Cameron Miranda
A law degree is an excellent qualification to have under your belt, opening doors to a variety of career paths. While many law graduates go on to become lawyers, others choose to pursue alternative careers in fields such as finance, human resources, politics, journalism, and education. Law school teaches valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and communication, which are attractive to top-tier management consulting firms like McKinsey & Company and Bain & Company. The Big Four accounting firms in Australia are also increasingly hiring lawyers for their growing legal services arms. For those who want to remain closer to the legal field, a career as a judge's associate, private investigator, or special agent are options to consider.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job Roles | Lawyer, Attorney, Judge's Associate, Private Investigator, Special Agent, Management Consultant, Journalist, Law Professor, Product/Project Manager, HR Professional, Salesperson, Marketer, Politician, Data Security and Privacy Lawyer, Tax Lawyer, Criminal Prosecutor, Criminal Defense Lawyer, Civil Litigator, Corporate Lawyer, General Counsel, Teacher/Professor |
| Skills | Critical thinking, Problem-solving, Research, Communication, Teamwork, Analytical, Management, Attention to detail, Natural scepticism, Writing |
| Industries | Accounting, Finance, Consulting, Human Resources, Sales, Marketing, Media, Education, Politics, Government |
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What You'll Learn
Law careers in environmental and immigration law
Environmental lawyers are advocates for individuals, corporations, and government agencies, often acting as mediators and providing counsel. They focus on environmental rights and laws and may work on projects relating to renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change. A successful environmental lawyer will have skills in research, analysis, negotiation, and both written and verbal communication.
To become an environmental lawyer, you will need a bachelor's degree and a law degree, typically a Juris Doctor (JD). It typically takes about seven years to become an environmental lawyer. Upon graduating, you must complete the bar exam. Those seeking a more senior or specialized role after graduating from law school may consider a post-graduate program. Some programs may offer or even require an externship where students can gain hands-on experience in the field.
Many municipal governments are taking on cutting-edge climate change projects, and as governments negotiate more agreements, more opportunities for international environmental lawyers arise. These lawyers participate in treaty negotiations, develop environmental laws, and litigate before international tribunals. International environmental law work can be found domestically in government agencies like the Department of State and the EPA.
The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is an organization that works to advance the rights and opportunities of low-income immigrants and their loved ones. They are committed to creating an inclusive work-life balance for their staff and supporting opportunities for resilience and wellness. NILC strives to attract, develop, and retain diverse people who will contribute to an inclusive work environment. They offer a comprehensive health benefits package, a 403(b) retirement plan, and generous paid time off.
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Jobs in politics and government
A law degree can be a great stepping stone to a career in politics and government. Many law graduates go on to work in politics and government, and a law degree can provide a strong foundation for understanding the political process and developing critical thinking skills.
Working in Government
With a law degree, you can pursue various government jobs at the local, state, or federal level. Government agencies that regularly hire candidates with law degrees include the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the Centers for Disease Control, and local treasuries or budget departments.
County and city governments also need legal experts, and positions with local government agencies may be more accessible than federal jobs. Government jobs offer relatively high job security, a broad range of benefits, and predictable working hours.
- Policy Analyst: Policy analysts research and develop policies in response to social and political issues. They investigate the effects of public policy, analyze various perspectives to devise fair policies, propose new policies, and explain their implications.
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Regulatory affairs specialists ensure that an organization meets all government regulations and standards, particularly concerning products or policies. They apply their knowledge of the law to evaluate levels of compliance.
- Legal Consultant: Many government agencies hire legal consultants to provide legal expertise and advice.
- Foreign Service Officer (FSO): FSOs represent their country's interests in foreign countries. They work in various capacities, from managing embassies and consulates to providing diplomatic support and advice to senior government officials.
Working in Politics
A law degree can also be a great advantage if you're interested in a career in politics. It can provide you with the skills and knowledge to understand the implications of parliamentary or congressional decisions, build connections with policymakers, and effectively communicate and formulate arguments.
- Lobbyist: Lobbyists work to influence public policy and legislation, usually on behalf of a specific interest or organization. They serve as intermediaries between the public and government officials, using their knowledge of politics, law, or public policy to shape public opinion and influence decision-makers.
- Parliamentary or Congressional Researcher: In this role, you would provide practical support and briefings on legislation to Members of Parliament or Congress. You would be responsible for reading and processing large amounts of information and data, a skill that law students often develop.
