Cecily Zamora
A degree in constitutional law can lead to a variety of career paths. Constitutional law pertains to the fundamental principles that governments follow to enforce their authority. Lawyers specializing in constitutional law often work for public interest litigation firms that focus on areas such as religious liberty or women's rights, or they may work for the government. They can also choose to work for paying clients or pro bono. While some lawyers focus exclusively on constitutional law, it is more common to have a diverse practice with constitutional law being one of many practice areas. Jobs that deal with constitutional law include legislative research staff, public defenders, and legal advisors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of work | Exciting, challenging, and impactful |
| Work hours | At least 40 hours per week, expected to be available around the clock |
| Salary | Average of $126,000 per year, with the lowest 10% earning around $61,000 and the top 10% earning upwards of $208,000 |
| Job roles | Attorney, public defender, legal advisor, compliance officer, law tutor, legislative researcher, government advisor |
| Employers | Public interest litigation firms, government agencies, non-profits, media companies, educational institutions |
| Specialisations | First Amendment, Fourth Amendment, religious liberty, women's rights, civil rights, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Constitutional lawyers
A degree in constitutional law can lead to a variety of careers, with constitutional lawyers often working for state or federal government agencies, law firms, law schools, or political think tanks.
The work of a constitutional lawyer is exciting, challenging, and crucially important, with lawyers often pursuing their passion for social justice and civil rights.
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Legislative research staff
The day-to-day work of legislative research staff involves examining complex topics from multiple perspectives, researching current policies, and analyzing the potential impact of proposed policy changes. They may also assist in the preparation of bills, ensuring they meet technical requirements and offering suggestions on content.
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Public defender
According to an April 2018 wage report by PayScale, public defenders earned a median salary of $57,954. The career is projected to grow by 5.6% over a ten-year period, resulting in 822,500 people employed nationwide by 2024.
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Media law firms
A degree in constitutional law can lead to a variety of career paths, including working for legislators or public officials, public interest litigation firms, or even running for political office, as in the case of Joe Biden. For those interested in media law, there are firms that specialize in this area, often in conjunction with intellectual property, entertainment, and sports law.
Media law is a diverse and exciting field that intersects with many areas of law, including the First Amendment, telecom/broadcast law, intellectual property, and privacy and data security. As such, media law firms often handle a range of legal matters, from content creation and distribution to regulatory compliance and litigation.
Working at a media law firm can involve advising clients on a variety of legal issues, such as defamation and privacy law, which are particularly relevant in the media industry. Defamation cases can arise from published or broadcast content, and media organizations must also navigate privacy laws when dealing with personal information. Additionally, with the rise of digital media, data protection and cybersecurity have become critical areas of concern.
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Government agencies
A degree in constitutional law can open doors to various government agencies and departments, offering a diverse range of career paths to explore. Here are some options to consider:
Legislative Support and Research
Working for a legislator or public official can provide an excellent opportunity to delve into constitutional law. You can join their legal team or work in a general counsel's office, providing legal advice and ensuring the official's actions are legally sound. Legislative research staff also require knowledge of constitutional law to inform policy development and analysis.
Policy Analysts
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Regulatory affairs specialists, also known as regulatory specialists, ensure that government organizations and their policies comply with all relevant laws and regulations. They apply their legal knowledge to evaluate compliance levels, provide advice to decision-makers, and educate colleagues about regulations.
Legal Consultants and Lawyers
Many government agencies hire lawyers and legal consultants to provide legal expertise and representation. These roles may involve working on constitutional law issues, such as those related to civil rights, religious liberty, women's rights, or government powers.
Public Interest Litigation
Public interest litigation firms specialize in areas such as religious liberty or women's rights and often work on constitutional law issues. These organizations may collaborate with government agencies or work independently to uphold the rights of specific groups or the public at large.
It is important to note that the specific opportunities and job titles may vary depending on your location and the government structure. Additionally, government jobs may offer predictable working hours, competitive salaries, and a range of benefits, making them an attractive option for law graduates seeking stable and rewarding careers.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitutional law pertains to the fundamental principles that governments abide by to enforce their authority.
Lawyers with a degree in constitutional law can work for public interest litigation firms that specialize in a particular area, like religious liberty or women’s rights, or by working for the government. They can also work for paying clients and pro bono. It is rare to find a full-time job in constitutional law, so it is recommended to think about adjacent practice areas that you are passionate about.
Some examples of jobs in constitutional law include working for a legislator or public official in a general counsel's office or on legislative research staff. Lawyers with a degree in constitutional law can also work for the federal Bureau of Prisons, public defender's offices, or firms that work with media companies.
As of 2020, the average salary for lawyers is approximately $126,000, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Lawyers employed by government agencies have a slightly different median salary of around $144,300 per year.
