: Law professors are expected to engage in research and scholarship in addition to teaching. This can be challenging for new professors, who may not have established a reputation in the field or have connections to other scholars.
4. Teaching: Teaching law can be challenging, as the material is complex and constantly changing. Law professors must be able to effectively convey this information to students, who may have varying levels of understanding and interest in the subject.
5. Service: Law professors are also expected to participate in service activities such as advising students, serving on committees, and participating in professional organizations. This can be time-consuming and can take away from time that could be spent on research and teaching.
6. Career advancement: Job security and career advancement opportunities can be limited in academia, and it can be difficult to secure a tenured position.