- Political Campaign Fundraiser: Fundraisers are responsible for raising money for political campaigns. Attorneys can excel in this role due to their strong communication and research skills, knowledge of the law, and understanding of philanthropy.
- Running for Public Office: With a law degree, you may consider running for public office yourself, such as becoming a local or regional official, a state or federal representative, or even a member of parliament or congress.
Developing Transferable Skills
The skills and experience gained from a law degree can be valuable in politics and government, even if you don't pursue a traditional legal career. Law school can teach you how to construct arguments, think critically, analyze complex issues, and challenge policy. These skills are essential for shaping and influencing public policy and can make you a valuable asset in the political sphere.
Additionally, a law degree can provide a broad understanding of societal welfare, public policy, and criminal justice, which can be beneficial when working in government or politics. It can also help you develop public speaking skills and confidence, which are essential for a career in politics.
Remember, while a law degree can open doors to various opportunities in politics and government, it is essential to stay informed about the specific requirements and qualifications needed for your desired career path.
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Roles in finance, HR, marketing and sales
A law degree can be a great starting point for a variety of roles outside the legal field, including those in finance, sales, marketing, and HR.
Finance
Those with a law degree can find themselves well-suited to a number of roles in finance. For example, a certified public accountant (CPA) assists clients with their financial data, including taxes and bookkeeping. The average national salary for a CPA is $105,930. A law degree can also be beneficial for roles such as risk analyst, financial adviser, investment consultant, and management consultant. These roles involve helping clients with financial planning and investments, or advising companies on how to improve efficiency and performance.
Sales
A law degree can be a great asset in sales, particularly when selling complex financial products, legal software, or risk management tools. Your legal knowledge can help you connect with buyers and talk about these topics with confidence. You can also leverage your legal expertise in sales roles that involve selling legal services to businesses, as your understanding of what clients need will be a great advantage.
Marketing
Marketing roles often require a strong understanding of the product or service being marketed, so a law degree can be beneficial when marketing complex financial or legal products and services.
HR
A law degree can be useful in HR roles, particularly in areas such as employee relations, where knowledge of employment law is essential.
Overall, a law degree can provide a strong foundation for a variety of roles across different industries, and it is a valuable asset when combined with other skills and knowledge.
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Journalism and academia
Journalism
Legal knowledge can be a great advantage for journalists, especially when reporting on politics, global news, and current affairs. Many lawyers become excellent journalists because of their attention to detail, natural scepticism, writing skills, and knowledge of complex political and legal systems.
Legal journalists have the creative freedom that other law graduates who continue to practice law do not have. They can also enjoy diverse employment opportunities, choosing to start their own channel on a social media platform, write on their personal blogs, or be recruited by leading companies.
To become a legal journalist, you must have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate law degree from a recognised institution. While it is not necessary to have a journalism degree, a certificate or diploma in journalism will be advantageous.
Academia
Academia offers a wide variety of opportunities for lawyers beyond the traditional route of becoming a tenured professor. These include teaching fellowships, legal scholarship, and law school administration.
To pursue a career in academia, it is recommended to review job listings, career advice, and data on colleges and graduate schools.
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Management consulting
Management consultants analyze a company's operations to identify inefficiencies and offer solutions on how processes can be streamlined or eliminated. They commonly work for major corporations, nonprofit organizations, and governments, and they may work full-time or in advisory roles as independent contractors. The job outlook for management consultants is positive, with an 11% growth predicted between 2023 and 2023, faster than the average career path.
To become a management consultant, you typically need at least an undergraduate degree in a related field such as accounting, business, or finance. While an MBA is not always required, it can significantly improve your chances of landing a role in the field, especially at top firms that pay top salaries. Some law school graduates choose to pursue an MBA to facilitate their transition into management consulting.
Lawyers who transition into management consulting may face challenges due to their lack of quantitative skills and business knowledge. However, their analytical skills, intelligence, and capability are highly regarded within consulting firms. Networking is crucial for lawyers seeking to enter the field, as is developing relevant skills such as modeling and understanding business concepts.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many jobs you can get with a law degree, including:
- Lawyer
- Judge’s associate
- Human resources (HR)
- Journalist
- Teacher/Professor
- Politician
There are many types of law jobs, including:
- Environmental law
- Immigration law
- Taxation law
- Criminal law
- Corporate law
- Advertising law
A law degree teaches valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied to a variety of fields, such as:
- Finance
- Management consulting
- Sales
- Marketing
