
The legal profession is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, offering opportunities for those with diverse interests and skills. As the world changes, so do job opportunities in the legal field. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the vast options among legal careers, making it your go-to resource for exploring the multitude of possibilities. Whether you’re contemplating law school, considering a career change, or seeking to expand your horizons in the legal world, read on to discover the multitude of options available.
Short Summary
- Explore a variety of legal careers from lawyers, paralegals, and legal secretaries to emerging professions like data privacy attorneys and e-discovery professionals.
- Discover law enforcement and criminal justice positions including police officers, forensic investigators, and probation/parole officers.
- Consider alternative paths in consulting, mediation, or academia with roles such as compliance analyst or law professor.
Core Legal Careers
At the heart of the legal services industry are core law careers, comprising lawyers, paralegals, and legal secretaries. These professionals navigate the intricate legal system, advocating for their clients and providing support to ensure the wheels of justice keep turning.
Those in legal services have less concern about layoffs than other professionals, making it a good path for those seeking an industry with job security.
Lawyer
Lawyers are the vanguards of justice, representing clients in legal matters, providing advice, and advocating for their interests in court. They are well-versed in various areas of law, such as:
- Business law
- Intellectual property law
- Family law
- Criminal law
- Immigration law
Equipped with a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and having passed the bar exam, lawyers are the backbone of the legal system, offering legal expertise to clients. Lawyers are highly trained professionals who are knowledgeable in the law and can provide sound legal advice. They may work at a firm, through an independent practice, or as a corporate lawyer. Job opportunities are forecasted to increase, with a median salary of $127,990 annually in 2021.
Paralegal

Paralegals are indispensable in the legal field, assisting lawyers in preparing cases, conducting research, and drafting legal documents. Often holding a certification or a bachelor’s degree, paralegals play a vital role in the successful resolution of legal disputes and contribute significantly to the legal services industry.
Their diverse skillset allows them to support attorneys in various aspects of their practice, making them a valuable asset to any legal team. Their job outlook is expected to increase, earning an average of $30.21 per hour in 2022.
Legal Secretary
Legal secretaries provide crucial administrative support to lawyers by managing schedules, correspondence, and legal documents. With strong organizational and communication skills, they ensure that legal offices run smoothly and efficiently.
Although a high school diploma and legal secretarial experience are often sufficient for most positions, additional legal classes at a community college may be beneficial to excel and succeed in a career. A mean annual wage for a legal secretary was $54,180 in 2022.
Emerging Legal Careers

As the legal landscape evolves with developments in law and technology, new career opportunities emerge. Pioneering legal professionals are now venturing into innovative roles, such as legal technology specialists, data privacy attorneys, and e-discovery professionals.
Let’s explore these exciting emerging legal careers and the skills required to thrive in them.
Legal Technology Specialist
Legal technology specialists are at the forefront of legal innovation, assisting law firms and legal departments in implementing and managing technology solutions to augment productivity and proficiency. With a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, these professionals combine technical knowledge with practical delivery to provide superior legal services.
As technology continues to reshape the legal landscape, legal technology specialists will play an increasingly important role in the industry.
Data Privacy Attorney
In today’s data-driven world, data privacy attorneys are more crucial than ever. Specializing in laws and regulations related to data protection and privacy, they provide clients with guidance on compliance and represent them in legal disputes.
With a law degree and a deep understanding of privacy laws and regulations, data privacy attorneys help organizations navigate the complex regulatory environment, ensuring that they remain compliant and secure.
E-Discovery Professional
E-Discovery professionals manage the process of collecting, reviewing, and producing electronically stored information for legal proceedings. As technology advances and the volume of digital data increases, the need for e-discovery professionals also grows.
With a strong understanding of the law and expertise in computer forensics and data analysis, these professionals are well-positioned to play a critical role in the future of legal practice.
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Careers

The realm of law enforcement and criminal justice offers fulfilling career paths for those passionate about upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety. From police officers and forensic investigators to probation officers, these professionals work tirelessly to protect citizens and maintain the integrity of the judicial system. Qualifications in this area range from high school education to an undergraduate degree.
Police Officer
Police officers are guardians of public safety by enforcing laws, protecting citizens, and maintaining order in the communities they serve. With a high school diploma and training at a police academy, officers are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to preserve the peace and uphold civil authority.
The role of a police officer is both challenging and rewarding, offering opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others every day. Police officers and detectives had a median annual salary of $66,020 in 2021.
Forensic Investigator
Forensic investigators play a vital role in the criminal justice system, collecting and analyzing evidence from crime scenes to aid in the pursuit of justice. Working closely with law enforcement and legal professionals, they require a degree in forensic science or a related field to excel in their profession.
By meticulously examining crime scenes and analyzing evidence, forensic investigators contribute to the successful resolution of criminal cases. Also known as forensic science technicians, the mean annual wage for these professionals was $69,260 in 2022.
Probation and Parole Officer
Probation and parole officers:
- Supervise offenders released from incarceration
- Ensure compliance with court-ordered conditions
- Provide support for successful reintegration into society
Typically holding a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field, probation officers play a crucial role in maintaining public safety and helping individuals rebuild their lives. The mean annual salary was $64,920 in 2022.
By providing guidance and supervision, these professionals contribute to the overall effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
Legal Support and Administrative Roles
Legal support and administrative roles are essential to the smooth functioning of the legal system. Court clerks, legal researchers, and law firm administrators ensure that the wheels of justice keep turning by managing records, conducting research, and overseeing day-to-day operations.
Court Clerk
Court clerks play a vital role in the judicial system, managing court records, processing legal documents, and assisting with court proceedings. Their organizational and communication skills ensure the efficient operation of the court and the accurate handling of important legal information.
While educational requirements for court clerks vary depending on the level of the court, a high school diploma and on-the-job training are often sufficient for most positions. In 2022, judicial law clerks could expect a salary of $66,310 on average.
Legal Researcher
Legal researchers support lawyers and other legal professionals by conducting research on legal issues, case law, and regulations. Often holding a law degree or specialized legal research training, they provide valuable insights and information to aid with legal strategies and decisions.
Whether working for a law firm, government agency, or corporation, legal researchers are essential to the successful resolution of legal disputes.
Law Firm Administrator
Law firm administrators are the backbone of a firm, overseeing the day-to-day operations, managing finances, and ensuring the well-being of employees. With a bachelor’s degree and experience in law firm management, these professionals keep the firm running smoothly and efficiently.
Law firm administrators play a critical role in the success of law practices, allowing attorneys to represent clients and focus on their pursuit of justice.
Alternative Legal Careers

