How much does a law professor make?

A law professor leads students through court cases, then meets them in office hours and grades papers. Between classes, the professor researches legal questions and writes articles; clinic teachers may guide students on real cases.

Did you know? At UCLA, students in a law professor’s clinic helped prepare a real case that the U.S. Supreme Court decided in their clients’ favor.

In the U.S., earn a bachelor’s degree and J.D.; build a research record, often through a fellowship or VAP, and sometimes a Ph.D. For real-client clinics, state rules may also require bar admission and practice experience.

School needed: Graduate degree or long training

Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out

Why does pay differ?

In the U.S., pay varies with experience, responsibility, years on the job, location, and whether someone works at a university or junior college. Full-time and part-time jobs, and roles such as clinical or legal-writing teacher, can also have different duties and pay arrangements.