
Law graduates can pursue a variety of careers, both within and outside the legal field. While some graduates go on to become judges, prosecutors, and attorneys, others explore alternative paths such as human resource management, business administration, politics, and government roles. The diverse skills acquired during a law degree, including critical thinking, writing, and interpersonal skills, are valued across industries. Law graduates can leverage their knowledge of legal systems and procedures to specialize in specific areas such as corporate law, intellectual property law, or international law. Additionally, the understanding of social and ethical concepts gained during their studies can be applied in fields like marketing, advertising, and public relations. Ultimately, the versatility of a law degree empowers graduates to pursue a wide range of professional paths, allowing them to tailor their careers to their individual interests and goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Majors that can help prepare for law school | Political science, philosophy, sociology, economics, English, history, STEM, business, science/healthcare |
| Careers in law that don't require being a lawyer | Contract administrator, human resources manager, claims adjuster, lobbyist, legislative aid or analyst, compliance officer, civil/immigration rights analyst, victim compensation officer, pre-trial services officer, asylum officer, customs officer, law enforcement officer, prison officer, accident reconstructionist, bank trust department employee, public interest advocate, congressional affairs specialist, diplomat, international relations specialist |
| Careers with a law degree | Outside counsel in law firms, in-house counsel in corporate legal departments, self-employed lawyers, legal executives, consultants, prosecutors, plaintiff attorneys, defense attorneys, staff attorneys, litigators, trial attorneys, appellate attorneys, military attorneys, patent attorneys, patent agents, patent clerks, patent designers, university attorneys, corporate trainers, chief management officers, chief resources managers, corporate social responsibility managers, political advisors, strategists, government employees, mayoral employees, political employees |
| Careers that benefit from a law background | Marketing, advertising, sales, PR, sports/literary/talent agent, real estate, content writing, screenwriting, editing, journalism, publishing, media, retail, catering, event management, tourism, finance, business administration, copy center, secretarial |
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What You'll Learn

Law graduates can work in politics and government
In politics, law graduates can pursue roles as politicians, including members of parliament or government officials. The skills gained from a law degree, such as argument construction, critical thinking, and policy analysis, are highly valuable in political careers. For example, many law graduates may start their political careers as parliamentary researchers for members of parliament, providing practical support and briefings on legislation. This role requires the ability to process and analyse large amounts of information, a skill commonly developed during a law degree.
Additionally, law graduates can pursue careers in government, working in various sectors and departments at the local, state, or federal levels. Government jobs offer a range of benefits, including high job security, predictable working hours, and attractive leave policies. Examples of government agencies that regularly hire candidates with law degrees include the Social Security Administration, the Department of State, and roles in education, defence, agriculture, energy, and human services.
Law graduates interested in politics and government careers should consider gaining relevant work experience through internships, volunteering, or working on political campaigns. They can also enhance their skills by participating in extracurricular activities, such as debate clubs or public speaking competitions, to develop their communication and leadership abilities.
Furthermore, law graduates can explore international opportunities by working with organisations such as the United Nations or international non-governmental organisations, where they can contribute to policy development, legal reform, and social change on a global scale.
Overall, law graduates interested in politics and government can utilise their legal knowledge and skills to pursue meaningful careers in public service, contributing to the functioning and improvement of their communities and societies.
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Law graduates can work in human resources
A law degree provides a strong foundation for understanding and applying laws related to employment and labour relations. For example, during law school, individuals learn about U.S. labour histories, court rulings, and administrative decisions that shape collective bargaining and labour relations in the public and private sectors. This knowledge is essential for HR professionals who need to stay up-to-date with evolving rules and regulations.
Additionally, law graduates can bring valuable skills to HR roles. They can excel in contract negotiation, worker compensation matters, and federal agency interactions. Their legal background can enhance their ability to draft employment contracts and navigate negotiations, and ensure compliance while protecting the rights of both workers and employers.
Furthermore, law graduates in HR can specialize in specific areas such as employee benefits, where they can apply relevant statutes like the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). They can also focus on discrimination and harassment laws, payment and wages, or health and safety regulations, ensuring that their organization maintains a safe and equitable work environment.
Pursuing a career in human resources with a law degree can increase opportunities and improve employer and employee relations. Law graduates can bring a unique perspective to HR roles, combining their legal expertise with people skills to add value to any position they take on within the HR field.
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Law graduates can work in entertainment and media
Law graduates can work in a variety of roles in the entertainment and media industries. These roles include working as in-house counsel for entertainment companies, representing entertainment companies or individuals in the media industry, and working as a freelance entertainment law writer or blogger.
