what other jobs attorney can have

by Savannah Mitchell 6 min read

Another alternative career option for lawyers is public relations. If you're any good at networking and building professional relationships, PR is a viable option for you. Most positions are within large corporate firms, but there is a number of smaller, boutique agencies popping up, where you may find a more hands-on role.

Alternative jobs for lawyers
  • Paralegal.
  • Investigator.
  • Investment consultant.
  • Mediator.
  • Fund manager.
  • Financial analyst.
  • Realtor.
  • Labor relations specialist.
Feb 22, 2021

Full Answer

What are some alternative careers for lawyers?

24 alternative careers for lawyers START-UP FOUNDER. We've written extensively about the ups and downs of starting your own business. It's certainly not... I N-HOUSE AT A START-UP. If you can't quite stomach the thought of starting your own business from scratch, why not reap... BUY A CONVENTIONAL ...

Who are the possible employers for lawyers?

Nov 15, 2021 · The idea that you can't make as much or more income out of the law as you can as an attorney is a massive illusion that the Leave Law Behind graduates prove false time in and time out. Understand this - we coach our members not to leave the law until they have a job offer that pays them what they need or want.

What are some jobs similar to being a lawyer?

Whether you’ve practiced for years or have merely tossed around the idea of attending law school, you’ve undoubtedly heard the old maxim: “You can do anything with a law degree.”. And for some lawyers, that sounds pretty appealing. A major shift in the legal industry has left many unemployed, overworked, or dissatisfied with their careers, so an increasing number of …

How to get your first job as a lawyer?

Oct 21, 2019 · A paralegal takes over certain tasks to free up the attorney's time so he can take care of things that only an attorney can do, such as appear in court or give legal advice. Paralegals may draft pleadings, assist clients, and do legal research under the …

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What other jobs could a lawyer do?

Alternative jobs in lawbusiness development.writing or editing legal content.human resources.learning and development.journalism.marketing.public relations.recruitment.

What Can You Do With a Law Degree other than be a lawyer?

Possible job titles related to protection services and criminal justice, corrections and securityAdministrative officer.Correctional parole officer.Correctional service officer.Correctional services manager.Crime analyst.Crime information analyst.Crime prevention consultant.Criminal intelligence analyst.More items...

How do you change careers as a lawyer?

Here are five other careers to consider, as told by those who have already made the scary—but often incredibly rewarding—leap.Author. As a lawyer, you exercise your writing skills—a lot. ... Legal Sales. ... Real Estate Broker. ... Freelancer or Contract Attorney. ... Recruiter.

Can you be a lawyer and something else?

There is a lot that you can do with a law degree besides being a lawyer. Careers in consulting, marketing, or journalism are just a few professional tracks to consider. A non-legal career is a great option for J.D. graduates who want to leverage the skills they earned during their law school years.

What is the highest paid attorney?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaPatent attorney: $180,000.Intellectual property (IP) attorney: $162,000.Trial attorneys: $134,000.Tax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.More items...•Dec 14, 2021

Is law the hardest degree?

Law. Law is officially the hardest subject to get a first class degree in4, so we all know it's hard going. If you think you know what it's like to have a lot of reading, go and talk to a Law student.

Why do I hate being a lawyer?

The main, fundamental reason you hate being an attorney is because you really don't like the work you do all day. There is no creativity, no use of your real skills and strengths. ... You may have trouble accepting that being an attorney is not what you're meant to do. You may not want to believe this.

What type of law is least stressful?

However, there are many sectors of law which are less stressful:Real estate law.Intellectual property law.High Street family law.Government lawyers.Working In-House.Jul 9, 2021

Why do lawyers quit?

Even worse than the long hours, in many cases, is the lack of control over your work and your schedule as an attorney. When you're subject to the whims of the court, the partners or other senior lawyers you work for, and client demands, the lack of control can become highly frustrating. This is why many lawyers leave.Oct 8, 2019

What is an alternative lawyer?

Abstract: Alternative or developmental lawyering is the practice of law fundamentally for individuals, communities and sectors that have been historically, culturally and economically marginalized and disenfranchised.

How much do attorneys make?

Comparatively, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the national average annual remuneration of a lawyer is just below $145 000, approximately $12 000 monthly. With a 2019 national average income (all industries) of $68 703 annually and $5 725 monthly.Apr 19, 2021

Is law a good career?

Law as a profession is in great demand these days. Due to the changing social and economic circumstances and the ever-increasing regulatory role being undertaken by the government there is a rising demand for the lawyers. Besides being financially lucrative, Law is an adventurous and exciting career option.

What is journalism in law?

Lawyers typically have stellar interview and investigatory skills, and a real interest in telling people's stories. The road to the top as a journalist is a long one, but there are opportunities in various formats if you're willing to start at the beginning. You might need to re-learn how to write non-legalese, but that should be fun.

