where to work as a constitutional lawyer

by Prof. Jerrold Towne V 4 min read

Some constitutional lawyers work at private law firms specializing in constitutional law. Others find employment with advocacy groups or government agencies. Most constitutional lawyers spend much of their workdays in an office to prepare paperwork and research their cases.

Constitutional lawyers often work for state or federal government agencies, constitutional law firms, law schools or political think tanks that specialize in constitutional law. Some Constitutional lawyers have the opportunity to argue major legal issues in front of state or federal supreme courts.

Full Answer

What is the highest paying attorney job?

  • Patent attorney: $180,000
  • Intellectual property (IP) attorney: $162,000
  • Trial lawyer: $134,000 (remember, this is average; trial lawyers especially can be sink-or-swim)
  • Tax attorney: $122,000
  • Corporate lawyer: $115,000
  • Employment lawyer: $87,000
  • Real Estate attorney: $86,000
  • Divorce attorney: $84,000
  • Immigration attorney: $84,000
  • Estate attorney: $83,000

More items...

What are constitutional lawyers?

Constitutional lawyers often work for state or federal government agencies, constitutional law firms, law schools or political think tanks that specialize in constitutional law. Some Constitutional lawyers have the opportunity to argue major legal issues in front of state or federal supreme courts.

What are some careers in law?

What are the Careers in Law and Legal?

  • Coroner. A coroner is a position that combines medical and legal expertise. ...
  • Court Administrator. A court administrator takes care of the daily operations of running a courthouse. ...
  • Courtroom Clerk. ...
  • Crime Scene Investigator. ...
  • Computer Forensics Investigator. ...
  • Compliance Officer. ...
  • Contract Mediator. ...
  • DEA Agent. ...
  • Detective. ...
  • FBI Agent. ...

More items...

What is a constitutional law lawyer?

Constitutional lawyers may argue cases before the United States Supreme Court. A constitutional lawyer is an attorney who tries cases where constitutional issues are at stake. The Constitution is considered the Supreme Law of the United States, and is a form of federal law.

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What does a career in constitutional law look like?

Constitutional law is a multifaceted discipline offering many varied career options. You may wish to work as an attorney or paralegal, or you might pursue a career as a law school professor. Attorneys advise clients and represent them in court. They can also work for a government agency or nonprofit organization.

Is a constitutional lawyer a thing?

A constitutional lawyer protects the rights granted by state and federal constitutions. A lawyer can represent you, likely in court, if you feel that your constitutional rights, such as freedom of speech or the right to bear arms, have been violated.

What are the duties of a constitutional lawyer?

Constitutional lawyers focus on the law, relationships, and rights of the people as set forth by the Constitution. They not only seek to get interpretations and guidance on the implementation of laws but rights and rules as well. In most cases, they focus on issues in a particular industry.

Is constitutional law lucrative?

Salary Ranges for Constitutional Lawyers The salaries of Constitutional Lawyers in the US range from $15,929 to $418,458 , with a median salary of $76,348 . The middle 57% of Constitutional Lawyers makes between $76,351 and $190,212, with the top 86% making $418,458.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaTax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.Immigration attorney: $84,000.Estate attorney: $83,000.Public Defender: $63,000.More items...•

What is the highest paying attorney 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.

What kind of law is constitutional law?

Constitutional law is a body of law which defines the role, powers, and structure of different entities within a state, namely, the executive, the parliament or legislature, and the judiciary; as well as the basic rights of citizens and, in federal countries such as the United States and Canada, the relationship ...

Who are the top constitutional lawyers in the United States?

In this section you will be able to browse profiles of top rated attorneys who practice and specialize in Constitutional law....Constitutional LawEdward Phillips. ... Antonio Ponvert, III. ... Richard A. ... Patrick L. Provenzale. ... Richard L. Ravin. ... Madeline J. Rettig. ... Scott Robinson. Denver, CO.Eugene R. Scheiman.More items...

What are constitutional jobs?

Constitutional Law JobsCounselor.Mentor.Trainer.Advisor.Educator.Teaching.

How much do constitutional lawyers make in DC?

The salaries of Constitutional Lawyers in Washington, DC range from $40,814 to $237,232 , with a median salary of $106,333 . The middle 57% of Constitutional Lawyers makes between $106,333 and $149,895, with the top 86% making $237,232.

How do I know what kind of lawyer I want to be?

Here are a few questions to help you determine what type of law would be a good fit for you:How Much Do You Like to Argue?How Motivated You Are by Money?How Much Control Do You Need Over Your Work Life?How Much Interaction Do You Need With Other People?What Do You Like to Do?

How much do media lawyers get paid?

Average Salary and Qualifications According to the job site Indeed, the average annual salary for a mass media lawyer is $62,000.

How to Become a Constitutional Lawyer

If you want to be a successful Constitutional Lawyer, you must first decide what you want. The next step is to determine your goals. Do you want to work on a specific case, or do you represent individuals facing criminal charges?

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical lawyer earns $75-150 thousand dollars per year. Constitutional Lawyers usually work for large corporations. The daily deal with complex legal issues involves the Constitution. Therefore, they typically earn more money than other kinds of lawyers.

Key Takeaways

To sum up, becoming a constitutional lawyer requires an excellent academic record, a passion for the subject matter, and a deep desire to help others. There are a lot of different things to be considered as well. However, if you decide to stick with it, you should have no problem getting into a good law school.

