12 answers
Ethan
Student
Hong Kong
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Asked
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What careers does a law degree unlock?
Other than practice (solicitor or barrister or in-house) and consulting, what other career paths are commonly taken by law graduates?
#july20 #law #legal #career
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12 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1366
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Ethan 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. Developments in the law and technology have also created new legal career opportunities.
FIVE ALTERNATE CAREER OPTIONS FOR LAWYERS
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE • The average Administrative Law Judges salary in the United States is $108,000 as of June 28, 2020
Administrative law judges are a type of judge that presides over court trials relating to labor and employment issues. They can work for local, state, and federal governments and agencies. It is their responsibility to impartially apply their knowledge of the law to conduct a fair trial and give appropriate sentencing. There are many types of cases an administrative law judge can preside over; a couple of examples would be an individual's qualification for employee benefits or if employee discrimination is occurring in a workplace.
TRIAL CONSULTANTS • The average Trial Consultants salary in the United States is $80,000 as of June 28, 2020
Trial consultants are professionals who work with lawyers before and during a trial to strategize the most effective approach for presenting a case in order to have the best chance of achieving the desired ruling. They help the trial team assess what the jury will think about their case and how they are likely to rule, as well as suggest ways to make their arguments more effective. Trial consultants must possess strong research skills. They will often perform research on topics such as members of the jury by looking through each member's social media accounts and any other information on public record in order to determine how they will likely feel about a particular case. Trial consultants must also be strong critical thinkers; they must take their research and extrapolate from it which areas of the case should be improved and how that can be accomplished.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGISTS • The average Forensic Psychologist salary in the United States is $63,000 as of June 28, 2020
A career as a forensic psychologists combines psychology and law principles. These psychologists help law officers, such as lawyers or judges, better understand the psychological motivations of cases. They can work in private practice or for hospitals and government agencies. Job responsibilities may include interviewing witnesses or suspects involved in a particular cases, providing expert testimony in court proceedings, and creating research papers or articles that discuss their work. Forensic psychologists usually need a doctoral degree and must obtain state licensure.
PARALEGAL • The average Paralegals salary in the United States is $58,000 as of June 28, 2020
Those interested in a career as a lawyer may also want to consider a career as a paralegal because of the shared focus on the law. As a paralegal, your primary function will be to provide assistance to lawyers. This assistance includes research for cases, preparing correspondence, filing appropriate motions, and serving as the liaison with clients and other lawyers. Paralegals work in a variety of industries and need at least an associate's degree in paralegal studies. Despite the difference in education requirements, a lawyer may desire to take a position as a paralegal in order to experience a lighter workload or to gain some experience after taking extended time away from their law career.
ARBITRATOR • The average Arbitrators salary in the United States is $56,500 as of June 28, 2020
Those interested in working as a lawyer might also enjoy working as an arbitrator because they have similar duties. As an arbitrator, you will serve as the liaison between two parties looking to settle issues without going to court. You will guide the parties to a mutual resolution by conducting meetings between the parties, hearing their testimony and that of any appropriate witnesses, and determining the best outcome for both parties. Arbitrators may work independently or as part of a team of arbitrators. You will need at least a bachelor's degree in a field like conflict resolution, although many arbitrators have a law degree or other advanced education.
Hope this was Helpful Ethan.
FIVE ALTERNATE CAREER OPTIONS FOR LAWYERS
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE • The average Administrative Law Judges salary in the United States is $108,000 as of June 28, 2020
Administrative law judges are a type of judge that presides over court trials relating to labor and employment issues. They can work for local, state, and federal governments and agencies. It is their responsibility to impartially apply their knowledge of the law to conduct a fair trial and give appropriate sentencing. There are many types of cases an administrative law judge can preside over; a couple of examples would be an individual's qualification for employee benefits or if employee discrimination is occurring in a workplace.
