what kind of jobs can you get from being a lawyer

by Tamara Dickinson 9 min read

Types of lawyer Jobs
  • Contracts lawyer.
  • Corporate lawyer.
  • Bankruptcy paralegal.
  • Litigation paralegal.
  • General practice lawyer.
  • Associate attorney.
  • Immigration lawyer.
  • Intellectual property lawyer.
•
Aug 27, 2021

What are some related occupations to a lawyer?

Aug 27, 2021 · The following list will review different types of lawyers and other law-related careers, their responsibilities and salary expectations. 1. Contracts lawyer. National average salary: $63.98 per hour. Primary duties: A contracts lawyer helps individual clients or businesses with problems relating to contracts.

What are jobs similar to lawyers?

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 are the job prospects for a lawyer?

Sep 21, 2021 · Lawyers may also give their clients advice and counsel on how to navigate their legal circumstances. The duties of lawyers can be very diverse, including arguing in a courtroom, interviewing witnesses, preparing legal documents, advising clients, facilitating depositions and conducting legal research.

What types of careers are in the field of law?

Mar 08, 2022 · Law school can prepare graduates for a range of policy careers and political positions. It also may lead to a career as a lawyer for election campaigns, political parties or political action ...

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What careers are related to lawyers?

What job is close to being a lawyer?

Lawyers and non-lawyers alike may pursue careers in these fields, including CPAs, auditors, actuaries, insurance adjusters, lobbyists and legislators. These types of jobs all require many or all the same skills as the practice of law, such as analytical thinking, investigative, writing, advocating and speaking skills.Dec 24, 2019

What are 3 similar jobs to a lawyer?

Alternative jobs for lawyers
  • Paralegal.
  • Investigator.
  • Investment consultant.
  • Mediator.
  • Fund manager.
  • Financial analyst.
  • Realtor.
  • Labor relations specialist.
•
Feb 22, 2021

What is the highest paying 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

What are the 7 types of laws?

CLASSIFICATIONS OF LAW
  • Public and Private Law.
  • Civil Law and Criminal Law.
  • Substantive and Procedural Law.
  • Municipal and International Law.
  • Written and Unwritten Law.
  • Common Law and Equity.
Mar 11, 2016

Which field of law is best?

Highest Paying Fields of Law
  1. Law Firms/Corporate Counsel. Of course, law firms would come to this list. ...
  2. Litigation/Trial Advocates. ...
  3. Judicial Services/Civil Services. ...
  4. Academia/Professor of Law. ...
  5. Specializations- Cyber Law, Banking Law, Intellectual Property Law, etc. ...
  6. Judicial Clerkship.
Jan 7, 2019

Is law school difficult?

In summary, law school is hard. Harder than regular college or universities, in terms of stress, workload, and required commitment. But about 40,000 people graduate from law schools every year–so it is clearly attainable.

What type of law is least stressful?

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

Is being a lawyer hard?

A sometimes stressful work environment

When it's all said and done, a lawyer may end up spending 50 hours or more at the office each week. “Lawyers often have demanding schedules and heavy workloads, which may contribute to increased stress levels,” says the ABA.
Jun 2, 2017

What type of lawyer makes the most?

Types of Lawyers That Make the Most Money
  • Tax attorney (tax law): $122,000;
  • Corporate lawyer: $118,000;
  • Employment lawyer: $88,000;
  • Real estate attorney: $87,000;
  • Divorce attorney: $86,000;
  • Immigration attorney: $85,000;
  • Estate attorney: $84,000;
  • Public defender: $66,000.

What's the highest paid job in the world?

Average Salary: $381,500

The highest paying career in the world is a Neurosurgeon.
Apr 4, 2022

Are lawyers rich?

Most lawyers earn more of a solid middle-class income," says Devereux. You probably will be carrying a large amount of student loan debt from law school, which is not at all ideal when you're just starting out in your career. "Make sure you only become a lawyer if you actually want to work as a lawyer.Sep 18, 2020

What do immigration lawyers do?

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. They are also very knowledgeable about immigration matters, including the issuance of work visas and the country's deportation laws.

