If you plan to become a law professor, then you certainly have a lot to think about. This profession is probably one of the most challenging jobs in the USA, and it is also one of the many high-paying careers in America as well.
The main reason why one of the best-paid jobs in the USA is a law professor is that you need to undergo years of training in order to become one. Also, you need to make sure that you have the dedication required to make it until the end.
Another main reason why a law professor is the highest paying career in the USA is that even if you do manage to become a law professor, you aren’t guaranteed to get a job as one because the field is highly competitive and you need to do everything that you can to make sure that you stand out from your competition.
What Law Professors Actually Do?
Law professors teach courses in various aspects of the area of law. Law professors usually teach in a university environment but also at graduate schools as well, by specializing in specific areas of law (contract, criminal, insurance law, etc.)
Law professors are mostly responsible for developing curriculum plans for the students. Also, their job is to encourage the students to participate in law class discussions, so the students can learn the material easier.
These professors differ from other professors because they enforce rigorous grading standards, assign heavy reading, and require a lot of discipline from the students. Law professors usually issue difficult examinations where students are required to be fully prepared (and to be ready for extensive writing and law citations.)
Many law professors hold a Ph.D. law degree from an accredited institution and usually are members of the state bar association within the law area they teach. That means they are fully certified to practice law as professionals.
Most law professors are known for their intellectual leadership and significant contributions to their specific field.
What Is The Average Salary For A Law Professor In The USA?
The average salary for a Law Professor in the USA is $128/year (as of Dec 2022). The total cash earnings of a Professor of Law range from $59K to $200K on the high end.
Base Salary | $59k - $200k |
Bonus | $2k - $15k |
Profit Sharing | $0 - $45k |
Commission | $0 - $10k |
Total Pay | $59k - $211k |
Responsibilities Of A Law Professor
A law professor generally:
- Creates the main law curriculum and prepares lectures, notes, exercises, experiments, etc.
- Gives heavy readings, homework, grades exams and papers.
- Gives mentorship, advises, supervises, and collaborates with the students individually.
- Performs research and experiments, examines literature, and collects and analyzes data.
- Publishes research findings and contributes to professional journals and publications.
- Keep up with the latest developments in his academic field.
The major responsibilities and duties of the law professor throughout his life basically summarize in 3 main activities:
- Research
- Teaching
- Service
The law professors will normally start by teaching basic law to graduates, and they will also help potential lawyers to get the experience they need to go into the profession.
However, all law professors need to know the law inside and out and put their knowledge into practice in the best possible way in the classroom.
Final Words
So it isn’t hard to see why the best-paying job in the USA is a law professor, and if you want a high-salary job in the USA then this is certainly one that you should consider because of its many benefits.
If you want to start your career as a law professor first, you must be willing to undergo years of training and gain extensive practical law experience.
This will help you to get the edge you need as well as make sure that you can surpass your competition and become a successful law professor.