TRIAL CONSULTANTS • The average Trial Consultants salary in the United States is $80,000 as of June 28, 2020
Trial consultants are professionals who work with lawyers before and during a trial to strategize the most effective approach for presenting a case in order to have the best chance of achieving the desired ruling. They help the trial team assess what the jury will think about their case and how they are likely to rule, as well as suggest ways to make their arguments more effective. Trial consultants must possess strong research skills. They will often perform research on topics such as members of the jury by looking through each member's social media accounts and any other information on public record in order to determine how they will likely feel about a particular case. Trial consultants must also be strong critical thinkers; they must take their research and extrapolate from it which areas of the case should be improved and how that can be accomplished.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGISTS • The average Forensic Psychologist salary in the United States is $63,000 as of June 28, 2020
A career as a forensic psychologists combines psychology and law principles. These psychologists help law officers, such as lawyers or judges, better understand the psychological motivations of cases. They can work in private practice or for hospitals and government agencies. Job responsibilities may include interviewing witnesses or suspects involved in a particular cases, providing expert testimony in court proceedings, and creating research papers or articles that discuss their work. Forensic psychologists usually need a doctoral degree and must obtain state licensure.
PARALEGAL • The average Paralegals salary in the United States is $58,000 as of June 28, 2020
Those interested in a career as a lawyer may also want to consider a career as a paralegal because of the shared focus on the law. As a paralegal, your primary function will be to provide assistance to lawyers. This assistance includes research for cases, preparing correspondence, filing appropriate motions, and serving as the liaison with clients and other lawyers. Paralegals work in a variety of industries and need at least an associate's degree in paralegal studies. Despite the difference in education requirements, a lawyer may desire to take a position as a paralegal in order to experience a lighter workload or to gain some experience after taking extended time away from their law career.
ARBITRATOR • The average Arbitrators salary in the United States is $56,500 as of June 28, 2020
Those interested in working as a lawyer might also enjoy working as an arbitrator because they have similar duties. As an arbitrator, you will serve as the liaison between two parties looking to settle issues without going to court. You will guide the parties to a mutual resolution by conducting meetings between the parties, hearing their testimony and that of any appropriate witnesses, and determining the best outcome for both parties. Arbitrators may work independently or as part of a team of arbitrators. You will need at least a bachelor's degree in a field like conflict resolution, although many arbitrators have a law degree or other advanced education.
Hope this was Helpful Ethan.
Thank You Ro. “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” – James Matthew Barrie
Doc Frick
Thank You Henry. “The broadest, and maybe the most meaningful definition of volunteering: Doing more than you have to because you want to, in a cause you consider good. ” – Ivan Scheier
Doc Frick
Thank You Ethan, It was my Pleasure. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover. – Mark Twain
Doc Frick
Ro L
Career Services
58
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Ro’s Answer
The prior answers were fantastic - you can definitely see that a law degree is versatile. In addition to the positions mentioned, you could also consider careers in Compliance, Contract Writing (useful for M&A), Equity and Equality administrative positions at schools and companies, teaching positions (ex: law school, or law/polisci courses for undergrads), and government positions (ex: City Manager, Congress, etc.). I have a law degree, and have been fortunate to have had a variety of positions that have steered me into the Higher Education field, and I really enjoy it. I've also had colleagues find very interesting positions such as legal compliance for music and characters in the Gaming field, or contract writer for record deals at a music label.
Some popular law-related positions now involve tech and international policy (immigration, trade, business). Make sure you figure out which industry and field you enjoy - every field incorporates law somehow!
Some popular law-related positions now involve tech and international policy (immigration, trade, business). Make sure you figure out which industry and field you enjoy - every field incorporates law somehow!
