These positions represent part-time, non-tenure-track teaching roles within law schools. Individuals in these roles contribute to legal education by instructing students in specific courses, often drawing upon their practical experience in the legal field. For example, a practicing attorney specializing in environmental law might secure such a position to teach a course on environmental regulations.
The significance of these roles lies in their capacity to enrich legal education through the integration of real-world expertise and perspectives. Legal academics benefit through engagement with the practical skills in law which are constantly changing. Law schools benefit from the flexibility to offer specialized courses or address temporary staffing needs. Historically, these positions have provided opportunities for legal professionals to transition into academia or supplement their primary careers.