A prospective candidate for law teaching jobs this coming year writes to ask whether I would post advice on the law teaching job market for those new to it. In fact, I have a lengthy document on this subject at my homepage here. It is aimed at Texas students, but much of the information is of general applicability and interest. There is discussion of the mechanics of the job market, interviews, factors to consider and investigate in looking at schools, and the like. I gather, from correspondence, that many law students at other schools utilize this site, which confirms my impression that it will be of value to those not from UT. But any UT alums thinking about law teaching ought to get in touch with me ASAP! At this point, it is probably too late to begin preparations for this year's teaching market, but it is not too early to begin planning for next year. (Note: this latter point is UT-specific--unlike, as far as I can tell, every other top school in the country, we actually prepare detailed information on our candidates, including collecting references in advance, which we then share with hiring schools nationally. This takes time! Most top law schools just leave their grads at sea on the teaching market, unfortunately.)
Here's my basic advice in a nutshell:
(1) Of the 1,000-or-so resumes submitted to the AALS each year, at least 500, probably 700, are non-starters: the candidates are wasting their time.
(2) To not be wasting your time, you should have (a) a very strong academic record from strong academic institutions; (b) at least one post-law school publication; and (c) at least two recommenders who are established legal academics. Your recommenders ought to have agreed, in advance, to recommend you!
That's a slight over-simplification; for the details, see the site above.
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