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Adjunct Law Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct Professor - Law College of Law The University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana Champaign is one of the oldest law schools in the country, with an accomplished and influential faculty, a ...

Adjunct Professor Department: CC00202 WM001 | SLAW | Law School Faculty Operations Job Family ... School Of Law Summary: The William & Mary Law School is recruiting a pool of adjunct faculty to ...

Business Law | Entrepreneurship | Sports Business) Marketing (incl. Digital | Global Supply Chain As a Collins College of Business Adjunct Professor, you will: Utilize a course syllabus for each ...

Business Law | Entrepreneurship | Sports Business) • Marketing (incl. Digital | Global Supply Chain As a Collins College of Business Adjunct Professor, you will: • Utilize a course syllabus for ...

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Adjunct Law Professor information

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$28

$67

$78

How much do adjunct law professor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for adjunct law professor in the United States is $67.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66.83 and $69.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Adjunct Law Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Adjunct Law Professor, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, substantial legal experience, and a strong understanding of legal theory and practice. Familiarity with legal research databases (such as Westlaw or LexisNexis), learning management systems (like Canvas or Blackboard), and possibly a teaching certificate are typically expected. Excellent communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster an engaging and supportive learning environment. These skills and qualifications are essential for effectively teaching complex legal concepts and preparing students for legal careers.

Is it worth being an adjunct professor?

Adjunct law professors typically teach part-time at law schools and may have flexible schedules, but they often receive lower pay and fewer benefits compared to full-time faculty. The role can be valuable for gaining teaching experience and maintaining legal expertise, but it may not provide long-term financial stability or career advancement without additional positions or credentials.

What is the difference between Adjunct Law Professor vs Part-Time Law Lecturer?

AspectAdjunct Law ProfessorPart-Time Law Lecturer
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), legal experienceJD or equivalent, teaching experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaw schools, classrooms, academic settingsLaw schools, classrooms, academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, law schools, academic institutionsUniversities, law schools, academic institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Adjunct Law Professors and Part-Time Law Lecturers teach law courses on a part-time basis within academic institutions. While they share similar credentials and work environments, the title "Adjunct Law Professor" often emphasizes a faculty role with potential research or academic responsibilities, whereas "Part-Time Law Lecturer" may focus more on teaching without research duties. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right position based on their credentials and career goals.

What is an Adjunct Law Professor?

An Adjunct Law Professor is a part-time faculty member at a law school who typically teaches one or more courses per semester. Unlike full-time professors, adjuncts often have primary careers as practicing attorneys, judges, or legal professionals and bring real-world experience to the classroom. Their responsibilities may include teaching, preparing course materials, grading, and mentoring students, but they usually do not have the same research or administrative obligations as tenure-track faculty. Adjunct Law Professors provide valuable practical insight and help bridge the gap between legal theory and practice.

How does an Adjunct Law Professor typically balance teaching responsibilities with other professional commitments?

Adjunct Law Professors often juggle teaching with legal practice or other academic roles, requiring strong time management and organizational skills. Classes are usually scheduled to accommodate their primary professional obligations, often in the evenings or on select days. Preparation for lectures, grading, and student consultations are key weekly tasks, which must be balanced with court appearances, case preparation, or research. Collaboration with full-time faculty and participation in curriculum development may also be expected, depending on the institution. Effective communication and a proactive approach to scheduling are essential to succeed in this multifaceted role.

How hard is it to become an adjunct law professor?

Becoming an adjunct law professor typically requires a strong legal background, often a JD degree, and relevant professional experience such as practicing law or working in legal academia. Many institutions also value prior teaching experience and a demonstrated ability to publish or contribute to legal scholarship. The process involves applying to open positions, which can be competitive depending on the institution and location.

How many hours do adjunct law professors work?

Adjunct law professors typically work part-time, often teaching one or two courses per semester, which generally requires 10 to 20 hours per week including preparation and grading. Their schedules are flexible and usually outside of standard full-time hours, depending on the institution and course load.

What Does an Adjunct Law Professor Do?

As an adjunct law professor, you teach at a university or law school. Adjunct professors are members of the faculty but do not have tenure, meaning they do not have full-time, continuously-guaranteed employment. Your duties include planning and teaching classes and, sometimes, performing research or publishing scholarly articles. Many adjunct professors teach or lecture part-time and have contracts that last for a semester or one school year before they are up for renewal. In addition to teaching legal studies, your responsibilities can include advising students and helping them develop their skills and define their goals.

What do adjunct professors get paid?

Adjunct law professors are typically paid per course or credit hour, with salaries ranging from approximately $2,000 to $7,000 per course depending on the institution and location. Compensation can vary based on experience, qualifications, and whether the position is part-time or full-time, often supplemented by benefits or stipends for office hours and grading.
What cities are hiring for Adjunct Law Professor jobs? Cities with the most Adjunct Law Professor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Adjunct Law Professor jobs? The most popular types of Adjunct Law Professor jobs are:
What states have the most Adjunct Law Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Adjunct Law Professor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Adjunct Law Professor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Full Time, 75% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,525 per year, or $67.6 per hour.
Adjunct Professor - Law

Adjunct Professor - Law

University of Illinois

Urbana, IL • On-site

$3.0K/wk

Full-time

Posted 18 hours ago


Job description

Adjunct Professor - Law
College of Law
The University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana Champaign is one of the oldest law schools in the country, with an accomplished and influential faculty, a smart and collegial student body, and a strong alumni network. In addition to its full-time faculty, the College of Law regularly employs distinguished lawyers and academics as adjunct professors.
The College of Law invites applications for adjunct faculty to teach as part of the Anderson Center for Advocacy and Professionalism. Specifically, we have openings for an adjunct faculty position to teach a trial advocacy workshop as part of our foundational trial advocacy course in collaboration with the full-time Director of the Anderson Center, and we have openings for several adjunct professors to coach our competitive trial, moot court, and alternative dispute resolution teams. Our alternative dispute resolution teams include students competing in client counseling, negotiation, and arbitration competitions.
Classes will meet in the Law Building in Champaign, between mid-August and early December. The trial advocacy workshops generally meet in-person once a week at the College of Law. Competitive advocacy teams will meet based on availability of the adjunct and the students. Practice sessions may be held in-person at the College of Law, virtually, or in a hybrid fashion. Coaches will be expected to travel with their teams to competitions. Travel will be funded by the College of Law.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must possess a J.D. or the equivalent and have at least three years of teaching or practice experience in the subject area in which they will be teaching.
Preferred QualificationsPrior trial or appellate experience and/or experience participating in law school competitive advocacy programs, and a current law license are strongly preferred.
Appointment InformationThese are five to ten percent Academic positions appointed for the Fall 2026 semester. The anticipated start date is in August 2026. Salary is between $3000 and $8000, depending on credit hours.This position is eligible for work authorization sponsorships.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Please provide a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest and describing any prior teaching experience. Up to three letters of reference are preferred but not required.
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on July 1, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Devin Scheidemantel wds@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1037001Job Category: FacultyApply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

University of Illinois logo

About University of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Urbana, IL, US

Year founded

1974

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