jobs for people who want to be a lawyer

A non-exhaustive list of alternative careers for lawyers with real-life examples:

• human resources professional;
• life coach for high-achieving moms;
• law school career counselor;
• genetic genealogist;
• lawyer career coach (also here );
• leadership coach and facilitator;
• policy associate/regulatory advocate (also here );
• working artist (also here );
• clinical psychologist;
• DEI consultant;
• firefighter;
• wedding planner;
• podcaster;
• nature photographer;
• tech sales;
• legal publishing;
• travel writer;
• digital marketer;
• doctor;
• sommelier;
• portrait painter;
• interior design;
• SEO expert;
• home organizer;
• recruiter;
• podcast producer;
• stationery designer;
• copywriting;

Full Answer

What are some jobs similar to being a lawyer?

Feb 22, 2021 · Alternative jobs for lawyers 1. Paralegal. Primary duties: Paralegals use their knowledge of the law to perform various legal tasks for lawyers. 2. Investigator. Primary duties: An investigator or detective collects evidence and information regarding a crime. They... 3. Investment consultant. ...

What work experience do you need to become a lawyer?

Feb 22, 2021 · Attorney-at-law. National average salary: $68,987 per year. Primary duties: An attorney-at-law is the general term for someone who is licensed to practice law, and they can work in several fields. For example, an attorney-at-law may be a real estate attorney or an estate planning attorney.

What is it like to work as a lawyer?

Aug 27, 2021 · Primary duties: A litigation attorney or lawyer is hired to help in civil lawsuits, either on the side of the defendant or the plaintiff party. Their job is to guide their client through pre-, peri- and post-trial events, defending their case, setting plea deals or arranging appeals. 13. Associate general counsel.

What to ask before hiring a lawyer?

Mar 31, 2021 · As baby boomers age, an increasing number of people are looking for legal guidance about estate planning, medical directives and …

What are related careers to a lawyer?

Paralegals and Legal AssistantsArbitrators, Mediators, and ConciliatorsPostsecondary TeachersJudges and Hearing OfficersLawyer/Similar professions

What is the easiest job as a lawyer?

However, there are many sectors of law which are less stressful:Real estate law.Intellectual property law.High Street family law.Government lawyers.Working In-House.Jul 9, 2021

What is the best job for law?

Highest paying legal jobsIntellectual property paralegal. ... Litigation lawyer. ... General counsel. ... Contracts lawyer. ... Employment lawyer. ... Chief legal officer. National average salary: $148,051 per year. ... Patent attorney. National average salary: $162,214 per year. ... Corporate lawyer. National average salary: $250,028 per year.More items...•Feb 22, 2021

What type of lawyer is the happiest?

Solo practitioners, small firm lawyers, in-house counsel and government attorneys fall somewhere in between the two. Those lower-paid lawyers are much more likely to report being happy, according to a write up on the research in The New York Times.May 14, 2015

What type of law is most fun?

The 5 Most Interesting Law Sectors to Work InIntellectual Property Law. What is intellectual property? ... Human Rights Law. There is no more noble and important area of law work than human rights law. ... Personal Injury Law. Personal injury lawyers do what you'd expect! ... Military Law. ... Employment Law.

What is the highest paid lawyer job?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

Is lawyer a high paying job?

Trial lawyers are among the highest paid legal professionals in the world. It is a field where the skills and experience of the lawyer matters a lot. It is an opportunity where you can earn good amount of money by way of your performance.Jul 10, 2017

Is a law degree hard?

Earning a law degree is pretty challenging because you are supposed to do a lot of hard work. This work comprises mostly of studying and understanding complex law cases loaded with new-fangled legal terminology and unusual jargon.Dec 3, 2019

What do lawyers learn?

Lawyers are taught to read and understand the language of contracts and regulations, and find ways to benefit their client— which is exactly what finance workers get paid to do. “When you represent somebody in the finance capacity, they’re telling you personal things,” Heisler says.

