Law school’s pride themselves on the distinction of their faculty. A law school’s faculty plays a strong role in attracting students and the law school’s overall ranking. Law school faculty consists of tenured and non-tenured professors.  Law schools also hire adjunct professors. These typically consist of attorneys active in their respective fields, who are asked to teach on a subject that they are proficient in.

Law school faculty members almost always have impressive credentials. Obtaining a position on a law school faculty is competitive and difficult, as the position is prestigious and financially lucrative.  The typical law professor graduated in the top 5% to 25% of his or her class. Law faculty members are usually graduates of the top law schools in the country or in a geographic area.  Many law faculty members have clerked with a federal or state judge prior to  starting their teaching careers.

Almost all law school faculty have practiced law in some capacity before teaching. In fact, this prior experience is often as important as the educational background of a law professor. Law faculty hail from all areas of the legal profession: from the federal government to large law firms to state prosecutors offices and small firms. A faculty’s prior experiences often times influences what areas of law they will teach.

Besides teaching courses, law school faculty are often expected to research on specific legal areas and issues, and publish articles and books regarding their areas of research and interest.  Some law faculty members are also involved in the practice of law and provide students with internship and career opportunities.

You can view faculty profiles at most law schools by visiting the official website of the law school.