Brooklyn Law School (BLS), founded in 1901 and located in the historic Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of New York City, stands as one of the nation's oldest independent law schools. Known for its rigorous Juris Doctor (JD) program and specialized Master of Laws (LLM) offerings, particularly in taxation and intellectual property law, BLS attracts ambitious legal professionals seeking impactful careers. Jobs at Brooklyn Law School span faculty, administrative, and support roles, offering opportunities to shape the next generation of lawyers in a dynamic urban setting.
The school's commitment to experiential learning through clinics, externships, and real-world simulations makes it an ideal workplace for those passionate about practical legal education. With a student body of around 1,300 and a faculty renowned for scholarship and mentorship, positions here provide intellectual stimulation alongside contributions to a prestigious institution boasting a 98% bar passage rate in recent years.
Whether you're eyeing tenure-track professor jobs or administrative leadership, BLS emphasizes innovation in legal training, drawing on its proximity to Manhattan's legal hubs for unparalleled networking.
Established by a group of prominent New York attorneys amid the Progressive Era, Brooklyn Law School began as a night school to democratize legal education. It gained independence in 1936 and earned full ABA accreditation in 1949. Today, BLS ranks among top law schools for employment outcomes, with graduates securing roles at firms like Cravath, Swaine & Moore and federal clerkships.
This legacy influences its hiring, prioritizing candidates who advance public interest law, business law, and clinical education. The school's centers, such as the Center for the Study of Business Law and Regulation, underscore its research-driven culture, making jobs at Brooklyn Law School appealing for scholar-practitioners.
Opportunities at BLS reflect its focus on legal academia. Common roles include:
For a deeper dive into university job types, BLS listings often align with broader higher education trends. Explore higher ed faculty jobs or administration jobs for similar openings.
Faculty positions typically demand a JD from a top-tier law school, with many successful candidates holding advanced degrees like an LLM or SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science). For tenure-track roles, a distinguished academic record—such as law review membership or Order of the Coif honors—is standard.
Administrative roles in career services may require a JD plus counseling experience, while library positions seek a Master of Library Science (MLS) alongside legal knowledge. Research-focused jobs prioritize proven grant-writing success.
BLS faculty excel in areas like tax law, intellectual property, health law, and civil rights. Expertise in emerging fields such as cybersecurity law or environmental justice is highly valued, given the school's BLS Institute for Intellectual Property and Information Law.
Candidates should demonstrate publications in journals like the Brooklyn Law Review or presentations at AALS annual meetings. Collaborative research with NYC practitioners enhances applications.
Preferred experience includes federal or state clerkships, Big Law practice, or prior teaching as a visiting professor or adjunct. Publications (at least 2-3 peer-reviewed articles) and grants from bodies like the National Science Foundation bolster profiles.
Soft skills like cultural competence are essential in BLS's inclusive environment.
Juris Doctor (JD): The primary law degree in the US, typically a three-year post-baccalaureate program preparing graduates for bar admission and legal practice.
Tenure-track: A faculty path leading to permanent employment after probationary review, emphasizing research, teaching, and service.
LLM (Master of Laws): A postgraduate degree for JD holders specializing in areas like taxation at BLS.
Clinical Education: Hands-on training where students represent real clients under supervision, a BLS hallmark.
The process begins with job postings on the BLS website or AcademicJobs.com university jobs platform. For faculty, applications via the Faculty Appointments Register (FAR) at AALS are common from August to November.
Tips: Leverage alumni networks; highlight NYC ties. Use our free resume template and free cover letter template. Proofread rigorously—attention to detail matters.
BLS actively fosters diversity through the Pipeline to Law Program, recruiting underrepresented high school students, and affinity groups like the Black Law Students Association. Faculty searches include diversity statements, with recent hires expanding representation in clinical programs.
Initiatives include bias training, mentorship for women and minorities, and scholarships like the BLS Public Interest Award. These efforts align with ABA standards, creating an equitable workplace.
Nestled in Brooklyn Heights' brownstone charm, BLS's campus features modern facilities like the renovated library and waterfront views. Faculty enjoy flexible schedules, sabbaticals every seven years, and wellness perks including gym access and EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
NYC's energy offers cultural escapes—Pro Prospect Park concerts or Manhattan theaters—while Heights' quiet streets aid focus. Parental leave policies support families, and hybrid options emerged post-2020. Colleagues describe a collaborative, student-centered culture with events like wine tastings and guest lectures enhancing community.
Joining BLS means contributing to a school with 120 years of excellence, where faculty influence policy and practice. With strong professor salaries and growth potential, it's a launchpad for legal academia leaders.
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