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.

What is MLS in law?

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. This same degree may also be referred to as a Master of Science in Law (MSL).

What is MLS degree?

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. This same degree may also be referred to as a Master ...

What is a Juris Doctor?

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.

What is an attorney of counsel?

Attorneys who are " of counsel " aren't technically employees of the firm. They usually work on an independent contractor basis. Lawyers who serve in this role are usually very experienced, senior lawyers who have their own books of business. They have strong reputations in the legal community. Some of-counsel attorneys are semi-retired lawyers who ...

How long do associates work?

The typical lawyer works as an associate for six to nine years before ascending to partnership ranks or "making partner.".

What is a managing partner?

The managing partner sits at the top of the law firm hierarchy. A senior-level or founding lawyer of the firm, she manages day-to-day operations. She often heads an executive committee comprised of other senior partners, and she helps to establish and guide the firm's strategic vision.

What is summer associate?

Summer associates, also referred to as summer clerks or law clerks, are law students who intern with a firm during the summer months. An internship can be unpaid in smaller firms, although large firms often have well-established summer associate programs that serve as a tool to recruit young, talented lawyers. These positions are often highly competitive and well-paying.

What is equity partner?

Equity partners have an ownership stake in the firm and they share in its profits. Non-equity partners are generally paid a fixed annual salary. They might be vested with certain limited voting rights in law firm matters.

What does a lawyer do?

Lawyers represent their clients in criminal and civil trials by building a case and arguing in support of their client. Lawyers may work in both the public and the private sector. Lawyers may also give their clients advice and counsel on how to navigate their legal circumstances.

Is being a lawyer rewarding?

While being a lawyer takes a huge time commitment (and financial commitment to law school), the profession can be extremely rewarding — intellectually, financially and socially — no matter where you’re employed. From criminal justice litigation to environmental law, there are many fields you can delve into as a lawyer.

How long does it take to become a partner in a law firm?

After around six to nine years at the firm, you’ll have a shot at becoming a partner, and eventually a managing partner. Some lawyers also choose to start their own firm after gaining experience within the field. Outside of law firms, there are a variety of places where lawyers work.

Is law school for everyone?

While law school isn’t for everyone , there are a variety of careers within the legal field that take less schooling to break into, and can be equally as fulfilling. Here are just a few of the many careers available in the legal field:

How long does the bar exam last?

It’s a formidable test, lasting for two to three days, and in some states, yielding a pass rate of only 40 percent. The bar exam tests a wide variety of legal knowledge, from torts to civil procedures to contract law.

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 is a human rights lawyer?

Human rights or civil rights lawyer. Some lawyers specialize in representing clients with human rights or civil rights cases. Attorneys who represent clients whose rights have been violated by employers or other organizations say this work can be highly stressful but emotionally rewarding. Immigration attorney.

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.

Why are lawyers good journalists?

Many lawyers make excellent journalists because of their attention to detail, natural scepticism, writing skills, and knowledge of Australia’s complex political and legal system. Waleed Aly, Andrew O’Keefe, Liz Jackson and Annabel Crabb are a few Australian examples of well-known journalists with law degrees.

Why do lawyers move into human resources?

A move into human resources (HR) makes sense for many lawyers as it requires an ability to apply employment laws and mitigate risks relating to the employees’ health and safety.

What is a law degree?

A law degree teaches you to think critically, solve problems, research, communicate, work in teams and distil large, complex rafts of information into succinct (well, most of the time) writing. While these skills are important in almost any job, here are 10 careers ...

Can I work in legal recruiting without a law degree?

Many lawyers drift into legal recruitment because of their knowledge of the legal industry and contacts. Talintyre says it’s almost impossible to work in legal recruiting without a law degree. “You need to know what you’re talking about, in order to be relevant and recognise what the candidate or firm wants,” she says. “I’ve heard of recruiters trying to place banking and finance lawyers into construction law firms. It can be awkward and frustrating for the candidate.”

Why is legal knowledge important for wealth managers?