What are some jobs that relate to constitutional law?

Other positions that might relate to constitutional law include those of lawyers, judges or legal professors. You could also find a position working in a law library or being on staff at a professional legal journal or publisher.

What are some alternatives to being a lawyer?

There are a number of alternative career fields for lawyers. Judges or hearing officers are alternatives that require a doctoral degree. Most judges are appointed by politicians or elected by the public. Mediators and arbitrators work to solve problems between groups or people and keep them out of court.

What degree do you need to be a mediator?

Mediators and arbitrators work to solve problems between groups or people and keep them out of court. These positions require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree. Similar careers paths to paralegals or legal assistants include working as an administrative assistant or within the occupational health field.

What to consider when considering constitutional law?

Since constitutional law is a multifaceted field, you may want to consider the types of activities you would like to perform. Other points to consider include your current education level and whether or not you'd be interested in seeking additional degrees, licenses or certifications.

What is the Supreme Court?

As a result, the Supreme Court provides rulings, rather than opinions, on unique cases that challenge both the letter and the interpretation of the law. The Supreme Court has the combined ability and authority to enact new legislation when human rights granted by the constitution are violated.

What is constitutional law?

Constitutional law, as its name implies, is the area of law that deals with the interpretation of the United States Constitution. According to the Supreme Court's website, since the United States possesses a living, and thus adaptable, constitution, it is often subjected to intense scrutiny ( www.supremecourt.gov ).

What do lawyers need to know?

Lawyers typically need to be able to do research, interpret laws and rulings, and present this information in written reports or in person. University instructors prepare lesson plans and deliver lessons. They need to have good communication skills to help students understand the complexities and subtleties of the law.

What is a constitutional lawyer?

Constitutional Lawyers obtain their law degrees like other Lawyers, but they specialize in cases that involve the laws provided by our United States constitution. Constitutional Lawyers are practicing at the very heart of the legal system, and their cases could set precedent for all laws to come.

What skills do you need to be a lawyer?

Obviously, this is a job that requires talking in front of groups (such as a jury). So, you need to have great verbal and written communication skills to relate to other Lawyers, jury members, Judges, and your client. In addition, you need an affinity for details, strong listening skills, and the ability to excel under pressure.

Can a Constitutional Lawyer argue in court?

Others will end up in court for a Judge to rule on. If the case does go to court, you supply the court with evidence and properly completed paperwork, as well as verbally present your client’s case. As a Constitutional Lawyer, you may even end up arguing cases in the Supreme Court of the United States.

How to become a constitutional lawyer without law school?

While it's possible to become an attorney without going to law school (depending on your state laws), you still need to take and pass the bar exam.

Which universities offer constitutional law?

Yale University, Harvard, Stanford and the University of California, Berkeley, all offer constitutional law programs. As a student, you will have the chance to attend workshops and lectures, conduct legal research, debate political issues and complete internships at prestigious law firms.

What is the minimum score required to pass the bar exam in New York?

Applicants must obtain a total score of 1,390 or higher to pass the exam, according to the State Bar of California. The New York State Board of Examiners has slightly different rules. While the bar exam format is similar to that in California, applicants must achieve a score of 266 or higher to qualify for admission.

What do you need to know before taking the bar exam?

Before taking the test, look for a constitutional law study guide and other resources at a library.

How to gain experience in law?

Consider applying for internships in the field of law to gain experience. Nonprofit organizations, for example, are often seeking legal services and could use your expertise. Likewise, a part-time position at a local bank or law firm can be a great opportunity to practice your skills. Your duties and responsibilities will depend on the job. Generally, constitutional lawyers lead the battle in litigation over discrimination, religious freedom, violations of economic or social rights and other legal matters.

How much do lawyers make?

The average annual salary for lawyers is around $123,000, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Experienced attorneys who work for top law firms can earn $208,000 and up, while those employed by government agencies make about $144,300 per year.

What do I need to apply for Lewis and Clark?

Lewis & Clark Law School, for example, requires applicants to submit their resumes along with transcripts from all university-level schooling and two letters of recommendation. Candidates must also write an essay that describes their background, abilities, aspirations and the motivation behind their decision to practice law. Some of those who apply may be invited to interviews with an admissions or alumni representative. Furthermore, all candidates must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

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How to Become a Constitutional Lawyer

Constitutional law is a branch of law that focuses on the allocation and exercise of government power. Constitutional lawyers are highly trained law professionals that focus on the laws, relationships, and rights that have been established by the Constitution of the United States.

What does a constitutional lawyer do?

Constitutional lawyers interpret and implement the amendments, rights, and rules that the United States Constitution outlines. They concentrate on specific issues and practice in a wide variety of areas such as civil rights and real estate.

What kind of training does a constitutional lawyer need?

Constitutional lawyers must have a bachelor degree and a law degree. Law school applicants must receive a satisfactory score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Prospective constitutional lawyers typically complete courses in legal writing, constitutional law, government law, civil procedure, and legislation and policy.

What are the prospects for a career as a constitutional lawyer?

Employment of all lawyers, including constitutional lawyers is expected to grow about as fast as average for all professions, increasing 13% from 2008 to 2018 (1). The growing population and advances in government organizations will drive job growth of constitutional lawyers.

How much do constitutional lawyers make?

As of January 2010, the average annual salary for constitutional lawyers is $47,000; average annual constitutional lawyer salaries vary greatly on location, employer, education, experience, and benefits (2).

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