Lawyer Career Guide

What Does a Lawyer Do?

Lawyers, also called attorneys, advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions. They research the intent of laws and judicial decisions and determine whether they apply to the specific circumstances of their client's case. They act as both advocates and advisors for one party in criminal (offense against the state or nation) or civil (matters between individuals or organizations) proceedings.

Day-to-day responsibilities include advising and representing clients in criminal or civil proceedings and other legal matters, communicating with clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in a case, conducting research and analysis of legal issues, interpreting laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses, presenting facts and findings relevant to a case on behalf of clients, and preparing and filing legal documents such as lawsuits, contracts, and wills.

Lawyers may specialize in various fields including environmental law (natural world issues and regulations), family law (divorce, custody, adoption), intellectual property (patents, trademarks, creative works), personal injury (civil proceedings for harm), securities law (buying and selling financial instruments), tax law (tax-related issues and disputes), and general practice (handle a range of legal issues without specializing).

Education & Requirements

• Typical Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school (7 years total: 4 years undergraduate + 3 years law school). Common undergraduate fields include law and legal studies, history, and social science.
• Certifications: Must pass the bar exam and be "admitted to the bar" in each state where they wish to practice. Most states require graduation from an accredited law school and a finding of good character. Continuing legal education required to maintain licensure.
• Key Skills: Analytical skills to interpret laws and apply them to client cases, communication skills to clearly present and explain information, interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients and colleagues, persuasion to convince others that laws apply favorably to their client, problem-solving skills to evaluate information and propose solutions, and research skills to find applicable laws and regulations.
• Experience: No prior work experience required for entry, but law school internships and judicial clerkships are highly recommended for career development.

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data):

• Median Annual Salary: $151,160
• Entry-Level (10th percentile): $72,780
• Experienced (90th percentile): $239,200+
• Top-Paying Employers: Federal government ($174,680), Legal services ($143,470), Local government ($125,180), State government ($111,280)
• Work Schedule: Most work full time, some work more than 40 hours per week. Self-employed lawyers may have more schedule flexibility.

Job Outlook & Growth

Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 31,500 openings are projected each year on average over the decade. Many openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or retire.

Demand for legal work is expected to continue as individuals, businesses, and all levels of government require legal services in many areas. Despite this need, more price competition over the projections decade may lead law firms to rethink project staffing to reduce costs to clients. Moreover, some routine legal work may be automated or outsourced to low-cost legal providers, potentially moderating employment growth.

How to Break Into This Field

1. Education: Earn a bachelor's degree (any field, but history, political science, or pre-law are common). Take the LSAT exam and apply to accredited law schools. Complete a J.D. degree (3 years). Consider specialized degrees (LL.M in Tax) for certain fields like patent or tax law.
2. Entry-Level Roles: Law students should pursue part-time jobs or summer internships (after 1st or 2nd year) in law firms, government agencies, or legal departments. Consider a judicial clerkship (1-2 years) after graduation to develop skills. Newly hired attorneys typically start as associates in law firms.
3. Build Skills: Participate in moot court and law review during law school. Develop expertise in a specific area of law. Build strong research, writing, and oral advocacy skills. Network with alumni and attorneys in your target practice area.
4. Network: Join the American Bar Association and state/local bar associations. Attend legal conferences and continuing legal education events. Connect with practicing attorneys on LinkedIn and seek mentorship.
5. Apply Strategically: Target firms that match your practice interests (corporate, litigation, public interest). Consider starting in a district attorney's office or public defender's office for litigation experience. Apply for positions through law school career services, legal recruiting firms, and direct applications.

Career Path & Advancement

Entry-level: Associate attorney (work on teams with experienced lawyers) → Mid-level: Senior associate, counsel → Senior-level: Partner (partial owner of firm), go into solo practice, or move to in-house counsel at large organization.

Some experienced lawyers become judges (requires appointment or election, often with political support). Others move into legal education, politics, or business leadership roles. In-house counsel may advance to General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer positions.

Pros & Cons

Related Careers

If you're interested in becoming a Lawyer, you might also consider:

• Judges and Hearing Officers: Median salary $135,160, oversee legal matters in court or administrative proceedings
• Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Median salary $61,010, support lawyers by performing tasks like maintaining files and conducting legal research
• Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators: Median salary $67,710, facilitate negotiation to resolve conflicts outside of court
• Postsecondary Teachers (Law): Median salary $83,980, instruct law students at universities