What is the job of a consultant?

As a consultant, it’s your job to become an expert on the client you’re dealing with, so you can spot issues and find solutions to problems. Heisler sees a strong correlation between this and practicing law.

How long does it take to get feedback on a resume?

You'll get detailed feedback in two business days, including a review of your resume's appearance and content, and a prediction of a recruiter's first impression. It's a quick and easy way to ensure your resume provides the evidence needed in your particular case.

How to become a lawyer in the US?

1. Earn your bachelor's degree. You will need to earn your bachelor's degree before being able to earn a law degree. Choose a college or university that offers a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies or a comparable program, make sure it's accredited and earn competitive grades in your courses. Consider completing internships ...

How much does an immigration lawyer make?

1. Immigration lawyer. National average salary: $66,226 per year. Primary duties: Immigration lawyers work closely with people who are entering the United States from another country by helping them obtain a green card and apply for citizenship.

What are the different types of law degrees?

Depending on your end goal, there are different types of law degrees you can consider, including: 1 Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (BSLS) 2 Master degree options 3 Juris Doctor (J.D.) 4 Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.)

What is a masters in legal studies?

Master of Legal Studies (MLS) An MLS is designed for people who want to work in the legal field in a larger capacity than a bachelor's degree can provide, yet do not want to be a practicing attorney. This degree will provide you with legal knowledge so you can work in compliance, federal regulations or as a consultant.

How much does a probation officer make?

1. Probation officer. National average salary: $48,679 per year . Primary duties: A probation officer works closely with individuals on probation to monitor their progress, make sure they don't commit new crimes and connect them with helpful resources and rehabilitation programs. 2.

What is a JD?

Juris Doctor (J.D.) A Juris Doctor degree is a professional graduate-level law degree and one of the most popular options for those who want to practice law. Those who want to pursue a higher-level degree will typically earn a Juris Doctor first.

How much does a law enforcement officer make?

Law enforcement officer. National average salary: $51,876 per year. Primary duties: A law enforcement officer keeps a community and its citizens safe from crime. They may do this by patrolling certain public areas, issuing tickets and warnings to those who are breaking the law and responding to emergency calls.

What is a lawyer?

Lawyers are employed in law firms or private practices and usually advise clients about their legal issues and how to move forward. Attorneys consult with clients like lawyers do, but are much more likely to go beyond the initial consultation and represent the client in courtroom proceedings.

What is the job of an immigration lawyer?

Primary duties: Immigration lawyers help clients who are having trouble obtaining green cards, visas or citizenship documentation. They can also be employed when there are issues with a client's current documentation or in a situation where an individual is seeking asylum from another country.

What is a counsel lawyer?

Counsels are lawyers who are employed by a company or organization. Not being employed at a law firm, counsels act solely on behalf of that company or organization. These three lawyer titles within the legal field present unique work opportunities and distinct salary differences to those employed in them.

What is an associate attorney?

Primary duties: An associate attorney is an entry-level role, usually employed at law firms. They assist in selecting juries, represent clients in court, help clients negotiate contracts or settle corporate disputes. Associate Attorneys can be employed in different types of law, including corporate, real estate, family, and copyright cases.

What is a paralegal?

A lawyer is someone within the legal system that can assist in and provide advice to clients on legal proceedings and legal issues. Paralegals act as assistants to lawyers or attorneys and serve as entry-level opportunities to learn more about the legal field.

How much does an intellectual property lawyer make?

National average salary: $77,780 per year. Primary duties: An intellectual property lawyer is hired to help an individual client or company on issues related to intellectual property rights and trademarks.

What is the job of a contract lawyer?

Primary duties: A contracts lawyer helps individual clients or businesses with problems relating to contracts. They provide advice from a legal standpoint on whether or not to agree to and sign a contract, or can help a client figure out how to combat a contract that they have already signed.

