Cecily Zamora
A degree in law and politics can open doors to a variety of career paths. Law graduates often pursue careers in the legal industry, such as attorneys, legal assistants, or paralegals, while others may venture into non-traditional roles like fundraising, diplomacy, or business management. For those interested in politics, a law degree can be a stepping stone to a career in public relations, communications, or even running for public office. Political science graduates can find themselves working in civil rights law, international NGOs, or in public administration. The skills gained from a law and politics degree, such as critical thinking, argument construction, and public speaking, are highly valued in various sectors, providing graduates with diverse opportunities beyond the legal and political fields.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lawyer | Harvard, Virginia, Georgetown, Houston, Howard, Minnesota, Baylor, LSU, Loyola New Orleans, Southern University, Tulane |
| Law school professor | Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) |
| Paralegal | |
| Legal assistant | |
| Attorney | |
| Business manager | |
| Politician | |
| Political campaign worker | |
| Teacher | |
| Researcher | |
| Fundraiser | |
| Foreign Service Officer (FSO) |
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What You'll Learn
Law school and politics
Law school and political science degrees offer a wide range of career opportunities, both within and outside the legal field. Here are some options to consider:
Law School Careers:
- Practising Law: In the United States, practising law typically requires a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited school. After obtaining your JD, you can take the bar exam and specialise in various areas of law, such as civil rights law, tax law, or immigration law.
- Academia: For those interested in teaching and research, a Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) is often required to become a law professor. This advanced degree involves several years of full-time study, including coursework, examinations, presentations, and a dissertation.
Political Careers:
- Politics and Government: A degree in political science or law can lead to a career in politics, government, or public administration. Many law school graduates have gone on to successful political careers, including well-known figures such as Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Tony Blair.
- International Relations: With a strong understanding of international law and relations, graduates can pursue careers as Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), representing their country's interests abroad and working to promote economic and cultural ties.
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Political science graduates can work for international NGOs, addressing social and political issues. They often find roles in consultancy, program analysis, or other international bodies like the United Nations.
- Campaigns and Public Office: Students often gain experience through internships with political campaigns or local officials. After graduation, some run for public office or become support staff for mayors, senators, or other regional officials.
Other Career Paths:
- Business and Management: Law and political science degrees provide excellent preparation for careers in business, including running non-profit organisations or becoming business managers.
- Teaching: With a bachelor's degree in political science, individuals can pursue teaching careers, instructing high school civics or community college courses. For college or university-level teaching, a Master's or Ph.D. in political science is typically required.
- Fundraising: Attorneys can transition into fundraising roles, utilising their communication, research, and legal skills to raise funds for charities, organisations, or political campaigns.
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Paralegals and legal assistants
Additionally, a paralegal degree can offer more direct, hands-on experience in the legal field, familiarizing you with the legal system and how it functions. It can also provide an edge when applying to and attending law school. Programs in paralegal studies are accredited by the American Bar Association and usually include courses in legal research, legal writing, an introduction to law and the legal system, and specific areas of law such as criminal, family, or contract law.
The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $61,010 in May 2024, with about 37,300 projected job openings per year over the next decade. While employment growth is limited, with a projected 1% increase from 2023 to 2033, there are still ample opportunities in this field.
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Teaching and research
If you have a degree in law and politics, you can pursue a career in teaching and research. Here are some options to consider:
Teaching at the High School Level:
With a degree in law and politics, you can teach high school civics. This often requires additional education, such as a secondary education minor, which provides the necessary training and qualifications for teaching. Teaching at this level allows you to shape young minds and impart knowledge about civic engagement, government systems, and legal principles.
Teaching at the Community College Level:
To teach at community colleges, you will typically need to advance your education by obtaining a Master's degree in political science or a related field. This additional education provides you with the expertise and pedagogical skills needed to instruct students at the post-secondary level. Teaching at community colleges offers the opportunity to teach a diverse range of students and often involves teaching introductory courses in politics, law, or related subjects.
