What You Can Do With a Law Degree
After law school and passing the bar examination, the next step for new attorneys is to gain adequate experience. Many of them start their careers as legal assistants to seasoned lawyers or judges in courtrooms, private practices, offices, or law firms. As they progress in the field, they may advance to becoming a partner in a firm or become self-employed to practice independently. Others decide to teach law at graduate schools or become professional researchers in a law library. One of the highest levels of achievement for experienced, reputable attorneys is to be elected as a judge.
Real Estate
Attorneys specializing in real estate are responsible for handling mortgage matters, such as refinancing and foreclosures. They also assist clients with deeds, titles, and zoning concerns. Many of them are consultants for organizations and offer resolutions to various issues. According to Salary.com, the median income for lawyers in this area is $117,028 yearly.
Divorce
Many legal professionals work in family law, which handles various family matters, such as divorce. Lawyers in this realm often represent their clients in child custody battles, division of joint property, and alimony issues. They may participate in various investigations to help influence a positive outcome for their case. They advise clients of their rights as married, separated, or divorced individuals and also work to protect those rights.
Environmental
Lawyers in environmental law apply their expertise on legal theories to issues relating to agriculture, natural resources, waste, climate change, and other factors affecting the environment. They achieve results through a great deal of lobbying practices, along with initiating lawsuits. Many of them represent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on policies that change the circumstances related to the welfare of the planet.
Personal Injury
Individuals practicing personal injury law provide legal representation to those who claim to have suffered physical or mental damage at the hands of a person or a company. They generally handle cases dealing with falls, accidents and collisions, medical wrongdoings, and work-related injuries.
Tax
Tax attorneys assist clients who have tax issues or need legal advice regarding contractual agreements. They review their clients' needs, engage in rigorous research to help build a solid case, and represent them in court.
Copyright
Also known as intellectual property or trademark lawyers, these professionals protect the legal rights and original creative projects of artists in various genres. They may specialize in litigation or legislation, representing those who have committed copyright offenses or protecting those who have had their rights violated.
Sources
Salary.com. (2011).
US Environmental Protection Agency. (2011).