What does an attorney do for a company?

Attorneys in this field ensure that product and service ads comply with legal prohibitions against defrauding, deceiving or misleading consumers. Lawyers who specialize in advertising law also advise companies about how to make persuasive sales pitches that obey consumer protection laws and regulations. They also have expertise in preventing and managing advertising-related lawsuits.

What is the job of a media lawyer?

A media lawyer might protect a reporter from a subpoena that asks him or her to reveal an anonymous source while entertainment lawyers may negotiate recording contracts. Political lawyer or policy attorney. Law school can prepare graduates for a range of policy careers and political positions.

What is an environmental lawyer?

An environmental attorney has legal expertise in interpreting environmental laws and regulations. A lawyer who specializes in environmental law can work for environment-related government agencies, environment nonprofit organizations or companies affected by environmental laws.

What is a health care lawyer?

Health care lawyer. Because the health care sector is highly complex and thoroughly regulated, an attorney who specializes in health care law has a difficult job. He or she could represent hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical corporations, outpatient clinics or any other health care organization.

What does an immigration lawyer do?

Immigration lawyers help their clients navigate the many rules of the immigration process. They also occasionally provide legal advice to employers affected by immigration laws. Some immigration lawyers help the government interpret and enforce immigration law. Intellectual property lawyer.

What is a judge advocate?

Judge advocate in the U.S. military. Law school grads who want to serve their country can become military attorneys. Each branch of the U.S. armed forces has legal professionals who work to resolve military justice issues. These officers are called judge advocates, or JAGs.

What is the job of a judicial clerk?

Though becoming a judge typically requires extensive and impressive legal work experience, recent law grads may serve as judicial clerks who assist judges by conducting legal research and submitting legal writing. Labor and employment lawyer.

Is being a lawyer stressful?

It’s no secret that being a lawyer is one of the most stressful jobs that you can have. There are task forces, books, and a multitude of articles written about lawyer stress and burnout.

Is the legal profession stressful?

It’s no secret that law is a stressful profession. Many lawyers struggle with anxiety, and the legal profession’s mental health stats are grim. Especially if you have a clinical mental health issue (and many lawyers do, and don’t even realize it ), the legal profession is practically designed to exacerbate anxiety.

What questions should I ask about career change?

When readers who aren’t lawyers write to ask me about career change and fear, I often go back to this series of questions about risk assessment. Once you’ve got a handle on worst case scenarios, your fears eclipse a lot less of your heart and mind. This means asking yourself: 1 What scares you most about changing careers? 2 What do you gain the most by making this shift? This can be personality-based or lifestyle, or more. 3 What’s the worst case scenario for you if things go pear-shaped, for your life or emotional state? 4 And (this is important!) what skills do you have to mitigate that worst case from happening?

How has the internet broadened the possible space of careers?

The internet has massively broadened the possible space of careers by allowing you to scale almost any niche obsession or interest. The fundamental property of the internet is that it connects every human on the planet to every other. Check out his full piece here to try the Paint Drop Method for yourself.

What is the War of Art?

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles, by Steven Pressfield. I’ve found creativity and fear are two sides of a very similar, shiny coin. This book helps you get more comfortable with that gnawing fear of impending change, because (as Pressfield argues) that fear is actually a very good sign — it tells us what comes next. The more scared we are of what we are excited about work-wise, the more we need to give it a shot. Instead of being held back by that deep, powerful resistance, Pressfield tells us to face it head on.

What is the job of a law librarian?

Their job is to maintain the library’s collection of legal-related texts and materials, assisting lawyers and law students with their research. The position requires a graduate degree, and none is more fitting than a JD.

What do lobbyists do?

Employed by public interest groups, trade organizations and PR firms, they utilize their contacts with lawmakers to persuade them to push certain policies. Lobbyists must be well-versed on the issues and possess excellent communication skills, neither of which are problems for most aspiring lawyers.

