 |
|
|
|
|
|
Law Career Requirements
The legal system pervades nearly every aspect of our lives, from buying a house to prosecuting crime. Professionals with specialized training in the law may practice as attorneys, private consultants, paralegals, researchers, or legal assistants.
Law career requirements vary widely depending on the position sought. Broadly speaking, there are two main categories of legal careers: agents and support personnel. Legal agents--lawyers and judges--must have a specialized post-graduate degree, the Juris Doctor (J.D.). Legal support personnel--paralegals, researchers, and assistants--may enter the field with an associate degree or certificate.
The Professional Track
Lawyers and judges face the most intensive education requirements: a four-year bachelor degree plus three years of professional school. After graduating from law school, they receive a J.D. and are eligible to take the bar exam.
Lawyers act as advocates and advisors, representing clients at trial and counseling them about their rights and obligations. Legal specialties include bankruptcy, probate, international, environmental, criminal, intellectual property, and more. Judges typically begin as lawyers, moving into judicial roles through election or appointment.
Legal Support
Legal support is among the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., according to the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment of paralegals is expected to grow 22% through 2016, as support personnel take on much of the responsibility previously shouldered by lawyers.
Aspiring paralegals and legal assistants typically enter the field through a community college paralegal program, which leads to an associate degree. Those with an associate or bachelor degree in another field may qualify with a certificate in paralegal studies. Bachelor and master degrees are available, but not required. Many employers offer additional training on the job.
Law careers offer intellectual challenge and opportunity--and they play a crucial role in keeping society safe and just.
Featured online career colleges:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
