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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 Jul 24, 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.

How to get a job as a law professor?

To become a law professor, candidates typically need a Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent law degree, extensive legal experience, and a strong record of scholarly research or publications. Many institutions also require a demonstrated ability to teach and may prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher in law or related fields. Building a professional network, gaining teaching experience, and publishing in legal journals can improve job prospects.

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.

Can you be a professor with just a law degree?

Being an entry level law professor typically requires a law degree, such as a JD or LLM, along with strong academic credentials and teaching or research experience. However, many institutions also prefer candidates with a record of scholarly work or practical legal experience. A law degree alone may not be sufficient without additional qualifications or expertise in legal scholarship or practice.

Do law professors get paid well?

Law professors' salaries vary based on experience, institution type, and location, but generally they earn competitive wages compared to other academic roles. Entry-level law professors typically start with lower salaries, which increase with tenure, research, and publication records. Overall, senior law professors at prestigious universities can earn high salaries, often supplemented by research grants and consulting opportunities.

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.

What qualifications do you need to be a law school professor?

To become an entry-level law school professor, candidates typically need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, a strong academic record, and relevant legal experience. Many also pursue a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or a Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) for specialized expertise and research credentials.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Full-Time Faculty

Full-Time Faculty

Charleston School of Law

Charleston, SC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Charleston School of Law welcomes applications from entry-level and lateral candidates interested in appointment to full-time, tenure-track positions teaching in the following areas: (1) Constitutional Law; (2) Business Organizations; and (3) Contracts/Sales.
We also invite applications from entry-level and lateral candidates interested in appointment to teach Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing, along with Foundations of Legal Practice.
All candidates must: (1) possess a J.D. or its equivalent; (2) be licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction; (3) have law practice experience; and (4) be committed to exceptional teaching, scholarship, service, and collegiality. Successful applicants must be available to teach in-person during required teaching times beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year.
Charleston Law is an ABA fully-accredited, 501(c)(3) institution that offers a comprehensive three-year program enriched by its longstanding student-centered mission, commitment to an extraordinary classroom experience, and dedication to public service. The campus is located in the Upper King Street district of historic, downtown Charleston, South Carolina, which Travel + Leisure Magazine named as the Number One Best City in the United States for twelve consecutive years from 2013 to 2024 (and ranked as #2 for 2026). The Princeton Review has rated Charleston Law as a top institution for faculty accessibility, teaching quality, and resources for women.
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, scholarly agenda, teaching evaluations (if available), and reference list to Committee Chair Professor William Janssen at . Contact Professor Janssen with any questions, at .
Charleston Law is an Equal Opportunity employer.

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