Why is it important to understand the judicial process?

Additionally, management skills are needed as they oversee the budget, hiring of staff and general day-to-day operations of the court. It’s another great way to become involved in the process of law without enduring the stress as a lawyer.

Is law school a grind?

Law school is a grind, and surviving it can take every last ounce of your energy. What’s more, upon graduation, even if you still want to be a lawyer, the job market has more JD holders than open positions, thus causing a tooth-and-nail fight for the few positions that are open. The days of a JD ensuring financial security in the legal field are over due to law firms, judges and the government downsizing to adjust to the economic climate. Fortunately, a law degree can bring forth many additional opportunities beyond just becoming a lawyer. If you’re open to a new career path you previously may not have considered, then peruse the list of the following jobs and see if one piques your interest. Note: median salaries (all but one are ranges) are from PayScale and apply to workers with 10-19 years of experience, so this is what you can achieve with a few years under your belt.

Why are compliance officers important?

With state and federal regulations constantly changing, it can be a difficult task to ensure a business is operating within established standards. That’s why compliance officers are so valuable, especially given the fate of institutions such as Enron. Of course, each new field you enter requires its own unique knowledge and skills, which can be gained by researching the concerns of regulators and enrolling in courses in data processing.

How to become a risk manager?

Once you secure a risk management position , you’ll be responsible for assessing the risk associated with legal liability, risk and property loss. With additional experience and the demonstration of proficiency at the position, you can achieve a senior-level position and thus earn more money.

Why do unions become business reps?

Those committed to the union cause may become labor union business reps so they can promote membership, coordinate functions and deal with employers and the press. They negotiate with management on work-related matters such as wages and hours. Ultimately, they ensure the work environment is suitable for employees.

What is a recruiter?

Recruiters establish a company’s recruiting requirements, create and maintain applicant source channels, “herd the cats”, manage all logistics of the hiring process and understand all legal and compliance requirements.

What is the role of CFO?

The CFO’s team provides financial projections and accounting services to enable the company to make informed and strategic decisions moving forward. And in smaller companies, the CFO oversees many administrative functions, like Legal, HR and Administration.

What is corporate trainer?

Corporate trainers are really just teachers and must be able to speak in front of a crowd, produce and understand training materials, work closely with individuals and evaluate how well employees have learned.

What is the primary job of a substance abuse counselor?

Primary duties: A substance abuse counselor speaks to individuals who are abusing drugs and alcohol. They assist in helping a patient recover by providing them with support and techniques to overcome their issues. Substance abuse counselors may also treat patients with eating disorders or other behavior problems. 

How much does a social worker make?

National average salary: $59,191 per year. Primary duties: A social worker works with both children and adults to improve their well-being. Patients typically have mental and emotional issues caused by stressful life experiences, such as neglect and abuse.

What is the job of a social and community service manager?

Primary duties: A social and community service manager develops programs that help an entire community or group of people. They may also implement community initiatives for schools, the homeless and any other group that needs support.

What is the primary job of a police officer?

Primary duties: A police officer helps protect individuals and the community by making sure people are following the law. They can write tickets to or arrest those who are not so everyone stays safe. Police officers also respond to emergency calls and submit incident reports to their department.

What is the role of a nutritionist?

Primary duties: A nutritionist advises their clients on diet choices to help them achieve their health goals. They may make meal plans for individuals or schools that promote wellness and help people make healthy dietary choices.

What is the job of a home health aide?

Primary duties: A home health aide provides personal care services to patients who may not be able to do things for themselves, including bathing, laundry, grocery shopping, dressing and other basic needs. A home health aide may also be asked to administer medicine. 

How much does a personal trainer make an hour?

National average salary: $21.37 per hour. Primary duties: A personal trainer helps their clients work on their physical fitness by coaching them through exercises, developing training plans and celebrating their successes. They monitor a client's progress and provide motivation as needed. 9.

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