Path and Benefits of Becoming a University Law Lecturer in the US
January 29, 2023
· 3 min read
Becoming a university law lecturer in the United States typically requires a combination of education, experience, and qualifications. Here are the general steps to become a law lecturer in the US:
- Obtain a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. This is the standard law degree in the US, and it is a prerequisite for becoming a law lecturer.
- Gain experience in the legal field. Many law professors have previous experience as practicing attorneys or judges. This experience can be valuable in teaching law students, as it provides real-world perspective and insight into the legal system.
- Obtain a PhD or Master of Laws (LLM) degree in law. A PhD or LLM can be beneficial as it will give you a deep understanding of the field and can make you more competitive in the job market.
- Teach as a visiting professor at a law school. This can be a good way to gain experience teaching and to build a network of contacts in the legal academy.
- Apply for law lecturer positions at universities. Many universities will require candidates to have a JD, a PhD or LLM, relevant experience, and a record of scholarly publications.
Anyway, the job market for law teachers can be competitive, but with dedication and hard work, it can be a rewarding career. That’s why pay your attention at the several benefits that a university law lecturer has:
- Intellectual stimulation: Teaching law at the university level allows you to engage with complex legal issues and stay current on developments in the field.
- Impact on future leaders: As a law lecturer, you have the opportunity to shape the next generation of legal professionals and leaders. You can inspire students to become leaders in their field and make a positive impact on society.
- Flexibility: Many law lecturers have the opportunity to design their own course materials and teaching styles, and also can balance their teaching with research and writing.
- Professional development: Teaching law allows you to continue to develop your own legal knowledge and skills. It also provides an opportunity for you to improve your teaching methodologies and presentation skills.
- Job security: Many universities have tenure tracks, which means that once you've been on the faculty for a certain number of years, you have a relatively secure job for life.
- Competitive salary: Law lecturers at the most prestigious universities and law schools typically earn high salaries, with the median salary for full-time law faculty members at these schools around $200,000 per year.
- Prestige: Being a law lecturer at a well-respected university can be a source of pride and can open doors to other opportunities, such as consulting or advising on legal matters, writing books or articles, or serving on boards of legal organizations.
- Access to resources: Being a law lecturer at a university gives you access to a wealth of resources, including libraries, research centers, and other scholars in the field.