next »

[Anonymous]

I am a prosecutor in one of the country's busiest courts (located in Boston, MA). I love my work, but long to transition into a university setting. I hope to combine my love of the law (especially criminal law) with at least one of my several interests, such as multiculturalism/diversity, ethics, student-conflict resolution, and international programs.

Is there anyone out there with any advice on breaking into jobs that would be well-suited for someone with my background/interests? I'm clueless when it comes to finding and interviewing for these positions! Moreover, I only have my law degree (and lack the often-required Ph.D. degree). But I'm very determined to make this happen. Thank you, in advance, to those who reply.

[Anon again]

O.K. ... what do you want to do?

Do you want to teach law in a college (to undergraduates)? There is a professional association to join, and you can get up to speed quickly. There are a steady stream of openings in community colleges.

Would you rather teach justice studies? If so, get some postdoctoral training and a background at a good university from the justice-studies part of the sociology department.

Do you want to teach in a law school?  If so, you need to publish.

If you want to teach criminal-law paralegal classes, then you should contact the continuing-education program at your local junior college and start a class.

Think about what you really want to do.

This link may help get you started: http://adrr.com/adr9/050a.htm

Bottom line: read the background material, do a little research, and consider your focus. Then decide if you need a postdoc (post J.D.) certification or if you can enter teaching from a different angle.

[JD]

Good news! A J.D. is a terminal degree, so you have a Ph.D. equivalent. I teach English and communications courses with my law degree! The Boston area has over 50 schools to which you could apply, and criminal-justice programs are incredibly popular. Northeastern has a great program.

Oh, and never say, "I only have my law degree." Don't ever focus on what you only have or don't have. Always focus on what you do have, which is a very interesting background and great experience that you would definitely want to bring into a classroom. I always think showing how you are different as a candidate makes you more interesting. Good luck!