It’s not uncommon for first-time professionals to realize that their career isn’t what they thought it would be. As such, many professionals find themselves pivoting into new careers throughout their professional journey.
One area that many individuals find attractive as a potential second career space is that of law. By obtaining a juris doctor degree, individuals can transform themselves into more valuable professionals and command higher salaries.
Those interested in potentially pursuing a career in law after working in a different professional space can benefit from understanding their career options.
Here’s building a fulfilling law career after a professional pivot.
Understanding the Options
Before pursuing a law degree, those looking to step into a new career should be aware of the career options at their disposal. This will provide a clearer picture of the type of career that one is working to attain.
Here are different legal career options for professionals engaging in a professional pivot.
Working in Government
Whether one is committed to solving racial disparities in sentencing or stepping into a position of political power, a juris-doctor degree can help one achieve these goals. At the local, state, and federal levels of government, there are career paths for individuals with legal qualifications.
Some key roles that lawyers can step into in government organizations include those of public defenders at both the state and federal levels, assistant attorney general, and legislation policy directors. Given these different types of roles, there are many options for aspiring lawyers looking to build a career in government.
Those intent on landing a government job straight out of law school can engage in key practices to bolster their chances. These practices include applying for government fellowships, checking with local government agency offices for open positions, and networking with the right professional.
Working As a Private Practice Lawyer
Those interested in pursuing a traditional career in law in which they get to represent clients can find what they’re looking for in private practice. This term can refer both to solo practices and the act of working for a firm.
The clients that one represents as a private practice lawyer can be individuals or even business entities. By building a reputation as a private practice lawyer, one can earn lucrative salaries and find new and exciting opportunities to practice law.
For those interested in pursuing a private practice law career, it can be beneficial to explore programs offered by law firms for law students. Some law firms cover a percentage of one’s law school tuition, with some even covering it completely, in exchange for students working at the firm both during their law program and after.
Working in Corporate Law
While most lawyers have careers that involve being in and out of courtrooms, those working in corporate law typically have careers that look a little different. In essence, those in this field provide legal counsel to corporations in a variety of different ways.
Typically, the main purpose of corporate legal counsel is to help corporations navigate the convoluted world of contracts, regulations, and other business-related legal matters. From helping organizational leaders understand their legal obligations to shareholders to walking companies through mergers, there is a wide array of duties that in-house legal counsel professionals will encounter during their careers.
While careers in corporate law can be fulfilling, it can sometimes be difficult for newly qualified lawyers to land their first position. By networking extensively, one has a better chance of breaking into this field and having a fruitful career as in-house legal counsel.
Working as a Paralegal
While many legal roles require long and expensive years of schooling, the paralegal role is much more accessible. Essentially, these professionals aid lawyers in a variety of ways and perform a wider variety of tasks.
Some of the many duties that paralegals have include scheduling various appointments and conducting different types of research. These professionals work closely with lawyers and help them perform their duties more efficiently and effectively.
Those looking to quickly pivot into a legal career can find what they’re looking for in the paralegal profession. While paralegal certification programs can differ, most require somewhere around 90 credit hours for four-year degree holders to become accredited and qualified to start working.
There are Options for Pivoting Into a Legal Career
From becoming a private practice lawyer to becoming a paralegal, there are many options for professionals looking to explore a new path. While some positions will require a huge financial and time commitment, others are far more accessible. Those interested in this field can benefit from exploring their options and seeing where this path can take them.
Photo Credit
Image by LEANDRO AGUILAR from Pixabay
Guest Author Bio
Sarah Daren
With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.
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