Legal Academic Careers
Legal academics teach and research legal issues. Generally speaking, as an academic you would specialise in an area of law and teach and research in that area.
The work can be very fulfilling as you are able to devote a good proportion of your working life to deeply exploring an area of law that you are passionate about. That being said, the role does require commitment and dedication. Teaching loads and pressures to publish your research require long hours of work. The nature of research is that it does not finish at 5pm like some jobs - inspiration can hit you at any time and it can often be difficult to ‘switch off'.
Academic hours are fairly flexible. Apart from the hours you teach and meet with students you are able to manage your own time. You are judged on your results, not the hours spent sitting in the office. Academic promotion is heavily based on your publications.
Academic salaries are generally lower than private practice. For some the lower salary is compensated for by the nature of the work and the flexibility of the working environment.
Academic positions are often advertised on the Careers Office Employment board. Keep a regular eye on the employment pages of universities you are interested in working in.
If you are interested in an academic career it can often be useful to gain some experience in the field by working as a Research Assistant. By doing so you hone your research skills, develop your professional contacts and you may begin to publish work - all crucial elements to a successful career as an academic. The Melbourne Law School has a database of Research Assistants on which you can register your interest for work.
It can also be useful to speak directly to academics who work in an area that you are interested in and enquire about any research opportunities.
Professor Jenny Morgan is the Faculty Advisor, Academic Careers. She is available to meet with students to advise them on strategies to enhance their opportunities for an academic career. You can email to request an appointment on j.morgan@unimelb.edu.au.