In-house counsel for entertainment companies typically work on a variety of legal matters, including mergers and acquisitions, securities, and general corporate matters. They may also be involved in negotiating and drafting contracts, such as book deals, product licensing deals, and celebrity talent agreements. For example, a lawyer might work with a publishing house on a book deal, or with a well-known entertainment company on an international joint venture.
Lawyers representing individuals in the media industry often advise on legal matters relating to social media, advertising, and intellectual property. They may also negotiate and draft contracts, such as creative services agreements, commercial production agreements, and licensing deals. For instance, a lawyer might advise an A-list actress on creating her own health and beauty line, or represent authors in turning their books into TV deals.
Freelance entertainment law writers or bloggers can write articles and blog posts on trending topics in the field of entertainment law, such as the types of drafting necessary in the entertainment industry. To become a successful freelance writer in this field, one must have a decent knowledge of media and entertainment laws, as well as experience in drafting contracts and agreements.
In addition to these roles, law graduates can also work as paralegals or legal assistants in the entertainment and media industries. These roles may involve assisting with legal research, drafting agreements, and providing support on legal matters.
Overall, the growth of the media and entertainment industries has led to an increased demand for lawyers with knowledge of media and entertainment laws. Law graduates with an interest in this field should consider gaining relevant experience through pro bono work, lower-paying jobs, or online courses to build their knowledge and network with potential clients.
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Law graduates can work in finance and accounting
For example, a law graduate with a background in finance may be well-suited for a career in company law, as they will be able to decipher complex information and have a keen eye for detail. Similarly, experience in finance can be useful for civil law and employment law, where compensation needs to be determined.
A law graduate with a finance background may also be well-suited for a career as a financial attorney, who works with the laws and regulations surrounding the financial field. Other potential roles include risk manager, financial adviser, investment consultant, and chief financial officer (CFO).
Additionally, law graduates can work as contract administrators, who manage contracts at every stage of the process, including employment contracts, real estate contracts, and business contracts. A background in law can be beneficial for understanding the legal aspects of these contracts and negotiating deals.
In the field of human resources (HR), a law graduate with a background in accounting or finance can be valuable. HR managers need to understand their industry's legal regulations and employment and labor laws. A legal background in employment law can be especially beneficial for large corporations or those with complex human capital structures.
Overall, a law degree can provide a strong foundation for a career in finance and accounting, and graduates can leverage their legal knowledge and skills to succeed in various roles within these industries.
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Law graduates can work in business and management
A law degree is a great gateway to a career as a solicitor or barrister, but it can also be a foundation for a career in business and management.
A law degree provides academic knowledge and a set of skills that can be applied in a variety of careers and industries. Law graduates can use their understanding of legal implications and obligations, as well as their research skills, to work in federal and state government, private corporations, and law practices.
Business law, in particular, is a great way for law graduates to work in the business and management sector. A business law degree is not designed to make you a lawyer, but it enables you to safeguard your business and personal interests. It gives you the ability to manage business risks and protect and improve a company's bottom line.
Law graduates can work in business consulting, government affairs, and financial management. They can also work in human resources, where they can use their knowledge of the law to support staff affected by illness who need to be redeployed to another role. Additionally, HR managers need to understand their industry's legal regulations and all employment and labor laws, so a legal background in employment law can be beneficial.
Contract administrators are another example of a business and management career that law graduates can pursue. They manage contracts at every stage of the process, including employment contracts, real estate sales or rental contracts, and various business contracts. A law background can be beneficial when working with particularly complex contracts.
Overall, a law degree can provide a strong foundation for a career in business and management, and law graduates can use their skills and knowledge in a variety of roles within this sector.
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Frequently asked questions
Law graduates can pursue careers in compliance and litigation in the business sector, including corporate law, financial law, contract law, labour law, and licensing law. They can also work as contract administrators, corporate trainers, or take on lead business roles such as chief management officers.
Law graduates can work in communications and entertainment roles, such as advertising, marketing, sales, human resources, and public relations. They can also work in content writing, screenwriting, editing, journalism, publishing, and media roles. Additionally, they can explore careers in real estate, sports, or talent agencies.
There are several legal career options that do not require a law degree. Examples include claims adjustment, lobbying, and working as a contract administrator, title examiner, or human resource manager.
Law graduates can work in various government, mayoral, or political positions. They can become prosecutors, politicians, legislators, mediators, judges, or diplomats. They can also work in international relations, law enforcement, or in the government legal service.
There is no single best major for law school, and students can major in anything they are passionate about. However, some popular choices include political science, philosophy, English, economics, and STEM fields. These majors can provide a strong foundation for the skills and knowledge needed in law school.











































