I'm have a faculty position at a research university, but I suspect there may be significant differences in what law schools are looking for. In the sciences, all schools look for a strong history (and potential) for research and teaching. The relative importance of the two varies - if you're applying at a large graduate-oriented research university (say MIT or Stanford) they will care a lot more about your publications and research program. If you're applying at a liberal arts college, which in the US usually don't have a graduate program but specialize in top-notch undergrad education, they will care a lot more about your teaching experience and potential. Other things play into it, such as "fit" in the department (they're generally looking to complement existing strengths or fill gaps to bridge related faculty research) and the potential for you to get research grants (the university takes overhead costs, but more importantly they are necessary to maintain a research program and support graduate students).
In law, at least at the law school my sister went to, it seemed there were a lot more adjunct professors - something which is very rare in the sciences. I don't know whether law schools care more about your academic publications or real-world experience in practicing the law. I suppose it depends on the specific discipline - constitutional law seems to me to be more academic (not many practicing constitutional law lawyers) but teaching a class on torts could require someone with experience in tort litigation. It may also depend on the school, with some valuing experience more and others caring more about your academic publication track record.
In law, at least at the law school my sister went to, it seemed there were a lot more adjunct professors - something which is very rare in the sciences. I don't know whether law schools care more about your academic publications or real-world experience in practicing the law. I suppose it depends on the specific discipline - constitutional law seems to me to be more academic (not many practicing constitutional law lawyers) but teaching a class on torts could require someone with experience in tort litigation. It may also depend on the school, with some valuing experience more and others caring more about your academic publication track record.
)
