Becoming A Lawyer? Check Out Where You Can Work

Law firms

Lawyers who work in law firms normally perform legal actions for clients who come to consult them. Different clients have different needs. So a lawyer has to tend to them, listen to what they want and then do the necessary work.

If you are new, you are known as an ‘associate’. After working for some time, you would be promoted to become an eligible ‘partner’. When you become a partner with other people, you work together in managing the law firm. Law firms vary in size and the number of practice areas. Be prepared to work long hours.

Private business

In private businesses, lawyers will be known as in-house counsel. You will be the lawyer for one company and the company will be your one and only client. You will advise the company about legal matters, working on business deals and investor relations, and more. Basically, your job is to assist the company in matters relating to business. Fresh law graduates usually do not start out here because they lack the prerequisite business and legal knowledge.

Government

If you choose to work with the government, there are three levels which you can work in: local, state or federal. You could be working as a prosecutor, a public defender, executive or legislative staff, or an attorney. You can either represent either the government (prosecutor) or the accused who cannot afford to hire a lawyer (public defender). You could also draft research and enforce laws, rules and regulations if you are an attorney in the legislative or executive branches.

Public interest

You will be focusing on cases and affairs that would be significant to the public if you pick this area. Often, you would be dealing with those who are disadvantaged or have low income. You may be working directly with clients and offer them legal advice in matters such as housing, immigration, employment, discrimination and education. Some public interest lawyers work for organisations that are trying to bring changes to laws and the society.

Judiciary

Many fresh graduates will be working as a clerk for a judge. Your job may vary but it involves a lot of researching, reviewing andsummarising legal issues; drafting memoranda; and observing court proceedings. Your working experience as a clerk will be highly rated by most legal employers and can be used as a springboard into positions in the private and government sector.

Most lawyers have a slim chance of becoming judges. They will not be selected if they do not have enough experience in their careers. They need to be in the field for quite a long time before they get the chance.

Academia

If you have a law degree, you can also opt for teaching, counselling, or administrative positions. You can also be a professor, programmeadministrator, career counsellor, or even admission executive. Keep in mind that you may not have to be in positions that are directly related to your degree. Be open-minded about the many other fields that you can explore.