The Path to Teaching Law at a University

Becoming a law professor requires a law degree, several years of legal practice or scholarship, and a doctoral degree in law. Most universities will not hire someone as a full-time law professor without a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and either a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) degree. The timeline is typically 7 to 12 years from the start of law school to your first tenure-track position.

The specific requirements vary by school and region. Some schools prioritize candidates with published legal scholarship; others value courtroom or government experience. A few schools will consider candidates with only a J.D. and substantial practice experience, but these positions are rare and competitive. You will need to decide early whether you want to pursue the doctoral route when ready after law school or work in practice first and return to academia later.

Key Takeaways

  • You must earn a J.D. from an accredited law school and pass the bar exam in at least one state before pursuing an academic career.
  • Most law professor positions require an LL.M. or S.J.D., which typically takes 1 to 3 years beyond the J.D.
  • Building a record of published legal writing is essential; law schools expect candidates to have articles in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Teaching experience, either as an adjunct professor or through law school clinics, strengthens your candidacy significantly.
  • The job market for law professors is competitive, and positions vary widely by school tier and geographic region.

Complete Your J.D. and Pass the Bar

Your first step is attending an ABA-accredited law school and earning your J.D. This is a three-year program in the United States. During law school, focus on courses that align with your intended teaching field—whether that is constitutional law, contracts, criminal procedure, or another specialty. Take advantage of law review or journal opportunities, as publication credits during law school strengthen your academic profile later.

After graduation, you must pass the bar exam in at least one state. Most law professors are licensed to practice, even if they never intend to work as attorneys. Some schools require bar passage as a condition of hiring; others do not, but having a license removes a barrier to employment. You can take the bar exam in any state, though many candidates choose the state where they attended law school or where they plan to teach.

Earn an Advanced Law Degree

The LL.M. (Master of Laws) is a one-year degree designed for lawyers who want specialized knowledge in a particular field. An LL.M. is often sufficient for teaching at lower-tier law schools or for adjunct positions. The S.J.D. (Doctor of Juridical Science), also called a J.S.D. in some schools, is a research doctorate that typically takes 2 to 3 years and requires a dissertation. An S.J.D. is the stronger credential for competitive positions at top-ranked schools.

You can pursue your advanced degree when ready after law school or after working in practice. Many candidates work for 2 to 5 years first—as associates at law firms, as government attorneys, or in public interest roles—to gain experience and clarity about their teaching interests. This work experience often makes your doctoral research more grounded and your candidacy more attractive. Some law schools offer fellowships or scholarships for LL.M. and S.J.D. candidates; others charge tuition. Research programs carefully, as cost and funding vary widely.

Build a Record of Legal Scholarship

Law schools hire based heavily on your published writing. You need articles in peer-reviewed law journals—typically law reviews published by other law schools. Start publishing while you are still in law school or during your advanced degree program. Your first article might be a student note or comment in your own school's law review; subsequent articles should appear in external journals.

Aim to have at least 2 to 3 published articles before you enter the job market. Articles in top-tier journals (those affiliated with highly ranked schools) carry more weight than those in lower-tier journals, but any peer-reviewed publication is valuable. Write about topics within your intended teaching field. If you are unsure what to write about, talk to professors in your target area; they can suggest topics that need scholarly attention. Many candidates also present their work at academic conferences to refine their ideas before submitting to journals.

Gain Teaching Experience

Law schools want to see that you can teach. If you are still a student, volunteer to be a teaching assistant for a professor or help with a law school clinic. After law school, seek adjunct teaching positions at local law schools—these are part-time roles teaching one or two courses per semester. Adjunct positions pay modestly but give you a teaching record and help you develop course materials.

Another route is a fellowship or visiting position at a law school. Some schools offer one- or two-year fellowships for recent graduates or lawyers with a few years of experience. These positions often include teaching responsibilities and mentorship from senior faculty. A fellowship strengthens your candidacy significantly because it signals that an established school already viewed you as capable of academic work. If you cannot find a fellowship, adjunct teaching is the next best option.

Navigate the Academic Job Market

Law professor positions are posted primarily through the Law School Hiring Network (LSHN), a database where schools list openings and candidates post their credentials. The hiring cycle typically runs from August through the following spring, with most positions filled by April. Schools post openings, review applications, conduct phone interviews, and invite finalists to campus visits. The process moves slowly—expect 2 to 4 months from process to a decision.

Prepare a detailed CV that lists your education, bar admission, publications, teaching experience, and practice background. Write a cover letter explaining your teaching interests and research agenda. Many schools will ask for writing samples—usually your best law review article or a chapter from your dissertation. Have 2 to 3 references ready, ideally from law professors or senior lawyers who know your work well. explore to schools that match your qualifications; top-ranked schools typically hire candidates with S.J.D. degrees and multiple publications, while lower-ranked schools may hire adjuncts or candidates with strong practice experience.

Understand Regional and Tier Differences

Law schools vary widely in their hiring standards. Top-tier schools (ranked in the top 20 nationally) typically require an S.J.D., multiple publications in prestigious journals, and often a fellowship or prior academic position. Mid-tier schools (ranked 50 to 100) may hire candidates with an LL.M., fewer publications, and adjunct teaching experience. Lower-ranked schools sometimes hire based primarily on practice experience and teaching ability, with less emphasis on the doctoral degree.

Geography also matters. Schools in major cities and regions with strong legal markets tend to be more selective. Schools in smaller markets or less competitive regions may have more openings and lower barriers to entry. If you are flexible about location, you will have more opportunities. If you are set on teaching in a specific city or region, prepare for a longer search and consider adjunct teaching in that area to build local connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to work as a lawyer before becoming a law professor?

No, but it helps. You can pursue your LL.M. or S.J.D. when ready after law school and enter the job market with only academic credentials. However, candidates with 2 to 5 years of practice experience—whether in law firms, government, or public interest—are often more competitive because they bring real-world perspective to their teaching and research.

Can I become a law professor with only an LL.M., not an S.J.D.?

Yes, but your options are more limited. An LL.M. is sufficient for adjunct positions and for full-time roles at lower-ranked schools. Top-ranked schools almost always require an S.J.D. or equivalent research doctorate. If you want maximum flexibility in the job market, an S.J.D. is the safer choice.

How much does it cost to get a law degree and advanced degree?

Costs vary widely. A J.D. from a private law school can cost $100,000 to $200,000 total; public schools are typically less. LL.M. and S.J.D. programs range from $20,000 to $80,000 depending on the school and whether you receive funding. Many schools offer scholarships or assistantships that cover tuition in exchange for teaching or research work. Research funding options carefully before enrolling.

What if I cannot get published in a top law journal?

Publication in any peer-reviewed law journal counts. Top-tier journals are competitive, but hundreds of law reviews exist at schools across the country. Your article in a regional or lower-ranked journal is still a credential. Focus on writing good work and submitting widely; persistence matters more than getting into one prestigious journal when ready.

How long does it take to become a law professor?

The minimum timeline is about 7 years: 3 years for the J.D., 1 year for an LL.M., and 3 years of work and job searching. If you pursue an S.J.D., add 2 to 3 years. If you work in practice first, add 2 to 5 years. Most people are in their early to mid-30s when they land their first tenure-track position.