Is PR a good career?

If you're any good at networking and building professional relationships, PR is a viable option for you. Most positions are within large corporate firms, but there is a number of smaller, boutique agencies popping up, where you may find a more hands-on role.

What does a mysterious project manager do?

Ah, yes, the mysterious project manager. What do they actually do? Well, they manage projects (funny that) in a variety of businesses and contexts. Like account management, it requires strong organisational skills, high-level problem-solving ability, emotional intelligence and basic people management skills. You also need to have a keen intellect to be able to spot gaps, as well as to plan and execute. This is a great career option that can take you across a range of industries.

Is marketing a career for lawyers?

If you're more on the creative side, marketing is an alternative career for lawyers to consider . You can easily teach yourself the digital marketing skills required with one of the many online courses out there. Once you've learnt the ropes, you have the option of working in-house (at a start-up or an established business), at an agency or freelancing.

What is career change?

Career change is part and parcel for professionals at all levels, particularly as our economy continues to move in the direction of more flexible, casualised and part-time work. The career trajectories of full-time professionals are also at the mercy of the economy and technological change, which are causing huge flux. As a result, the best of any profession will always need guidance on their options and how to move up their current hierarchy or step sideways to a new one. Career management requires you to build deep industry knowledge and networks.

Can a lawyer move into a financial services firm?

Lawyers with funds, superannuation or financial services regulatory experience have the option of moving into large financial services firms. If you have regulatory experience with issues around market conduct, white collar crime, insider trading, or the superannuation and funds industries, there could be an interesting regulatory role for you at one of these firms.

What are some other jobs that lawyers can do in Australia?

Options for Australian lawyers include the ACCC, Federal Police, ASIC and the ATO, just to mention a few.

Are There Really Second Careers for Lawyers?

One question you may ask at this point is some variation of "Are there really, truly good alternative jobs for lawyers out there that might be the right fit for me?"

The Challenges of Landing Non Legal Jobs for Lawyers

Leaving the law behind is not as hard as you may have imagined. We have helped hundreds of attorneys to make this positive transition in their life.

The Top Three Challenges You Face in Leaving the Law

Challenge #1: Overcoming the belief that you will make less money out of the law and will cap your lifetime earning potential:

Lawyer Career Change

It turns out, most unhappy lawyers are looking at their situation all wrong. The one barrier in the way between you and your ideal "alternative" job out of the law is the doubt that you can overcome these challenges. These doubts are reasonable, and if you don't have the solutions to these challenges, they will stop you cold.

What is a lawyer?

Lawyers are employed in law firms or private practices and usually advise clients about their legal issues and how to move forward. Attorneys consult with clients like lawyers do, but are much more likely to go beyond the initial consultation and represent the client in courtroom proceedings.

What is a counsel lawyer?

Counsels are lawyers who are employed by a company or organization. Not being employed at a law firm, counsels act solely on behalf of that company or organization. These three lawyer titles within the legal field present unique work opportunities and distinct salary differences to those employed in them.

What is an associate attorney?

Primary duties: An associate attorney is an entry-level role, usually employed at law firms. They assist in selecting juries, represent clients in court, help clients negotiate contracts or settle corporate disputes. Associate Attorneys can be employed in different types of law, including corporate, real estate, family, and copyright cases.

What is the role of associate general counsel?

Primary duties: An associate general counsel is a type of lawyer who represents an individual client or organization in court, advise s them on potential legal actions that could result from malpractice and works with a team, usually through a law firm, to build a strong case that will be used to represent a client in the courtroom.

What is a paralegal?

A lawyer is someone within the legal system that can assist in and provide advice to clients on legal proceedings and legal issues. Paralegals act as assistants to lawyers or attorneys and serve as entry-level opportunities to learn more about the legal field.

How much does an intellectual property lawyer make?

National average salary: $77,780 per year. Primary duties: An intellectual property lawyer is hired to help an individual client or company on issues related to intellectual property rights and trademarks.

What is the job of a contract lawyer?

Primary duties: A contracts lawyer helps individual clients or businesses with problems relating to contracts. They provide advice from a legal standpoint on whether or not to agree to and sign a contract, or can help a client figure out how to combat a contract that they have already signed.

What is the job of a consultant?

As a consultant, it’s your job to become an expert on the client you’re dealing with, so you can spot issues and find solutions to problems. Heisler sees a strong correlation between this and practicing law.

What do lawyers learn?

Lawyers are taught to read and understand the language of contracts and regulations, and find ways to benefit their client— which is exactly what finance workers get paid to do. “When you represent somebody in the finance capacity, they’re telling you personal things,” Heisler says.

How long does it take to get feedback on a resume?

