Understanding More About Practicing Law
Pursuing a profession in law is undoubtedly a challenge. Still, those who have fulfilled their educational requirements, gained a wealth of experience, and accumulated networks within the industry can attest to the benefits. It's important to look at the field in its entirety as you decide if it's a worthwhile career choice. Here's some details that can help give you clarity.
Key Points
1. Titles for lawyers heavily depend on their locale. They have been referred to as counsel, solicitors, legal executives, licensed conveyancers, and legal advocates.
2. Attorneys held 759,200 jobs in 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The profession is expected to grow at average speed, although entrance into the field remains extremely competitive. Between 2008 and 2018, opportunities for aspiring professionals should climb about 13 percent.
3. Lawyers must be quick, analytical thinkers and eloquent speakers. They must possess resolve, assertion, and a thick exterior to deal with frequent confrontation from colleagues, judges, and the general public. Their debating skills must be excellent, as the majority of success in their career stems from negotiation and/or argumentation.
4. Professional support bases, such as the American Bar Association and the Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers (APRL), provide career development opportunities for lawyers by way of advice, publications, conventions, new trends in the legal system, and job listings. Many attorneys also join interdisciplinary groups or organizations that speak specifically to their area of concentration to help them meet their career goals. The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, for example, aid lawyers who specialize in advocating for special education rights.
5. Lawyers continuously rely on technological advancements to enhance their flow of work throughout the day. The use of legal databases, Internet sources, electronic filings, specialized software and web conferencing promotes efficiency in the practice.
6. Salary.com reports that the median annual income for lawyers is generally between $88,471 and $143,638. Compensation varies by location, level of experience, employer, and specialty. Managing attorneys, or those who supervise a group of lawyers at a firm, may earn about $169,270 yearly.
7. Attorneys for corporations are normally coined "house counsel" and provide legal advice for important business matters.
8. There are various professions that are good preparation for a career in law, such as journalism, entrepreneurship, investment banking, and government administration. Occupations in corporate leadership are helpful as well.
Sources
Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2011). US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
American Bar Association . (2011).
Association of Professional Responsibilty Lawyers (APRL). (2011).
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. (2011).
Salary.com. (2011).