Legal knowledge comes in handy for wealth managers seeking to circumvent banking laws and loopholes to the advantage of their investors. Lawyers who have worked in large firms also tend to “get” banking and finance – they understand how the corporate world works and know how to manage and bill time effectively.

What is HR in law?

A move into human resources (HR) makes sense for many lawyers as it requires an ability to apply employment laws and mitigate risks relating to the employees’ health and safety. 8. Wealth management / investment banking.

What are the two types of legal writers?

First, there are two types of legal writers: the news writer and the brief writer . The former will report or analyse on any current event issues that deal with the law, from a murder trial to a political scandal to legal troubles for a multinational corporation.

What do paralegals need to know?

Since paralegals take on much of the legwork, they require substantive knowledge of the law and legal procedures, which is attained through education and training. Put simply, you still have a career in law, but you don’t have the pressures that a typical lawyer faces. 3. Legal Secretary.

What is a law library?

A law library is a treasure trove of books, documents and other facets of legal history to better inform you of the law. With this house of law, you can properly research past cases, precedents established by judges and important historical accounts of the justice system and its evolution.

What is a paralegal?

Being a paralegal is a rewarding and critical position in any law office, corporation or governmental agency. This position performs legal work that the lawyer is responsible for to prepare him or her for their case. Since paralegals take on much of the legwork, they require substantive knowledge of the law and legal procedures, which is attained through education and training.

Is a legal secretary a paralegal?

Oftentimes, a legal secretary is incorrectly equated with paralegals, much in the same way that paralegals are misidentified as legal assistants. But a legal secretary has differing functions on a day-to-day basis, though they are sometimes described as a legal assistant so law firms can bill their clients appropriately.

What is a fixed term lecturer?

In the UK, a fixed-term lecturer is someone who teaches academic and vocational subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students, teaching the theories, requirements and criteria of the curriculum. The equivalent in the US is that of a professor or assistant professor without tenure – many universities will also refer to graduate students in law departments as sessional lecturers.

What is a policy analyst?

Policy analysts are integral to legislative bodies, large corporations and non-profit organisations. These professionals will devise policies, provide advice to legislators or senior management and brief individuals close to the matter. Another facet is gathering data and using research to either better understand or persuade public opinion.

Is marketing a career for lawyers?

If you're more on the creative side, marketing is an alternative career for lawyers to consider . You can easily teach yourself the digital marketing skills required with one of the many online courses out there. Once you've learnt the ropes, you have the option of working in-house (at a start-up or an established business), at an agency or freelancing.

What is journalism in law?

Lawyers typically have stellar interview and investigatory skills, and a real interest in telling people's stories. The road to the top as a journalist is a long one, but there are opportunities in various formats if you're willing to start at the beginning. You might need to re-learn how to write non-legalese, but that should be fun.

What skills do you need to be a good account manager?

Like account management, it requires strong organisational skills, high-level problem-solving ability, emotional intelligence and basic people management skills. You also need to have a keen intellect to be able to spot gaps, as well as to plan and execute.

What is career change?

Career change is part and parcel for professionals at all levels, particularly as our economy continues to move in the direction of more flexible, casualised and part-time work. The career trajectories of full-time professionals are also at the mercy of the economy and technological change, which are causing huge flux. As a result, the best of any profession will always need guidance on their options and how to move up their current hierarchy or step sideways to a new one. Career management requires you to build deep industry knowledge and networks.

Is there a job beyond being a lawyer?

Developments in the law and technology have also created new legal career opportunities. People will always need lawyers. However, plenty of job options exist within the legal field beyond becoming a lawyer.

What is a lawyer called?

Lawyers are also called an attorney or counselor —or a solicitor or barrister in parts of Europe—a lawyer advocates for their clients' rights. They may do this through negotiation with other parties to a lawsuit or through litigation. They effectively steer the ship. The failure or success of a firm begins with the abilities of its lawyers.

What does a law clerk do?

Law clerks manage the judges' case files and do research, drafting condensed reports on filed documents as guidelines. As a result, the judge doesn't have to read the entire bulging case file to get a handle on what the matter involves. A courtroom deputy will typically wear a law enforcement uniform.

