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Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Overview
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Job Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Examples

These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.

Teach courses in law. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $41K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $67K
Median Salary: $116K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $181K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $208K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.

Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, papers, and oral presentations.

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.

Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.

Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as civil procedure, contracts, and torts.

Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.

Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.

Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.

Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.

Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.

Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.

Assign cases for students to hear and try.

Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.

Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.

Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.

Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.

Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.

Act as advisers to student organizations.

Participate in campus and community events.

Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.

Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.

Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Calendar and scheduling software
Calendar and scheduling software
Computer based training software
Learning management system LMS
Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software
Desktop publishing software
Microsoft Publisher
Document management software
LexisNexis HotDocs
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Graphics or photo imaging software
ACD Systems Canvas
Information retrieval or search software
Thomson West Westlaw
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Legal management software
Thomson Reuters WestlawNext Litigator
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Image scanning software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Web page creation and editing software
Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction CALI Classcaster
Word processing software
Google Docs
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Audio and visual presentation and composing equipment
Overhead data projectors
Communications Devices and Accessories
Multi-line telephone systems
Components for information technology or broadcasting or telecommunications
Universal serial bus USB flash drives
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Consumer electronics
Handheld microphones
Data Voice or Multimedia Network Equipment or Platforms and Accessories
Conference telephones
Office machines and their supplies and accessories
Laser facsimile machines
Photographic or filming or video equipment
Webcams
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Law and Government
99%
Importance

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

English Language
94%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training
89%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Computers and Electronics
67%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Communications and Media
66%
Importance

Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

Customer and Personal Service
59%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administration and Management
58%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Sociology and Anthropology
55%
Importance

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.

Philosophy and Theology
53%
Importance

Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

Psychology
52%
Importance

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Top 10 Skills
Speaking
93%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening
85%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Learning Strategies
85%
Importance

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Reading Comprehension
85%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Instructing
83%
Importance

Teaching others how to do something.

Active Learning
80%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Critical Thinking
80%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Writing
80%
Importance

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Judgment and Decision Making
78%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Complex Problem Solving
70%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Top 10 Abilities
Oral Expression
93%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Comprehension
88%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Oral Comprehension
83%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Speech Clarity
83%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Deductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Written Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Near Vision
75%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Speech Recognition
70%
Importance

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Problem Sensitivity
65%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Top 10 Work Activities
Training and Teaching Others
96%
Importance

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Getting Information
93%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
90%
Importance

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
88%
Importance

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Coaching and Developing Others
86%
Importance

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Thinking Creatively
84%
Importance

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Analyzing Data or Information
81%
Importance

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
78%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
76%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
76%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Detailed Work Activities

Guide class discussions.

Evaluate student work.

Develop instructional materials.

Administer tests to assess educational needs or progress.

Prepare tests.

Stay informed about current developments in field of specialization.

Attend training sessions or professional meetings to develop or maintain professional knowledge.

Teach social science courses at the college level.

Maintain student records.

Research topics in area of expertise.

Write articles, books or other original materials in area of expertise.

Evaluate effectiveness of educational programs.

Develop instructional objectives.

Advise students on academic or career matters.

Select educational materials or equipment.

Order instructional or library materials or equipment.

Plan experiential learning activities.

Supervise student research or internship work.

Serve on institutional or departmental committees.

Promote educational institutions or programs.

Perform student enrollment or registration activities.

Direct department activities.

Plan community programs or activities for the general public.

Compile specialized bibliographies or lists of materials.

Write grant proposals.

Advise educators on curricula, instructional methods, or policies.

Work Context
Structured versus Unstructured Work

To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?

Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Education
Majors
Major
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
Dispute Resolution
Religious Institution Administration and Law
Human Resources Management and Services
Interests
Social
96%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Investigative
81%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Enterprising
72%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Artistic
53%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Conventional
39%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Realistic
15%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Integrity
94%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Analytical Thinking
93%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Attention to Detail
93%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Initiative
93%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Achievement/Effort
91%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Dependability
91%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Independence
90%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Persistence
89%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Self Control
83%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Stress Tolerance
83%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Work Values
Achievement
86%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Independence
86%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Working Conditions
86%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Recognition
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Relationships
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Support
48%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.