When most people think of getting a law degree, they imagine a career spent in courtrooms as a traditional lawyer. However, there are many different specializations that require varying skills, as well as some non-traditional career paths a law degree can prepare you for! Getting a law degree doesn’t mean you have to do traditional legal work.
Lawyer or Attorney
Becoming a lawyer or attorney is probably the most common path for law school graduates. There are tons of options on this path! One consideration is whether you want to work with a large corporate firm or a smaller local firm. Small firms can be attractive as they tend to offer a better work-life balance, but they aren’t usually equipped to pay as much or offer as much training and benefits as large firms. Additionally, it’s essential to consider what kind of law you want to practice.
Counsel
Legal counsels are employed directly by a large corporation to offer assistance on legal matters. This can be a great option if juggling multiple clients and cases isn’t appealing. As a counsel, duties will vary depending on the company you’re employed by but will likely involve providing legal advice and representing the company in any potential cases. While still bound by the law and best practices in their field, a legal counsel will be dedicated to advancing the needs of the business they work for.
Government Work
Getting into government positions can be challenging, with many hoops to jump through for the application process, but it’s a rewarding field. If serving the public is something you’re passionate about, look into government agencies you might be interested in working with. Legal expertise is incredibly valuable in government and public policy work and is an excellent opportunity to expand your skills outside of a traditional law career.
Business or Consulting
Finally, a law degree can be excellent preparation for a career in business or consulting. Legal knowledge is increasingly valuable for companies and corporations, and with a law degree, you are equipped with significantly more legal expertise than peers with traditional degrees in business. If being a lawyer or attorney isn’t a good fit for you, many companies specifically look for candidates with Juris Doctor degrees, knowing that they have a lot of value to bring into a business setting.
With these things in mind, if you’re interested in a law degree but unsure if you want to pursue a traditional legal career, consider these options!