You'll get detailed feedback in two business days, including a review of your resume's appearance and content, and a prediction of a recruiter's first impression. It's a quick and easy way to ensure your resume provides the evidence needed in your particular case.

What is legal sales?

Legal Sales. Legal sales is a particularly appealing field if you want to take on a social, flexible, and heavily client-facing role. In a sales position, you’ll engage with experienced attorneys and financial professionals and you’ll still get to use those legal research skills you picked up in law school.

Who is Lindsay from Bloomberg?

She is a former practicing attorney currently working at Bloomberg Law. When not at the office, Lindsay practices yoga, hones her skills in the kitchen, and spends as much time as possible enjoying her Greenwich Village neighborhood with friends and family.

Is it a good idea to become a real estate broker?

Property values are increasing, and that means it’s prime time to become a broker—especially if you have a law background. “Brokers with law degrees and legal experience are considered extremely valuable in the real estate world,” notes Blair Parsont, a real estate attorney who regularly works with brokers and sales agents. “Their ability to understand contractual and legal issues makes them more helpful to both their clients and the real estate professionals with whom they work.”

What is legal recruiting?

5. Recruiter. Legal recruiting is a busy and highly lucrative industry, but it’s also very stable and tends to transcend dips in the economy. After all, law firms always require specialized attorneys, and recruiters are their link to finding those needles in the proverbial haystack of applicants.

Can a law firm hire a full time attorney?

When law firms and legal departments face a temporary overflow of work, hiring a full-time employee isn’t always the best solution —instead, companies often turn to freelance and contract attorneys. Hiring lawyers who work on a project-by-project basis helps the company manage costs—while continuing to meet deadlines and produce high-quality work. In fact, the demand for these attorneys is so high that it’s sparked the growth of companies like Custom Counsel, LLC, a legal freelance network that places experienced attorneys in temporary roles.

Why is technical support important?

In the internet-driven age, good technical support is essential to a great legal practice. Litigation support professionals can require both technical savvy and an understanding of the law. Litigation support professionals work with software and applications to manage case data that's crucial to litigation.

What is the practice of law?

The practice of the law requires the support of many professionals in a variety of specialized fields. These professionals provide information to the attorneys who represent the case in trial.

Is there a job beyond being a lawyer?

Developments in the law and technology have also created new legal career opportunities. People will always need lawyers. However, plenty of job options exist within the legal field beyond becoming a lawyer.

What is conflict analyst?

A conflict analyst fills a delicate role within a law firm. They research potential conflicts of interest between firm personnel and parties involved in a case, including judicial staff. Maintaining a high level of confidentiality can be critical.

What is the job of a judge?

The judge oversees trials, pretrial conferences, pretrial rulings, and, in some cases, appeals. This a public sector position that may be appointed or elected. Their overall job is to interpret and apply the law. Not all states make use of magistrates.

What does a law clerk do?

Law clerks manage the judges' case files and do research, drafting condensed reports on filed documents as guidelines. As a result, the judge doesn't have to read the entire bulging case file to get a handle on what the matter involves. A courtroom deputy will typically wear a law enforcement uniform.

What does a courtroom deputy do?

A courtroom deputy will typically wear a law enforcement uniform. They help to maintain order in the court. They may accompany criminal defendants to and from the courtroom or intercede between counsel. For example, they may pass an item of discovery from one table to the next or the judge.

What are the jobs that paralegals can do?

Some of the jobs that paralegal skills can transfer to include: 1 Claims adjusters and investigators 2 Lawyers 3 Secretaries or administrative assistants 4 Arbitrators 5 Contract writing 6 Title research 7 Nursing paralegal 8 Government paralegal 9 Corporate paralegal

Why do paralegals burn out?

The legal field is a stressful one, and burnout among paralegals is as high or higher than for attorneys. And on top of the basic stresses of the job – long hours , lots of tedious work, and (especially for criminal paralegals) exposure to disturbing subjects and traumatized people – many law offices simply don’t value their paralegals, causing a culture that treats their legal assistants as disposable. This is just one reason for high turnover in the paralegal profession. If you’re in a toxic firm, are tired of the rat race, or just need a change, it’s good to know that your skills as a paralegal are valued in many places, and can help you find an alternative career.

Why is it important to have a degree?

While many years of experience are beneficial, it is important to have a degree and certification to back up their credentials. The financial industry requires documentation and verification for jobs within that industry. Hands-on experience is valuable, but in this situation may not be enough to land you the job. 9.

What does an attorney do?

Attorneys represent clients in court, prepare legal documents, and in some cases, act as a mediator between two or more parties. They also deal with contracts and legal agreements between two or more parties. Attorneys also provide legal advice and recommendations to their clients.

How accurate is a paralegal?