Bri Scott
Mental Health Technician
37
Answers
Tinley Park, Illinois
Updated
Bri’s Answer
Hi,
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has a specific career path for law school graduates and attorneys. Law enforcement, generally, requires an notable ability to analyze complex fact patterns and apply critical thinking to make sound judgments which are the exact skills that are emphasized throughout law school. The FBI utilizes lawyers to work on cross agency enforcement of complex laws touching on both criminal, civil and administrative matters. Another job is being an agent for entertainers and athletes. They need a agent to help manage their careers. The agent represents their client as they negotiate contracts between the client and their various sources of income including record labels, sports franchises, apparel companies, or film studios. Working in Government, government lawyers work at the local level, but state governments and the federal government also hire lawyers to perform a multitude of tasks. Most federal government agencies have legal counsel. These agencies include the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of Homeland Security, the Security Exchange Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Patent and Trademark Office, and just about every other government agency that you can name. Attorneys also serve in all branches of the military. Each military branch has its own Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). Some law school graduates will end up working in the political process as legislative representatives too.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has a specific career path for law school graduates and attorneys. Law enforcement, generally, requires an notable ability to analyze complex fact patterns and apply critical thinking to make sound judgments which are the exact skills that are emphasized throughout law school. The FBI utilizes lawyers to work on cross agency enforcement of complex laws touching on both criminal, civil and administrative matters. Another job is being an agent for entertainers and athletes. They need a agent to help manage their careers. The agent represents their client as they negotiate contracts between the client and their various sources of income including record labels, sports franchises, apparel companies, or film studios. Working in Government, government lawyers work at the local level, but state governments and the federal government also hire lawyers to perform a multitude of tasks. Most federal government agencies have legal counsel. These agencies include the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office of Homeland Security, the Security Exchange Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Patent and Trademark Office, and just about every other government agency that you can name. Attorneys also serve in all branches of the military. Each military branch has its own Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). Some law school graduates will end up working in the political process as legislative representatives too.
Kevin Lam CISSP, PMP, ITIL
Sr. Manager, Incident Response
35
Answers
Santa Clarita, California
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Consider a focus on cyber security. With data being hacked and leaked all the item, companies need folks with a legal background to partner with cyber security professionals to guide and help protect data as well as respond should an incident occur. I work in Incident Response which focus on responding to cyber security incidents - suspected data breaches and compromises and our Privacy Legal team is joined with us at the hip. There's lots of demand in both the Privacy and Cyber Security space.
Karem Nnz
1
Answer
Updated
Karem’s Answer
There are alot of opportunities in tech within the legal framework. Marketing, Data privacy, Customer privacy, employment, software licensing, human resources, and many more areas need legal professionals.
Hasmik H
Tax Consulting
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Hasmik’s Answer
While becoming a solicitor or working in-house are commonly pursued options, there are several alternative career paths that law graduates often consider. Here are some popular choices:
Legal Research and Academia: If you have a passion for legal scholarship and enjoy deep-diving into legal issues, pursuing a career in legal research or academia could be a rewarding path. You can work as a legal researcher, law professor, or lecturer, contributing to the development of legal knowledge and education.
Policy and Government: Many law graduates find fulfilling careers in policy-making and government work. You can work as a legal advisor to government agencies, participate in legislative drafting, or join public policy think tanks. These roles allow you to shape laws, regulations, and policies that impact society.
Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations: Law graduates can make a significant impact by working for nonprofit organizations, NGOs, or advocacy groups. Whether in areas such as human rights, environmental protection, or social justice, you can use your legal knowledge to advocate for change, provide legal aid, or engage in public interest litigation.
Corporate Compliance and Risk Management: With a law degree, you can pursue a career in corporate compliance and risk management. Companies need professionals who understand legal regulations and can ensure their operations are in line with laws and ethical standards. You may work as a compliance officer, risk manager, or in-house legal counsel.
Intellectual Property (IP) Law: If you have an interest in innovation, technology, and creativity, specializing in intellectual property law can open doors to various career opportunities. You can work as an IP lawyer, advising clients on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and licensing, or join research and development teams in industries like entertainment, technology, or pharmaceuticals.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Law graduates can explore careers in alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration. These roles involve helping parties reach mutually acceptable solutions without going to court. Working as a mediator or arbitrator allows you to facilitate negotiations and resolve conflicts in various fields, including business, family, and international disputes.
