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The JDs I know who teach at undergrads teach law related classes and got a referral from other JDs who taught at the school that they knew.
Does anyone at your firm teach? Is your law school connected to an undergrad? If there is a law school local to you with an attached undergrad, you could look into volunteering there to make connections
This is good advice. If you can’t get a referral, I’d also reach out to the department chair of the dept where you want to teach - they would know if there’s currently a need at their school for an adjunct.
I’m an adjunct at my former law school. I teach the subject matter I actively practice in, and got the position primarily because I had recommendations from two of my former professors. Law schools tend to treat adjuncts who are still actively practicing quite well. My course is also practice-based meaning it teaches skills that transfer directly into practice in my field.
I think it might be difficult for you to get into undergrad without having done substantial field research or direct experience in that subject. They will likely prefer someone with teaching experience. I would try and volunteer for some seminars or work on a teaching certificate prior if you are really passionate about working undergrad.
Thank you, this is very helpful advice.
I’m surprised a college would hire a JD to teach government - it’s not a terminal degree in the field….
They will want to know that you know how to teach. Subject matter expertise is one thing; being able to teach it is another. Have you ever taught? Designed a syllabus? Highlighting any relevant experience would be essential.
Right - most law professors just have a JD because that is in practice a terminal degree in law (SJD is a rare degree). In poli sci/govt, the terminal degree would be a PhD. The training of a PhD is significantly different than the training for a JD. In my experience, it’s unusual for a JD to teach in a social science dept (and where it happens, it’s a superstar law prof), but the reqs might be different at a community college.
Get referral
How get referral
The governor of Maryland started a “Feds to Ed”program.