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Entry Level Law Professor information

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$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do entry level law professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level law professor in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Law Professor vs Associate Law Professor?

AspectEntry Level Law ProfessorAssociate Law Professor
Required CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), some teaching experienceJD, typically some teaching or research experience
Work EnvironmentLaw schools, academic settingsLaw schools, academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageLaw schools, universitiesLaw schools, universities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Law Professor and an Associate Law Professor lies in experience and rank. Entry Level Law Professors are typically recent graduates or those with minimal teaching experience starting their academic careers. Associate Law Professors usually have more experience, have demonstrated research and teaching capabilities, and are a step above entry level in academic rank. Both roles are based in law schools and require similar credentials, but the associate level indicates a higher level of experience and contribution to the institution.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level law professors in their first year of teaching?

Entry level law professors often encounter challenges such as balancing course preparation with research demands, adapting teaching styles to diverse student needs, and learning to manage classroom discussions effectively. Navigating institutional expectations, such as publishing scholarly work while providing quality instruction, can also be demanding. Building relationships with colleagues and seeking mentorship within the faculty are important steps that can help ease the transition and foster professional growth.

What are entry level law professors?

Entry level law professors are individuals who have recently begun their academic teaching careers at law schools, typically after earning a Juris Doctor (JD) or a doctoral degree in law. They are responsible for teaching foundational law courses, conducting legal research, publishing scholarly articles, and participating in faculty governance. Entry level law professors often start as assistant professors and may also mentor students, advise on academic matters, and contribute to the development of the law school's curriculum.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Law Professor, you generally need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a strong academic record, and a demonstrated ability to conduct legal research and publish scholarly work. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and experience with learning management systems (LMS) such as Canvas or Blackboard, are commonly required. Exceptional communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help foster student engagement and support collaborative academic environments. These competencies ensure effective teaching, impactful scholarship, and meaningful contributions to the law school's mission.
More about Entry Level Law Professor jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Law Professor jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Law Professor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Law Professor jobs? The most popular types of Law Professor jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Law Professor jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Law Professor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Law Professor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Law Professor jobs are:
Entry Level Law Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Law Professor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Law/Professor of Law

Assistant Professor of Law/Professor of Law

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

University Of San Diego rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

452nd of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Professor of Law/Professor of Law
Posting #: 4736
Position Status: Faculty, Full-time regular
Location: San Diego
Position Type: Faculty, School of Law
Position Title & Department:
Assistant Professor of Law/Professor of Law
Posting #
4736
Department Description:
University of San Diego School of Law. Recognized for the excellence of its faculty, curriculum, and clinical programs.
University Description:
The University of San Diego, a contemporary and engaged Roman Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity's urgent challenges.
Detailed Description:
The University of San Diego School of Law invites applications from entry-level and lateral candidates for full-time, tenured, and tenure-track positions beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. We seek applications from candidates with scholarly distinction or promise and a commitment to excellence in teaching.
Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.
Job Requirements:
Applicants should have a JD, Ph.D., or equivalent degree, as well as a record of high academic achievement. We welcome candidates with teaching and research interests in all areas of law, and we have a particular interest in applicants in the fields of Civil Procedure; Federal Courts; Corporate Law; Intellectual Property (including AI); Immigration; and other 1L fields.
Posting Salary:
$165,000 - 180,000 (Assistant/Associate Rank) and $175,000-235,000 (Professor Rank); Excellent Benefits
The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits
The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on faculty rank, experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
Special Application Instructions:
Click the 'Apply Now' button to complete our online application and, for full consideration, please upload the following materials to your application profile for the hiring managers' review:
All candidates, including those who have registered with the AALS Faculty Appointments Register, should complete an online application via the Apply Now link. Applications should include in pdf format: a curriculum vitae, a research agenda, a list of teaching preferences grouped by preferred subjects and secondary subjects, and three (3) references, including names and contact information.
To help ensure full consideration, applicants should apply by September 15, 2025, although we recommend that you submit your materials as soon as possible. Please direct questions to either Professor Miranda Perry Fleischer (for entry-level candidates) or Professor Erin Sheley (for lateral candidates), Co-Chairs of the Faculty Appointments Committee, at [lawappts@sandiego.edu].
If you have any technical questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at jobs@sandiego.edu.
Additional Details:
The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.
Advertised: August 14, 2025 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
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