Becoming a Law Professor: What Aspiring Academics Need To Know | Justia Webinars

Pursuing a career as a law professor is both an intellectually rewarding and highly competitive endeavor that requires strategic planning, authentic self-presentation, and resilience in navigating academia’s unique challenges. In this comprehensive and candid session, we’ll demystify the path to legal academia, offering practical guidance for aspiring scholars from all backgrounds who dream of shaping the next generation of lawyers.

From understanding the current academic job market and essential qualifications to building your scholarly profile and crafting compelling application materials, this webinar covers the full spectrum of what it takes to break into law teaching. We’ll explore how to develop your research agenda, navigate the AALS recruitment process, and position yourself authentically in a field that increasingly values diverse perspectives and lived experiences.

A central theme throughout the session is the power of owning your story and voice. Rather than conforming to traditional academic molds, you’ll learn how your unique background, experiences, and viewpoint can become your greatest assets in scholarship and teaching. We’ll address common challenges including imposter syndrome, work-life balance, and the emotional realities of academic job searching, while providing concrete strategies for building mentorship networks and sustainable career practices.

Whether you’re a current law student, practicing attorney considering a career change, or recent graduate exploring your options, this session will equip you with realistic expectations, actionable strategies, and the confidence to pursue your academic aspirations while staying true to your authentic self. The extended Q&A period ensures personalized guidance for your specific journey into legal academia.

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00:00 Introduction
04:20 Understanding the Academic Job Market
10:06 Building a Competitive Academic Profile
17:10 Developing a Unique Scholarly Voice
27:40 Application Process and Job Talks
35:59 Thriving in an Academic Career
42:28 Questions & Answers