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Entry Level Law Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 Sep 5, 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 an entry level law professor?

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?

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.

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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Law Professor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Associate Professor of Law, Legal Analysis, Writing, and Skills

Southwestern Law School

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$131 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

SOUTHWESTERN LAW SCHOOL in Los Angeles invites applications for full-time entry-level or near-entry-level Associate Professors to teach Legal Analysis, Writing, and Skills starting in Summer 2027. These positions are flexible, meaning that a candidate may indicate their interest in either a tenure-track or non-tenure-track position. An individual who seeks to be considered for the tenure track must be a lateral candidate who is currently on the tenure-track at another ABA-approved law school or have a record of scholarly publication.

An initial non-tenure-track position (NTT) contract is typically for two years and may lead to a five-year, presumptively renewable appointment after three full years and a review process. NTT faculty vote on virtually all issues in faculty meetings, including faculty appointments. They also serve on faculty committees, hold significant administrative positions, and are eligible for summer research stipends and sabbaticals (based on scholarly production).

All 1Ls complete a six-unit, year-long Legal Analysis, Writing, and Skills course (LAWS) that introduces students to key lawyering skills and helps prepare them for the real-world demands they will face as attorneys. LAWS I explores issues of professionalism, develops broad-based analytical, research and writing skills, and provides concentrated instruction in the basics of legal methods, legal reasoning, and legal processes. LAWS II enables students to apply their new skills in a hands‑on advocacy experience.

We seek candidates who are passionate about teaching and can demonstrate success in the classroom, love working with students outside the classroom, and are willing to contribute to the campus community through committee and related service.

In addition to our on-campus programs, we offer a mostly asynchronous online J.D. program with full-time and part-time options. We hope many faculty we hire in the coming years will teach in that program.

Starting entry-level base salary is anticipated to be $145,000.

About Southwestern

Founded in 1911, Southwestern is an ABA-accredited, independent law school located in the center of Los Angeles. Our mission includes educating lawyers ready to serve clients, the profession, and our society with excellence, empowering students to reach their potential, cultivating inclusion and belonging, and shaping the law and public policy through teaching, scholarship, and service.

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