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Careers · Education, training and library

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Law teachers at colleges and universities instruct students in legal subjects, courses, and practice areas. They work in law schools and academic institutions, balancing classroom teaching with research and scholarship. Most law teachers hold graduate degrees and often have legal practice experience.

$128,500median pay, U.S., per year
$88,700–$176,490middle half earn
20Kemployed in the U.S.
Docttypical education · 99% hold a bachelor’s or higher
HighAI exposure · AI tools can speed up many tasks. Skills in using them will matter, and some roles may change.
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A day in the work

Law teachers prepare and deliver lectures, lead seminars, and grade assignments across various legal topics. They develop course materials and curricula, meet with students during office hours, and serve on academic committees. Many allocate time to legal research and scholarly writing to advance knowledge in their field. Some participate in continuing legal education or maintain limited practice work alongside their teaching responsibilities.

Who this work suits

Social
91Investigative
73Conventional
45Enterprising
42Artistic
40Realistic
24

Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You tend to excel in this role if you're drawn to social impact through education and investigative problem-solving in legal analysis. You likely enjoy deep research, synthesizing complex information, and explaining it clearly to others. Your background typically includes legal training and meaningful experience in law practice before moving into academia.

What it takes

Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.

Skills that matter most

SpeakingReading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesInstructingCritical ThinkingWritingActive Learning

Knowledge areas

Law and GovernmentEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyComputers and Electronics

Pay by state

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Related occupations

Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against law teachers, postsecondary and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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O*NET-SOC 25-1112.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.