Whether you’re studying law, or thinking about taking it up, it’s important to know what your options are once you clear the bar exam. So, what can you do with a law degree? That sounds like a rhetorical question – well, because what you do with a law degree is become a lawyer (obviously!). And since most of us lesser mortals think all lawyers do, is go to court and say “Objection, your Honor” at regular intervals, that’s probably what the layman thinks your options are as well. Unsurprisingly, there are far more alternatives than you may suspect. Of course, you can join a famous law firm and work your way up (over 16 hour days) to partner, but that isn’t the only way out. What can you do with a law degree, besides be a lawyer? Here goes.
What Can You Do With a Law Degree – Jobs
Not all law students who graduate may want to go into legal practice, private or otherwise. Though becoming an attorney is the obvious choice, even some practicing attorneys may choose to switch mid way, and others still, may prefer to stray off the beaten path from the very beginning. The following are some career options to consider after getting a law degree.
Journalism
A working knowledge of any subject is an asset to a journalist, but knowledge of as vast a subject as law, is an added advantage. Investigative journalism is a choice open to you if you have a law degree, and the ability to write. You can also choose to decipher the legal jargon of government policy, and break it down for the understanding of newspaper readers, which brings us to a second career option.
Government Jobs
If you like the idea of working for the federal government, this is another option open to you. The US government employs law school graduates for full time jobs as clerks, attorneys and trial attorneys among others, for a number of its functioning departments. Internship programs are also an opening for law school students who’d like a taste of working at government jobs. If you are open to studying further, you could also apply to a number of Honors programs offered by government agencies – the C.I.A. Legal Honors Program and the Attorney General’s Honors Program are two highly coveted opportunities.
Mediators
When two parties are in disagreement which they would prefer to settle out of court, they approach a mediator. This is a person who performs the function of a ‘referee’ between the two parties and aids in bringing the subject under discussion to a logical end. Holding a law degree makes you eligible to be a mediator.
Corporate Investigation
Sometimes, companies may suspect their own employees, or clients that they deal with, of fraud, illegal conduct or theft. In such cases, they hire a corporate investigator to prove or disprove their suspicions. Many times, a lawyer is required to make criminal background checks on the suspect under investigation. This is another option to consider to answer the question of what can you do with a law degree besides law practice.
Non Profit Organizations
Many non profit organizations need legal advice in their formulations and running – it’s no surprise therefore, that many such organizations are run by a person with a background in law. Lawyers are also trained to research, analyze and elicit information they need, which is a useful skill in this line of work. Most lawyers have excellent communicative and persuasive skills, which is a boon when raising funding for non profit organizations.
Students of law have strong analytical, reasoning and research skills – all of which are necessary in the practice of law. Whether you choose to become a criminal defense lawyer, a public prosecutor or a federal attorney, it’s important to know what alternatives you have to a typical career in lawyer. The options listed above are by no means exhaustive and are but the tip of the iceberg, so explore all your choices. After all, love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life. So, what can you do with a law degree? Plenty, I’m sure you’ll agree!