top of page
Amy, Clinical Professor of Law at LMU Loyola Law School, Los Angeles: Advize Career Interview
A Clinical Professor of Law at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, shares a fascinating career journey, highlighting the unexpected benefits of a psychology undergraduate degree and the importance of strong analytical skills.
The role involves varied responsibilities, including student mentorship, teaching, grading, and committee work, offering a blend of academic rigor and impactful student interaction.
A federal clerkship and substantial practical experience are emphasized as crucial for a similar position.
The interviewee finds the most rewarding aspect to be working with students, helping them navigate personal and professional challenges.
While grading presents a significant challenge, the flexibility and collegiality of the academic environment are highlighted as key benefits.
Success in the education industry, the interviewee states, requires passion for teaching or research, with a unique blend of both found in clinical professorships.
The interviewee advises prospective students to seek opportunities for mentorship and networking, emphasizing the significance of building strong relationships and managing a potentially heavy administrative workload.
Finally, the discussion touches on the unique challenges and rewards of navigating a career as a woman in academia, underlining the importance of community support.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Amy Levin
Clinical Professor of Law
LMU Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
University of California, Berkeley 1994
University of California, Los Angeles JD/MSW
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Psychology
Education
Education
Honors Student
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a Clinical Professor of Law at LMU Loyola Law School
Amy's undergraduate psychology major at UC Berkeley unexpectedly prepared Amy well for law school, as "often the students who do the best in law school are math majors," highlighting the value of strong analytical skills. Post-graduation, research work on ADHD in children and policy work in DC, coupled with Amy's focus on "writing as much as possible and getting to know professors very well," provided a solid foundation for a successful legal career despite the lack of a pre-law track.
Main Responsibilities of a Clinical Professor of Law at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
Amy's main responsibilities as a Clinical Professor of Law at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles center on student mentorship and teaching, going beyond academics to include "career advice, family advice, life advice." In addition to teaching and preparing classes, the role involves faculty committee work, conference presentations, and extensive advising of students pursuing postgraduate judicial clerkships, both during and after their time at the school.
A Day In The Life Of A Clinical Professor Of Law At Loyola Law School
A day in the life of a law professor, like Amy, a Clinical Professor of Law at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, is "varied," depending on teaching responsibilities; Amy's work includes "prepping for class, teaching class, and a lot of time grading and reviewing papers," often using audio recordings to provide thorough feedback. The daily routine differs significantly for professors teaching in clinics, where the day might involve court appearances or contract drafting alongside students.
Most Important Skills for a Clinical Professor of Law at LMU Loyola Law School
A law degree is fundamental for a Clinical Professor of Law position, but significant writing and research experience during law school is crucial, along with a federal judicial clerkship, which "really does" help. For clinical professorships, extensive practical experience—Amy's own 10 years at a large firm is highlighted—is invaluable, allowing one to bring "practice experience and be able to bring that to the students".
Favorite Parts Of Being A Clinical Professor Of Law At LMU Loyola Law School
Amy, a Clinical Professor of Law, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role to be "working with the students," helping them navigate challenges—including "health struggles, mental health struggles, anxiety, depression"—and witnessing their growth into ethical and passionate legal professionals. This aligns perfectly with Amy's background in public interest law and social work, allowing her to "make a difference" by mentoring the next generation.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Clinical Professor of Law at Loyola Law School Los Angeles
Amy, a Clinical Professor of Law, finds the most significant challenge in her role to be grading, specifically the "hundreds if not thousands of pages" of legal writing requiring meticulous attention to legal citations and analysis. The process is time-consuming, demanding careful evaluation to provide students with "quality feedback that will help them progress".
Favorite Parts of Working in the Law Industry As a Clinical Professor of Law
Amy's favorite aspect of working in education is the flexibility it offers, allowing for a better work-life balance, a key reason for leaving private practice where "it really was not flexible". The collegiality with "like-minded colleagues" and the ability to prioritize family are additional benefits, despite the salary reduction.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Law Industry, According To A Clinical Professor Of Law At LMU Loyola Law School
Success in the education industry hinges on passion, with the most effective teachers possessing a genuine "love to teach," while others prioritize research, finding fulfillment in making a difference through scholarship. The role of a clinical professor, unique to law schools, often blends this dedication to teaching with rigorous research, but the "primary love is the teaching."
What a Clinical Professor of Law at Loyola Law School Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Law Industry
Amy, a Clinical Professor of Law, found the increasing administrative workload and committee responsibilities unexpected, noting that "we're asked to do more and more and more." The academic environment's political dynamics, with hierarchies between tenured and non-tenured faculty, also surprised Amy, contrasting with the more straightforward hierarchy of a law firm.
Entry-level Positions for Legal Students From LMU Loyola Law School
Limited entry-level law-related positions exist for undergraduates; "there are limited opportunities when you don't have the law degree," but seeking opportunities outside law schools, such as with nonprofits like the ACLU or in judges' chambers, offers better "feel for, do I like this type of work?" Mentorship is key for those interested in legal academia.
Career Lesson From A Clinical Professor Of Law At LMU Loyola Law School
Amy, a Clinical Professor of Law, emphasizes the importance of networking and building strong relationships, stating that "connections are key" in legal career success. Cultivating a good reputation through hard work, respect, and professionalism is crucial, as "it takes just a second to destroy one," leading to valuable opportunities and a fulfilling career.
College Experiences That Helped A Clinical Professor Of Law At Loyola Law School Los Angeles Succeed
Amy's undergraduate success stemmed from cultivating strong relationships with professors, leading to research opportunities like working as a research assistant on a large-scale ADHD study and taking graduate-level seminars. This experience, while not leading to a PhD, which Amy now slightly regrets, highlights the importance of "getting to know people who can mentor you and guide you," and actively engaging with faculty through office hours.
How Identity Has Influenced a Clinical Professor of Law at LMU Loyola Law School's Career
Navigating a career as a woman, the Clinical Professor shared, requires a "village," emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community support in balancing work and family. The Professor's experience highlights the need for open discussions about challenges faced and the value of sharing strategies for success, noting that sometimes "women kind of bear the brunt of balancing everything."
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page