Law Professor Cover Letter is a synopsis of the most important abilities of a law professor. People aspiring to become law professors need a doctorate in law along with experience as a lawyer in the relevant legal sub discipline. The most important skills needed for a law professor are a thorough knowledge of laws related to his sub discipline and excellent presentation skills. Both these skills are usually acquired during legal practice. This is because a lawyer has to effectively explain the applicability of laws to particular situations to the jury that comprises people from non-legal professions as well.
The candidate has to demonstrate his ability and readiness to deal with other responsibilities like conducting legal research, handing out assignments to students and assessing them, allotting case studies, playing chairperson to classroom debates and discussions, preparation of syllabi and academic papers, providing informal guidance to students, and participation in student activities. Another area that deserves a mention is the candidate's knowledge of practical aspects of the legal profession and how these differ from the theory.
Law Professor Cover Letter has to effectively sketch these competencies of the candidate. The candidate will also do well to provide glimpses of those portions of his career as a lawyer that can find application as a law professor. And since a teacher is involved with providing the correct direction to young minds, a mention of ethical values becomes necessary. This will add plenty of value to the cover letter.
Here is an example of law professor cover letter:
December 8, 2011 Peter Collins 500 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605 312-663-4622 peter_collins@hotmail.com
Worth Hudson Vice Principal, Chicago Law College 600 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60605
Dear Mr. Hudson,
This is with reference to your advertisement in the "Chicago Tribune," dated December 4, 2011, inviting applications for the position of a Law Professor in your esteemed organization. I hereby submit my application for the said position. I am eligible for appointment as a law professor in your institution as per the eligibility criteria mentioned in your advertisement. I have a doctorate degree in law with over nine years experience as a criminal lawyer. For the past two years, I have been working as a part time law professor. I have now decided to put my talents completely into teaching to be able to better shape young minds.
During my experience as a criminal lawyer, I have handled a number of cases and successfully defended numerous people wrongly accused of serious crimes. In a couple of cases, I have assisted public prosecutors to put dangerous criminals behind bars, criminals who would otherwise go scot free due to the legal expertise they could afford. I am a great believer in the justice system of this nation and in human values.
My experience as a law professor has brought me in touch with all the responsibilities of this position. As a lawyer, I had excellent skills as a presenter, persuader, and communicator. I have a good grasp over criminal law and I combine this with a quick wit to make my lectures interesting and humorous. I have knack of explaining to students the intricacies of the criminal legal system including the pragmatic approach and selection of words that appeal to the conscience of the jury. Most important of all, I believe in ethics. Apart from this, I am well acquainted with associated responsibilities like legal research, preparation of academic papers and syllabi, designing and assessing case studies etc.
It will be a pleasure to work with an institution known equally well for professional and ethical values. I have attached my resume with this letter. You can contact me on the telephone number or the email address mentioned above.
Yours Sincerely,
(Peter Collins)
Law Professor Cover Letter needs to emphasize the legal knowledge and presentation skills of the candidate. They can also mention their grasp over the standard tactics routinely employed in the legal profession.