Legal Journalism and Writing: If you have a flair for writing and a passion for law, you can combine these skills by pursuing a career in legal journalism or legal writing. You can work as a legal correspondent, legal blogger, legal author, or contribute to legal publications, translating complex legal concepts for a broader audience.
Remember, these are just a few examples of the diverse career paths available to law graduates. It's essential to explore your interests, skills, and values to find a career that aligns with your passions. Networking, internships, and informational interviews can help you gain insights into these alternative paths and make informed decisions about your professional journey.
Legal Research and Academia: If you have a passion for legal scholarship and enjoy deep-diving into legal issues, pursuing a career in legal research or academia could be a rewarding path. You can work as a legal researcher, law professor, or lecturer, contributing to the development of legal knowledge and education.
Policy and Government: Many law graduates find fulfilling careers in policy-making and government work. You can work as a legal advisor to government agencies, participate in legislative drafting, or join public policy think tanks. These roles allow you to shape laws, regulations, and policies that impact society.
Nonprofit and Advocacy Organizations: Law graduates can make a significant impact by working for nonprofit organizations, NGOs, or advocacy groups. Whether in areas such as human rights, environmental protection, or social justice, you can use your legal knowledge to advocate for change, provide legal aid, or engage in public interest litigation.
Corporate Compliance and Risk Management: With a law degree, you can pursue a career in corporate compliance and risk management. Companies need professionals who understand legal regulations and can ensure their operations are in line with laws and ethical standards. You may work as a compliance officer, risk manager, or in-house legal counsel.
Intellectual Property (IP) Law: If you have an interest in innovation, technology, and creativity, specializing in intellectual property law can open doors to various career opportunities. You can work as an IP lawyer, advising clients on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and licensing, or join research and development teams in industries like entertainment, technology, or pharmaceuticals.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Law graduates can explore careers in alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration. These roles involve helping parties reach mutually acceptable solutions without going to court. Working as a mediator or arbitrator allows you to facilitate negotiations and resolve conflicts in various fields, including business, family, and international disputes.
Legal Journalism and Writing: If you have a flair for writing and a passion for law, you can combine these skills by pursuing a career in legal journalism or legal writing. You can work as a legal correspondent, legal blogger, legal author, or contribute to legal publications, translating complex legal concepts for a broader audience.
Remember, these are just a few examples of the diverse career paths available to law graduates. It's essential to explore your interests, skills, and values to find a career that aligns with your passions. Networking, internships, and informational interviews can help you gain insights into these alternative paths and make informed decisions about your professional journey.
Patricia Cernat
Summer Analyst
23
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Luckily, law is a good degree to have even if you don't intend to pursue law.
Business and finance careers are viable option for any law students, and law graduates can be seen in investment banks, the Big 4 and a range of other businesses. Journalism is also a possible option due to the strong language and comprehension skills developed through the degree.
Business and finance careers are viable option for any law students, and law graduates can be seen in investment banks, the Big 4 and a range of other businesses. Journalism is also a possible option due to the strong language and comprehension skills developed through the degree.
Deborah Chang
Business Development
24
Answers
San Carlos, California
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Having a legal background and working as a lawyer can lead to numerous opportunities beyond the realm of law. I always suggest gaining some experience in a specific area of law for a few years before exploring other options. Personally, I shifted to business and corporate development as I find strategic business negotiations fascinating. I've encountered other lawyers who have made similar or different career moves. Here's a concise list:
1) Engaging in non-profit organizations and philanthropic activities
2) Working on technology policies, such as cybersecurity and other tech companies
3) Participating in politics and government roles
4) Becoming founders of startup companies
5) Taking on product and general management roles in tech startups
6) Venturing into investment banking
It's quite common for lawyers to eventually transition into writing, whether it's related to legal topics or other subjects.
1) Engaging in non-profit organizations and philanthropic activities
2) Working on technology policies, such as cybersecurity and other tech companies
3) Participating in politics and government roles
4) Becoming founders of startup companies
5) Taking on product and general management roles in tech startups
6) Venturing into investment banking
It's quite common for lawyers to eventually transition into writing, whether it's related to legal topics or other subjects.