This requires a high level of accuracy, in most cases 98% to 100% accuracy. A legal transcriber must be able to produce documents that can be used in court. Transcribers must be able to work quickly and efficiently, offering an incredibly short turnaround time, sometimes less than 24 hours.

Where can a paralegal work?

Banking. Paralegals can find work in banks and other financial lending institutions. They are often in charge of overseeing or reviewing legal documents and contracts. In a banking environment, contracts and other legal documents are in regular use.

Do paralegals need a license?

If a paralegal has been employed in the legal field for many years, a certification or license by the state may be all that is needed for them to find work in the criminal justice field. Rules vary by state with some requiring at least a certification and a minimum number of years experience.

What are the qualities of a good lawyer?

The same qualities required to be great lawyer must be mastered to excel in broadcast journalism: 1 Judgment: draw reasonable, logical conclusions or assumptions from limited information 2 Analytical skills: distill large piece of information into something manageable 3 Research skills: able to research quickly and effectively 4 People skills: be personable, persuasive and able to read others

What is a legal consultant?

A legal consultant is someone who provides expert and professional legal advice on a contractual basis to businesses and/or individuals. Legal consultants can provide advice on a number of important matters depending on what their consulting focus is, and common subject matters include corporate law, real estate law, employment law, and medical law. This profession provides individuals with opportunities to utilize their legal skills in ways not traditionally associated with firm practice. This kind of lawyer may also advise their clients on non-legal matters. However, the basis of their advice is always the law or precedent case law which helps the client to make a better deal or run their business better.

How much is Thiel worth?

Thiel is co-founder of PayPal; according to Forbes Magazine, his wealth is estimated to be $2.2 billion. He graduated from Stanford Law School in 1992, practiced law for one year then joined Credit Suisse Group as a trader before becoming an entrepreneur.

Where did Grisham go to law school?

Grisham graduated from Mississippi State University before attending the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1981. He practiced criminal law for about a decade and served in the House of Representatives in Mississippi from January 1984 to September 1990.

Who graduated from law school?

Cynthia McFadden, currently the senior legal and investigative correspondent for NBC news, graduated from Columbia Law School. Jeff Greenfield, TV journalist (CBS-2007-11) and current political analyst on NBC, graduated from Yale Law School. These are just two examples where law graduates have utilized their learned skills to synthesize ideas, information, and communicate it clearly to an audience. Just as an attorney would in a court room.

What is estate law?

Estate law classes include topics like asset management, estate planning, family law, taxation, real estate law, and trusts. In order to be most effective, estate law attorneys must have a thorough grasp of state and federal tax laws, trusts, wills, property and real estate.

Who is Marjorie Liu?

It requires not only creativity to produce a novel but also good fortune to be published. Marjorie Liu, graduate of Wisconsin Law School in 2003, who practiced law provides the following advice: “I loved law school. Did not like being a lawyer.”. She has since penned 21 issues of Marvel’s Astonishing X-Men comics.

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Consulting

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As a consultant, it’s your job to become an expert on the client you’re dealing with, so you can spot issues and find solutions to problems. Heisler sees a strong correlation between this and practicing law. “Law firms are essentially legal consultants, so it’s very much the same role,” Heisler says. “Even if you’re not advi…
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Finance

  • Lawyers are taught to read and understand the language of contracts and regulations, and find ways to benefit their client—which is exactly what finance workers get paid to do. “When you represent somebody in the finance capacity, they’re telling you personal things,” Heisler says. “You’re going to have to be able to listen, be a confidante, give them good, sound advice and prot…
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Education

  • After spending all that time in law school, it’s safe to assume you enjoy learning and are passionate about transferring that information on. Heisler sees your role as a lawyer similar to that of an educator. “It makes total sense to me that somebody who enjoyed, or thought they would enjoy, educating a jury, or educating a client, would enjoy educating students,” Heisler say…
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Marketing

  • When you’re a good marketer, you’re a great listener. How else will you know what the client is really looking for? And as you learned in law school, you know to listen first, so you can use what the opposition says to your advantage. But this field also gives you more of a chance to show your creative side. “Many lawyers, often disappointingly, think the law is going to give the…
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Communications

  • It’s not uncommon for lawyers to work in some kind of communications role, either in the public or private sector, Heisler says. As a lawyer, you were taught to be quick on your feet and understand problems inside and out. And you already understand what it means to be in compliance, be zealous and be an advocate—and you have the ability to effectively communicate across platfor…
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Leverage Your Skills on Your Resume

  • As a lawyer, you have a specialized skill set that would intrigue most employers. The trick is knowing how to present these skills on your resume so they're pertinent to the non-law job you're pursuing. Could you use some help with that? Get a free resume evaluation today from the experts at Monster's Resume Writing Service. You'll get detailed feedback in two business days, includin…
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