What is legal delivery?

The delivery of legal services is a complex process that typically requires teams of skilled professionals to provide quality and cost-effective service. As a result, the legal field offers many jobs encompassing a diverse range of skills, experience, and education.

What does a paralegal do?

A paralegal takes over certain tasks to free up the attorney's time so he can take care of things that only an attorney can do, such as appear in court or give legal advice. Paralegals may draft pleadings, assist clients, and do legal research under the supervision of the attorney.

What is the job of a legal assistant?

Responsibilities include the normal sphere of secretarial duties in addition to things like file maintenance and drafting basic correspondence, such as letters to clients notifying them of upcoming court dates. Both paralegals and legal secretaries may be referred to as legal assistants.

What is compliance specialist?

A compliance specialist is an employee who implements and oversees corporate compliance with applicable laws and policies, both locally and at the federal level. The position may include training employees in compliance procedures.

What does a tax attorney do?

They represent individuals and use trusts, gifts, and various tax planning structures to reduce the burdens of income taxes and estate taxes. They can also represent clients if problems arise with business ownership and lawsuits involving the IRS.

Why do companies rely on law firms?

Companies rely on law firms and in-house counsel to help them boost their competitiveness. Many legal technology positions require a J.D. holder who understands the current digital legal landscape, can provide legal services and has the ability to establish credibility during product pitches to potential customers.

What is a CPA?

Certified personal accountants (CPAs) are responsible for preparing and examining financial records. A CPA makes sure that all personal and business financial records are accurate, and taxes are paid correctly and on time. A CPA must also understand and assess financial operations to make strategic recommendations to clients. This helps businesses and individuals identify ways to increase revenue, reduce costs, or improve profit margins.

What is an insurance adjuster?

Claims departments of insurance companies are just one of the many professional settings where you might find an insurance adjuster. The person in that role investigates insurance claims and determines if the insurance company should pay a claim and for how much. To do this, they may conduct interviews with witnesses, consult hospital records or police or inspect property damage to determine liability.

What is the ultimate goal of a financial advisor?

They do this by directing people to set goals and develop a financial plan to manage retirement funds, school savings, estate planning, or even large purchase buying. Financial advisors can work within large firms or be sole proprietors.

What is legal writing?

Legal Writer. Legal writing is a form of technical writing that is utilized by many of the professionals within the law landscape. An effective legal writer is apt at communicating facts, conclusions, intentions, and can correlate cases or documents in an easy to understand way.

How much does a legal writer make?

On average, technical writers make around $72,850 a year, according to 2019 BLS data.

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Managing Partners

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The managing partner sits at the top of the law firm hierarchy. A senior-level or founding lawyer of the firm, she manages day-to-day operations. She often heads an executive committee comprised of other senior partners, and she helps to establish and guide the firm's strategic vision.
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Law Firm Partners

  • Law firm partners, also called shareholders, are attorneys who are joint owners and operators of the firm. The types and structures of law firm partnerships can vary. Sole proprietorships—firms with just one attorney—general partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), professional associations, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are the most common. Most law firms em…
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Associates

  • Associates are typically younger attorneys who have the potential to become partners. Large firmsdivide associates into junior and senior associates, depending on merit and experience level. The typical lawyer works as an associate for six to nine years before ascending to partnership ranks or "making partner." When—and if—an associate makes partner generally depends on a co…
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'Of Counsel' Attorneys

  • Attorneys who are "of counsel" aren't technically employees of the firm. They usually work on an independent contractor basis. Lawyers who serve in this role are usually very experienced, senior lawyers who have their own books of business. They have strong reputations in the legal community. Some of-counsel attorneys are semi-retired lawyers who were formerly partners of t…
See more on thebalancecareers.com

Summer Associates

  • Summer associates, also referred to as summer clerks or law clerks, are law students who intern with a firm during the summer months. An internship can be unpaid in smaller firms, although large firms often have well-established summer associate programs that serve as a tool to recruit young, talented lawyers. These positions are often highly competitive and well-paying. A succes…
See more on thebalancecareers.com