Prior to joining the Charleston School of Law, Jennifer North was in private practice litigating business and maritime matters. She began teaching as a legal writing adjunct in 2004, and now teaches Legal Research, Analysis, and Writing, Admiralty I and II, and War Crimes & Courts-Martial. She also serves as the Director of Maritime Programs.

Following graduation from Tulane University with a bachelor of arts in anthropology, North was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. While on active duty, she worked as a communications officer in Okinawa, Japan. North completed her tour of duty training recruits at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, where she was promoted to captain.

After spending six years in the Marine Corps, North pursued a juris doctor degree from Texas A & M University School of Law. While there, she served as the managing editor for the Law Review. North developed an interest in maritime law and earned an LL.M. degree in admiralty from Tulane Law School, where she also served as an editor on the Tulane Maritime Law Journal.