Best Schools for Postsecondary Law Teachers in 2024

Essential Education to Become a Postsecondary Law Teacher

Embarking on the path to becoming a postsecondary law teacher is both exciting and demanding. This career not only allows you to shape the minds of future legal experts but also to contribute significantly to the field of law through research and scholarship. The essential education required for this profession is rigorous, reflecting the high standards expected in the legal and academic communities.

Undergraduate Degree

Your educational journey starts with obtaining an undergraduate degree. While there's no specific major required, certain fields can provide a strong foundation for your future studies in law:

• Political Science
• English
• History
• Economics
• Philosophy

These majors can help develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of the societal structures within which law operates.

Law Degree (JD)

The cornerstone of your educational preparation is a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Admission to law school typically requires:

• A strong GPA in your undergraduate studies
• High scores on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Letters of recommendation

During your time in law school, you will cover a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to:

• Constitutional Law
• Contracts
• Criminal Law
• Property Law
• Torts
• Civil Procedure

It's also beneficial to engage in activities that enhance your understanding and skills in law, such as moot court competitions, law review, or internships.

Specialization

As you contemplate a career as a postsecondary law teacher, consider specializing in a specific area of law. Specialization can make you more attractive to employers and can also influence your research interests. Popular areas of specialization include:

• Environmental Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Corporate Law
• International Law
• Human Rights Law

Gaining practical experience in your chosen specialization through internships, clerkships, or legal practice is invaluable. It not only enhances your resume but also provides real-world insights that you can bring into the classroom.

Advanced Degrees (Optional)

While not always required, pursuing an advanced degree such as a Master of Laws (LLM) or a Doctor of Judicial Science (SJD) can be beneficial, especially if you aim to teach at highly competitive institutions or wish to focus heavily on research. These programs allow for deep dives into specialized areas of law and are often accompanied by opportunities to publish scholarly work.

Teaching Experience

Gaining teaching experience can be an essential step in your journey. This can be achieved through:

• Serving as a teaching assistant during your advanced studies
• Lecturing or leading seminars in legal education programs
• Engaging in mentorship programs for law students

Experience in front of a classroom can not only refine your teaching skills but also help you understand the dynamics of student learning and curriculum development.

Continuous Learning and Professional Development

The field of law is continuously evolving, making ongoing learning and professional development crucial. Staying engaged with the latest legal developments through:

• Attending conferences
• Participating in workshops
• Continuing legal education courses

will ensure that you remain at the forefront of your field, both as a practitioner and as an educator.

By following these educational and professional steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a postsecondary law teacher, ready to educate the next generation of legal minds while contributing to the advancement of legal scholarship and practice.

Postsecondary Law Teacher Education Resources

When pursuing a career as a Postsecondary Law Teacher, it's essential to stay informed and connected. Here are some key resources to help you navigate your path.

Professional Associations

• American Association of Law Schools (AALS): Provides numerous resources for law teachers, including professional development opportunities and a comprehensive directory of law schools. Visit AALS
• Association of American Law Schools Section on Legal Writing, Reasoning, and Research: Offers resources and community support for legal writing educators. Explore the Section
• American Bar Association (ABA): Though primarily for practicing lawyers, the ABA offers resources and networking opportunities that can be valuable for law teachers. Check out ABA

Industry Publications

• Journal of Legal Education: An academic journal focusing on legal education issues, publishing articles that contribute to the improvement of legal education. Read the Journal
• Legal Education Review: An independent, peer-reviewed journal aiming to enhance legal education by encouraging thoughtful and scholarly engagement. Explore LER
• The Law Teacher: Published by the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, this journal offers insights into innovative teaching practices in law education. Visit The Law Teacher

Other Resources

• The Legal Writing Institute (LWI): Dedicated to improving legal writing by providing resources for legal writing educators. Discover LWI
• TeachLawBetter.com: A blog committed to sharing best practices and innovative approaches to teaching law. Learn from TeachLawBetter.com
• SSRN: Offers a wide range of prepublication research in law and related disciplines, providing access to cutting-edge studies and papers. Browse SSRN

Career.Guide

For an even more in-depth exploration of becoming a Postsecondary Law Teacher, including step-by-step career paths, educational requirements, and firsthand accounts from professionals in the field, don't forget to explore:

• Career Paths: Detailed guides on how to become a Postsecondary Law Teacher.
• Educational Requirements: Insights into necessary qualifications and recommended courses.
• Professional Insights: Interviews and articles from current Postsecondary Law Teachers sharing their experiences and advice.

Visit Career.Guide for comprehensive support and guidance tailored to your career goals in law teaching.

Postsecondary Law Teacher Education FAQs

What educational background is required to become a Postsecondary Law Teacher?

To set the stage for a career as a postsecondary law teacher, you're looking at a pathway that typically involves:

• Obtaining an undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as political science, history, or English. While your major doesn't have to be directly related to law, it should cultivate critical thinking, research, and writing skills.
• Earning a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. This is non-negotiable and serves as the cornerstone of your legal education.
• Many in this profession also pursue further education like a Master of Laws (LLM) or a Doctor of Judicial Science (SJD or JSD) to specialize in specific legal areas or to bolster their academic credentials.

Do I need a license to teach law at the postsecondary level?

While practicing attorneys must pass their state's bar exam, the requirements for teaching law are slightly different:

• In general, you are not required to pass the bar exam to teach law. However, having a license to practice law can enhance your credibility in the field and open up opportunities for teaching practical courses or clinics.
• Some institutions might prefer or require faculty members to have passed the bar exam, especially if the position involves teaching procedural or clinical courses where practical experience is invaluable.

What skills are essential for success as a Postsecondary Law Teacher?

Beyond the foundational legal knowledge and credentials, certain skills can help you excel in this career:

• Expertise in your subject area: Deep knowledge of specific legal fields is crucial since you'll be guiding the next generation of legal minds.
• Communication skills: Being able to clearly and effectively communicate complex legal concepts is key.
• Research skills: The ability to conduct detailed legal research is important not only for developing course content but also for contributing to academic scholarship in your field.
• Interpersonal skills: Engaging with students, colleagues, and the broader academic community requires strong interpersonal abilities.

How important is practical legal experience for a career in teaching law?

Practical legal experience can be a significant asset:

• It provides real-world examples and insights that can enrich classroom discussions and give students a practical perspective on their studies.
• Some teaching positions, especially those focused on clinical education or practical skills training, may require or prefer candidates with substantial legal practice experience.

Can I specialize in teaching certain areas of law?

Absolutely, specializing is both common and encouraged:

• Most law teachers develop expertise in specific areas such as environmental law, intellectual property, criminal law, or international law. This specialization often reflects their interests, previous legal practice, or doctoral studies.
• Specializing allows you to contribute to the development of a particular field through teaching, research, and scholarship.

What steps can I take to enhance my qualifications as a Postsecondary Law Teacher?

To stand out and progress in this competitive field:

• Publish scholarly articles in reputable law journals. This showcases your expertise and contributes to your field.
• Attend and present at legal conferences and workshops to stay current on legal developments and network with other professionals.
• Consider gaining teaching experience as an adjunct professor or guest lecturer while completing your advanced degrees or practicing law.
• Seek mentorship from experienced law teachers who can provide guidance and advice on navigating the academic landscape.

Remember, becoming a postsecondary law teacher is a blend of acquiring the right educational credentials, developing specialized expertise, and cultivating essential teaching and research skills. Each step you take on this path not only enhances your qualifications but also enriches your ability to contribute meaningfully to the education of future legal professionals.