If you are interested in pursuing a career as a lawyer, there are several places you can go to work. Whether you want to practice business law, real estate, labor and employment law, intellectual property, or another specialty, there are lots of options.
Public sector
If you’re interested in public service, you can find plenty of opportunities to make an impact. The federal government and state governments are just two examples of organizations where you can pursue a career. Other options include trade associations, universities, and nonprofit organizations. You can also look for non-monetary benefits such as paid sick leave or child care.
A law firm may be the first place that comes to mind. The good news is that they typically seek out lawyers with a well-rounded set of skills, including writing, research, management, and organizational abilities.
Some law firms offer stipends to attorneys pursuing public interest jobs. In addition to offering salaries, some offer loan forgiveness programs. For those who qualify, the financial rewards of public interest work can be substantial.
Public interest attorneys are usually paid more than legal aid lawyers and entry level law school graduates. Salaries vary, depending on geographic location, the type of work you’re doing, and whether you’re employed directly by a government agency or an in-house firm. Those who work for a government agency often enjoy better job security and perks.
Compared to working at a large firm, public interest jobs are more challenging. Unlike at a large firm, there are no predictable hiring or training schedules. As such, you’ll need to be more proactive in your search.
Many lawyers have moved into the private sector. It’s no secret that law firms and corporations are interested in lawyers with experience managing a large team. Private companies can be involved in financing the construction and operation of public facilities.
Alternative careers for lawyers
Lawyers have a lot to choose from when it comes to careers. You can start your own practice, work for a public interest organization, or start a legal marketing firm. But there are also many other choices you may want to consider.
The best part is that you don’t have to spend years getting a legal degree to pursue these options. Many of these alternative careers are based on the use of your law school skills.
In fact, they are a great way to use your legal skills to make your career more rewarding. Some of the most exciting alternatives are in the areas of regulatory change and compliance. These jobs require an understanding of current policies and law, but can also involve a challenging workload.
If you are interested in regulatory change, you can consider working for a government agency such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It is also possible to pursue a role in investment banking, which can be a lucrative and rewarding career.
You can also explore non-lawyer positions in finance, business, and international affairs. There are also a number of regulatory investigation jobs, which are an excellent choice for those looking for a challenge.
For more information, check out the resources offered by the American Bar Association. They have an extensive list of web sites and publications devoted to helping attorneys learn about the best alternative careers.
Real estate law
Real estate law is a very specialized field of law that involves drafting and negotiating contracts for real property. It also covers issues related to environmental protection, construction safety, accessibility for disabled individuals, and more.
Attorneys who specialize in real estate work in the fields of transactions, litigation, and real estate investment trusts (REITS). They may also focus on residential or commercial real estate. In addition, attorneys can specialize in tax law.
To become a real estate attorney, you must earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.). Most programs require coursework in contract law, constitutional law, and administrative law. Some state bar associations offer real estate law training.
Real estate lawyers can be found in all 50 states. You can find one in your area by using the American Bar Association’s directory. Other resources include online review sites and referrals.
The legal market for real estate attorneys will continue to grow. New laws and tax legislation affect sales and development trends.
Real estate attorneys help clients with all aspects of the process, including negotiating and drafting lease agreements. They can also represent a client in court, and they ensure that their contractual agreements are in line with the law. A real estate attorney is invaluable to buyers and sellers, and they can prevent surprises at the closing table.
Before you start the job search, make sure you have a strong cover letter and resume. This will highlight your qualifications and strengths. You should also contact your local title company to get information about their attorney’s reviews.
Intellectual property law
If you’re interested in becoming an intellectual property lawyer, there are a number of ways to get started. One option is to work at an existing law firm. You can also start your own practice.
The first step to becoming an intellectual property lawyer is to earn a law degree. This may be a bachelor’s or master’s degree. A master’s degree program can include courses on international intellectual property rights, cyber law, and patent law.
Upon graduation, you’ll need to pass a bar exam. Bar exams vary by state. Once you’re certified, you’ll have a wide variety of options. Some IP lawyers work in big law firms, while others work independently. It’s a good idea to network with other attorneys.
Intellectual property law is a competitive field. In fact, a majority of IP attorneys surveyed reported working at least 50 hours a week. Therefore, it’s a smart move to start off in an IP law firm, where you can gain experience and develop your skills.
When it comes to the best steps to take in order to become an intellectual property lawyer, you should focus on a number of different areas. These may include interning at an IP law firm, volunteering, or even starting your own practice.
If you want to make a name for yourself, consider obtaining a Master of Law (LLM). This degree is a valuable resource that gives you in-depth knowledge of intellectual property law.
Business law
Business law is a large and diverse field of legal study. It covers a wide range of topics, from buying and selling a business to drafting and negotiating contracts.
If you are considering a career in law, you’ve probably heard that the business law degree is a “must have.” However, if you’re not sure how a business law degree can benefit you or your company, you’re not alone. In fact, this type of degree can provide you with a wealth of benefits, from reducing your costs to increasing your bottom line.
Business law is one of the few areas of study that can offer you the flexibility you need to stay on top of the latest developments and trends in the legal world. Law students who are interested in this area can pursue a variety of careers in this field, from corporate taxation to international trade.
Some of the most common jobs in the field are attorney, contract attorney, marketing manager and regulatory affairs officer. These positions are responsible for ensuring the companies in which they work adhere to local and global laws.
Other positions include HR manager, which can be responsible for occupational health and safety, employment law, and workplace relations. These positions can earn a similar salary to that of a lawyer.
A good business law degree can teach you how to avoid common mistakes and increase your organization’s productivity. Having a business law degree also gives you the tools to identify risks in your organization, before they become problems. Whether your business is small or large, a business law degree can give you the confidence to take on any challenges that come your way.
Labor and employment law
Labor and employment law attorneys help clients with a variety of issues. They may advise clients on their rights under employment laws, or they may file lawsuits. These lawyers may work for companies, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies.
A lawyer practicing in this area of law can work anywhere in the country. However, some attorneys practice in large firms where they specialize in employment law. Some firms include Littler Mendelson, Jackson Lewis, and Fisher & Phillips. Others practice in smaller boutique firms.
Most attorneys begin their careers as associates. Before they can practice, they have to pass the state bar exam, which requires that they have completed three years of law school.
Law students can enroll in classes that cover labor and employment law. They can also participate in clinics that address these topics. The clinics will help students understand the legal aspects of their future careers. It is also recommended that students take at least one elective course on this field.
Lawyers who practice labor and employment law may defend corporations or governments against employee claims of discrimination. They can also negotiate and settle disputes between employees and unions.
Laws that govern this field are based on federal and state constitutions, court opinions, and administrative rules. This includes the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which lays out the obligations of bosses to workers. There are many other governing laws that protect employers’ interests.