Patricia Cernat
Summer Analyst
23
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Luckily law is a good degree to have even if you don't intend to pursue law.
Business and finance careers are viable option for any law students, and law graduates can be seen in investment banks, the Big 4 and a range of other businesses. Journalism is also a possible option due to the strong language and comprehension skills developed through the degree.
Business and finance careers are viable option for any law students, and law graduates can be seen in investment banks, the Big 4 and a range of other businesses. Journalism is also a possible option due to the strong language and comprehension skills developed through the degree.
Jane Mullis
Attorney
10
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jane’s Answer
A law degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities. Here are a few examples of careers that a law degree can unlock:
-Lawyer: This is one of the most common career paths for someone with a law degree. Lawyers can work in private practice, government, or in-house for a corporation or non-profit organization. They can specialize in areas such as criminal law, corporate law, intellectual property law, and many others.
-Judge: Lawyers who have gained experience and meet certain qualifications can apply to become a judge. They preside over court cases, make decisions, and issue rulings.
-Legal Analyst or Consultant: Law graduates can work as legal analysts or consultants, providing legal advice and analysis to businesses, organizations, and government agencies.
-Legal Services Manager: Law graduates can work as legal services managers within organizations, overseeing the legal department and providing legal advice and guidance to senior management.
-Legal Researcher: Law graduates can work as legal researchers, conducting research on legal issues and providing written reports and analysis.
-Legal Educator: Law graduates can become legal educators, teaching law courses at colleges, universities, or law schools.
-Government positions: Law graduates can pursue a career in government positions, working in agencies such as the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, or other government agencies.
-Non-profit or advocacy work: Law graduates can work in non-profit organizations or advocacy groups, using their legal skills to help advance the goals of the organization.
It's worth noting that a law degree can also open up opportunities in fields such as business, politics, and media, as a legal background can be valuable in those fields.
-Lawyer: This is one of the most common career paths for someone with a law degree. Lawyers can work in private practice, government, or in-house for a corporation or non-profit organization. They can specialize in areas such as criminal law, corporate law, intellectual property law, and many others.
-Judge: Lawyers who have gained experience and meet certain qualifications can apply to become a judge. They preside over court cases, make decisions, and issue rulings.
-Legal Analyst or Consultant: Law graduates can work as legal analysts or consultants, providing legal advice and analysis to businesses, organizations, and government agencies.
-Legal Services Manager: Law graduates can work as legal services managers within organizations, overseeing the legal department and providing legal advice and guidance to senior management.
-Legal Researcher: Law graduates can work as legal researchers, conducting research on legal issues and providing written reports and analysis.
-Legal Educator: Law graduates can become legal educators, teaching law courses at colleges, universities, or law schools.
-Government positions: Law graduates can pursue a career in government positions, working in agencies such as the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, or other government agencies.
-Non-profit or advocacy work: Law graduates can work in non-profit organizations or advocacy groups, using their legal skills to help advance the goals of the organization.
It's worth noting that a law degree can also open up opportunities in fields such as business, politics, and media, as a legal background can be valuable in those fields.
Alexandra Ross
Attorney
9
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
A legal education can prepare you for a career as a lawyer, politician, business person, strategist, policy analyst, pretty much anything that requires analytical skills and problem solving. In my cases, I practiced intellectual property law just out of law school, then transitioned to a privacy and data protection attorney. I now work at a technology company and counsel them on privacy and security compliance, data strategy and governance.
Melissa Sawyers, PMP, Esq.
Project manager
4
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
As others have mentioned previously, a law degree is versatile because of the transferrable skills you learn, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. I practiced various areas of law - from criminal prosecution to personal injury - and now I'm currently a project manager. Several of my peers in the past have transitioned into various roles, such as compliance/ethics officer or contract specialist/manager.
Even though there are many career options for law degree holders, I would caution you to only go to law school if you actually want to practice law.
Even though there are many career options for law degree holders, I would caution you to only go to law school if you actually want to practice law.