Law Cluster

The field of law offers a rich variety of career options that can provide exciting and secure employment. Law is most frequently recognized for the profession of attorney or lawyer, but you will soon discover many other careers. Careers in the field of law range from law enforcement to support positions including court reporter, law clerk, and paralegal. There are many types of attorneys, a few examples are criminal law, civil law, accounting, and corporate. Each opportunity has some appeal, but it is important to make sure that your skills, values, interests, educational goals/path, and work personality aligns with your career choice.

A law degree is very versatile, but does not guarantee a job nor a high salary. Law school is a type of graduate school meaning that you must complete your undergraduate degree, take the LSAT test, and then apply to law schools. However, not everyone will want to go through the minimum of 7 years of college education to receive that degree. You may want to consider one of the many careers in law enforcement or support positions such as paralegal, court reporter, or tax examiner.

The level of pay will be generally higher as many of these careers include advanced training and responsibility. Some of the public sector careers will not have the higher level of pay, but may provide an exciting career or better benefits.

Some law-related professions can be fast-paced, pressure-filled, and loaded with the excitement of a court room drama. But, this can vary, law professionals are not always battling in the court rooms, and tend to require a large amount of diligence with paperwork. Court reporters and bailiffs are in the court room, but do not require the same length of training. Paralegals conduct a lot of the background research and documentation for attorneys, but require less training. These are all things to consider when exploring the "law cluster."

Career Profile Overview

• Detail-oriented
• Highly organized
• Some technical Writing skills could be required (will vary)
• Typically a formal work environment
• Skilled at research (electronic & often print)
• Good telephone skills
• Proficient computer skills

Keep in mind that whatever career you choose, you can still gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace by learning about and responding to your personal work values. Find yours by going to the Job Seeker's Toolkit.

• Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
• Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
• Bailiffs
• Correctional Officers and Jailers
• Court Clerks
• Court Reporters
• Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
• Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
• First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Police and Detectives
• Fish and Game Wardens
• Gaming Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators
• Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
• Law Clerks
• Law Teachers, Postsecondary
• Lawyers
• Legal Secretaries
• Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• Parking Enforcement Workers
• Police Detectives
• Police Identification and Records Officers
• Police Patrol Officers
• Private Detectives and Investigators
• Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
• Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs
• Tax Examiners, Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Mentor Message Board

• Careers in Law - 1 subjects
  Talk about careers in law with CareerConnect's visually impaired mentors. Or visit Career Clusters to explore possible careers.
  
  Note: This discussion board is not a venue for legal advice. If you need legal counsel, please consult an attorney.
  

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