Teaching at the University Level:
If you aspire to teach at colleges or universities, you will generally need to pursue a Ph.D. in political science or a related discipline. Obtaining a doctoral degree equips you with specialized knowledge and the ability to conduct independent research. As a university lecturer or professor, you can shape the next generation of scholars, lawyers, and politicians. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to your field through research and publishing.
Research Institutes and Think Tanks:
With a degree in law and politics, you can also pursue research positions at institutes, think tanks, or universities. These positions often involve conducting in-depth studies, analyzing policies, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in your field. Research roles can be a great fit for those who enjoy delving into specific topics, designing and executing research projects, and contributing to academic publications.
Overall, a degree in law and politics opens up a variety of teaching and research opportunities. These careers allow you to educate, inspire, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field. Whether you choose to teach at the high school, community college, or university level, or pursue research roles, you can make a significant impact by shaping minds and expanding understanding in the realms of law and politics.
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International relations
Some graduates choose to develop their knowledge further by taking a postgraduate course, such as a Master's degree or PhD in international relations. You could also specialise in areas such as security studies, diplomacy, international economics, conflict resolution, or global governance. Alternatively, you can focus on a specific geographical area, such as Europe, the Middle East, or Asia.
International policy analysts, or foreign affair analysts, analyze political systems, policies, and legislation that may impact the organization for which they work. They often develop expertise in one or more segments of international relations, such as specializing in foreign, health care, environmental, or international trade policies. They may work in government roles or in the public sector for corporations or humanitarian organizations.
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Civil rights law
A law and politics degree can open doors to a variety of career paths, including civil rights law. Civil rights law is a broad and diverse field, encompassing various issues and areas of focus. Here are some key insights and potential career paths within civil rights law for graduates with a law and politics degree:
Understanding Civil Rights Law
Career Paths in Civil Rights Law
There are several career paths you can consider within civil rights law:
- Civil Rights Lawyer: Civil rights lawyers are at the forefront of civil rights advocacy. They represent clients in court, file lawsuits on their behalf, and conduct legal research. They may choose to specialise in specific areas, such as children's rights, immigrant rights, or excessive use of force by law enforcement.
- Civil Rights Researcher: Researchers play a vital role in civil rights organisations by collecting, organising, and analysing data related to civil rights issues. They provide the factual and statistical backbone for advocacy, policy development, and litigation.
- Housing Advocate: Housing advocates work to ensure fair and equal access to housing, address discrimination in housing practices, and promote housing rights.
- Activism Coordinator: Activism coordinators plan and execute campaigns, events, and initiatives to raise awareness about civil rights issues and promote social change. They may work with community organisations, non-profits, or advocacy groups to mobilise people and create a lasting impact.
- Interpreter or Translator: In the context of civil rights, interpreters and translators play a crucial role in ensuring equal access to services and information for individuals who are limited English proficient (LEP). They facilitate communication in legal, healthcare, and social service settings, ensuring that language is not a barrier to accessing civil rights.
Education and Experience
To pursue a career in civil rights law, a strong educational foundation is essential. A bachelor's degree in law, politics, or a related field is typically the first step. For certain roles, such as a civil rights lawyer, a law degree is required. Advanced degrees, such as a Master's or Doctorate, can also enhance your expertise and open doors to more senior positions.
In addition to education, gaining practical experience is invaluable. Internships with civil rights organisations, non-profits, or legal firms specialising in civil rights can provide hands-on exposure to the field. These opportunities allow you to apply your knowledge, build a professional network, and develop the skills needed for a successful career in civil rights law.
Skill Development
A law and politics degree provides an excellent foundation for a career in civil rights law by developing these skills and fostering an understanding of legal principles, political systems, and social issues. Graduates with this degree are well-equipped to pursue a variety of roles within civil rights law and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many career options available with a law and politics degree. Some common career paths include:
- Lawyer/Attorney
- Politician
- Paralegal
- Legal assistant
- Teacher
- Researcher
Some non-traditional jobs that can be done with a law degree include:
- Fundraiser
- Foreign Service Officer (FSO)
- Business manager
- Non-profit worker
A law and politics degree can help you gain valuable skills such as:
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Public speaking and communication
- Confidence
- Argument formulation
