Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

SOC: 25-1112.00

Common Job Titles

Associate ProfessorInstructorLaw ProfessorProfessor

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeEvaluate complex legal arguments and judicial opinions in advanced law courses, applying constitutional principles and statutory interpretation frameworks.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze case law, statutes, and legal precedents to prepare comprehensive course materials and illustrate doctrinal evolution.
  • KnowledgeDesign curriculum and pedagogical strategies for legal education integrating Socratic method, problem-based learning, and clinical experiences.
  • MindsetModel ethical legal practice and professional responsibility standards when mentoring law students and guiding career development.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize interdisciplinary knowledge from law, philosophy, and social sciences to explain legal theory and policy implications in scholarly research.
  • KnowledgeInterpret evolving legal doctrines and regulatory frameworks for students in classroom lectures and Socratic questioning sessions.
  • KnowledgeAssess student legal reasoning and written analysis through examinations, memoranda, and oral arguments in simulated proceedings.
  • MindsetEngage diverse student perspectives in legal discourse facilitating inclusive classroom dialogue on controversial legal issues.
  • KnowledgeDevelop innovative instructional materials and legal simulations using learning management systems and legal research databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis.
  • MindsetAdvocate for access to justice and legal education reform through scholarly publications, public engagement, and institutional service.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Law Teachers, Postsecondary (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

22,800

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$58,330
10% of workers earn the following or more$239,200+
Workers on average earn$139,950

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Law and Government4.9/5
  • English Language4.7/5
  • Education and Training4.4/5
  • Computers and Electronics3.3/5
  • Communications and Media3.3/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Google DocsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word

Technology Skills

ACD Systems CanvasAbacusNext HotDocsBlackboard LearnCT Summation iBlazeCalendar and scheduling softwareCenter for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction CALI AuthorCenter for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction CALI ClasscasterCollaborative editing software

Tools & Equipment

Carousel slide projectorsCompact digital camerasCompact disk CD playersComputer data input scannersComputer laser printersComputer projectorsConference telephonesDesktop computers