Law Professor

Your Fit

Income

$127K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Law Professor?

A Law Professor is an academic expert who teaches and conducts research in various fields of law at a postsecondary level. They are responsible for educating future lawyers, judges, and legal scholars, and often contribute significantly to legal scholarship and research.

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The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Law Professor.

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Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Law Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$58K per year	$84K per year	$127K per year	$174K per year	NA per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $77K above the national average.

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What does a Law Professor do?

Work environment

Law Professors work primarily in law schools and universities. Their work environment includes classrooms, lecture halls, and offices where they conduct research, prepare course materials, and engage with students and colleagues. Some may also work in legal clinics within the university or participate in public speaking and consulting.

Quick task list

Teaches law courses and seminars to undergraduate and graduate students.
Conducts scholarly research and publishes articles in legal journals.
Supervises students' research work and advises them on academic and career development.
Participates in academic committees and contributes to the development of educational programs and policies.
Engages in public service through legal clinics, community outreach, or consulting work.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Criminal Law: Focusing on laws related to crime and punishment.
Corporate Law: Specializing in the legal aspects of business operations and corporate governance.
Constitutional Law: Concentrating on issues related to constitutional rights and principles.
Environmental Law: Dealing with laws and policies governing environmental protection.
International Law: Focusing on laws and treaties that govern relations between countries.

Description

Law Professors play a pivotal role in shaping the legal minds of the future. They are not only educators but also thought leaders in the legal field, often influencing policy and legal practices through their research and scholarship. Their work requires a deep understanding of legal principles and the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively to students.

In addition to teaching, Law Professors are often involved in extensive legal research, contributing to academic literature and engaging in debates on contemporary legal issues. This research can influence legal theory, practice, and policymaking.

The career of a Law Professor is one of prestige and intellectual stimulation. It offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of legal education and research, playing a significant role in shaping legal discourse and practices. It requires a commitment to academic excellence, a passion for the law, and the ability to inspire and educate future legal professionals.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the education and development of future legal professionals.
Engaging in meaningful legal research and scholarly writing.
Influencing legal thought and contributing to advancements in legal theory and practice.
The intellectual challenge and variety in teaching, research, and other academic pursuits.

You might make a good Law Professor if you are...

Passionate about the law and its role in society.
A strong communicator, capable of explaining complex legal concepts.
Dedicated to scholarly research and continuous learning.
Skilled in critical thinking and analytical reasoning.
Interested in mentoring and shaping the careers of future lawyers.

Pros:

Intellectual fulfillment from teaching and conducting legal research.
Opportunities to influence the legal field and contribute to legal scholarship.
Prestige and respect associated with being a legal educator and expert.
Relatively stable and secure academic career path.

Cons:

The academic job market can be competitive, especially for tenure-track positions.
Balancing teaching responsibilities with research, publishing, and administrative duties.
Pressure to publish regularly in prestigious law journals.
The necessity of staying continually updated with legal developments and practices.

How to become a Law Professor

Typical education

To become a Law Professor, one typically needs a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree, followed by several years of legal practice experience. Many law professors also hold a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D. or J.S.D.), which can add an additional 2-6 years to their post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced Placement courses in Government, History, and English to develop a strong foundation in law-related subjects.
Public speaking or debate classes to hone argumentative and presentation skills.
Writing-intensive courses to build research and writing capabilities.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in debate clubs or mock trial teams.
Involvement in student government or law-related volunteer activities.
Internships or shadowing experiences in legal settings.

Preparation after high school

Earn a bachelor's degree, ideally with a focus on pre-law, political science, or a related field.
Attend law school to obtain a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Gain practical legal experience through clerkships, internships, or legal practice.
Pursue further specialization with a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D. or J.S.D.) for advanced academic positions.
Engage in legal research and seek opportunities to publish in law journals.

More resources

American Bar Association (ABA) - Legal Education - Provides resources and information on legal education and careers.
Association of American Law Schools (AALS) - A resource for law school faculty and academic professionals.
The Law Teacher - A journal dedicated to legal education and teaching methodologies.
Legal Education Review - An academic journal focusing on research in legal education.
SSRN Legal Scholarship Network - A platform for sharing legal research and scholarship.

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