For those seeking non-traditional career paths in the legal field, other professions offer unique opportunities to apply legal knowledge and skills in diverse settings. Legal consultants, mediators, and compliance analysts are just a few examples of alternative legal professionals who contribute to the broader legal landscape.
Legal Consultant
Legal consultants provide expert advice on specific legal issues or areas of law, often working on a freelance basis or as part of a consulting firm. With a law degree and extensive experience practicing law or in academia, these professionals offer valuable insights and counsel to clients seeking specialized legal guidance.
Legal consultants are a valuable resource for organizations and individuals navigating complex legal matters. They can provide advice on a range of topics, from contract law to intellectual property law.
Mediator
Mediators facilitate negotiations and conflict resolution between disputing parties, helping them reach mutually agreeable solutions without going to court. With specialized training in mediation and conflict resolution, mediators provide an alternative to the traditional legal process, saving time and resources for all parties involved.
As more individuals and organizations seek to resolve disputes amicably, the demand for skilled mediators will continue to grow.
Compliance Analyst
Compliance analysts ensure organizations adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies by identifying potential risks and recommending corrective actions. With a bachelor’s degree and knowledge of the specific industry or regulatory environment, these professionals play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and reputation of organizations and corporations.
Compliance analysts are essential to the successful operation of businesses and government agencies. They help organizations stay compliant with laws and regulations, while also protecting their reputation and integrity.
Legal Education and Academia

Legal education and academia offer rewarding careers for those with a passion for teaching and research. Law professors, law school deans, and legal career counselors play important roles in shaping the next generation of legal professionals and advancing our understanding of the law in law schools.
Law Professor
Law professors dedicate their careers to teaching law courses, conducting research, and publishing scholarly articles. With a law degree and significant experience in legal practice or academia, these professionals share their expertise with students and contribute to the advancement of legal knowledge.
Law professors play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the legal profession by educating and inspiring the next generation of legal professionals. On average they can expect to earn a salary of $133,950 as of 2022.
Law School Dean
Law school deans hold the highest administrative position in a law school, overseeing the administration, academic programs, and strategic planning of the institution. They ensure that the law school remains at the forefront of legal education and scholarship.
Being a dean requires a law degree and extensive experience in legal education and administration, and a determination to foster a nurturing environment for students and faculty alike.
Legal Career Counselor
Legal career counselors provide vital guidance and support to law students and legal professionals seeking career opportunities. With a law degree and experience in legal recruiting or career services, they offer advice on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation.
Legal career counselors help individuals navigate the competitive law careers job market, ensuring that they find the right career path and achieve their professional goals.
Summary
The legal field offers a diverse array of opportunities. Beyond core legal careers such as lawyers and paralegals, professional options include law enforcement and criminal justice positions, legal support and administrative roles, alternative legal careers, and legal education and academia. The possibilities are vast and continuously evolving.
Each profession plays a crucial role in upholding justice and ensuring the smooth functioning of our legal system. Challenges and rewards come with each role, so contribute your unique talents to the ever-changing landscape of the legal profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 most common types of law?
The three most common types of law in the United States are criminal, civil, and administrative law. Criminal law deals with the protection of public safety. Civil law deals with the resolution of disputes between individuals or organizations. Administrative law regulates the operations of government agencies.
Which job is best after law school?
With a law degree, you have several job and career options beyond being a lawyer, such as law professor, policy analyst, contract manager, real estate agent, and diplomatic agent. Each of these positions requires different skills and qualifications, and the job market for each is unique.
It is important to research the job market for each position and understand the qualifications and skills needed to be successful.
Is a law degree worth it?
A law degree offers a range of educational and employment opportunities, such as increased earning potential, professional networking, and improved skills in critical thinking and communication.
An advanced degree can certainly be worth pursuing, although there are other career options in the legal field that do not require law school school or a graduate degree such as forensic science technician, crime scene investigator, court reporter, legal assistant, and careers in police departments.
What type of law is least stressful?
Real estate, estate planning, and intellectual property law are considered the least stressful areas to practice law. Lawyers must learn the basics while understanding special provisions often seen in different cases, and often these areas allow flexible work environments.
Real estate law involves understanding the legal aspects of buying, selling, and leasing property. Estate planning involves helping clients plan for the future, including the distribution of assets and the protection of their assets. Intellectual property law enforces the rights of inventors, writers, musicians, and other creators.
What is the highest position for a lawyer?
Achieving partner status is the highest position in a lawyer’s career and is highly sought after due to its difficulty. It is often considered the pinnacle of success for most lawyers.