| There are many exciting opportunities out there for a | | | | government. There are many positions to be found in |
| law school graduate. Take some time to research all | | | | the government and non-profit sector. You can work |
| the possibilities and you will find your career path. Here | | | | as a public defender where you will defend criminal |
| are just a few ways you can utilize your law degree. | | | | cases. This is higher paid than you might think. You will |
| Join a law firm. Many graduates join a law firm right | | | | deal with many interesting cases in this capacity and |
| after graduation. When starting at a law firm, you are | | | | you will also face much court time. |
| an associate. This is entry-level lawyering. | | | | Another path in government is becoming an assistant |
| Being an associate is not unlike completing a residency | | | | district attorney. In this position you will be the |
| for a doctor. You will work long hours every week and | | | | prosecutor in criminal cases. |
| complete most of the grunt work. You will produce | | | | So how do you go about obtaining these positions? |
| legal documents, write briefs, research for hours and | | | | The time to start looking for a job as lawyer is in law |
| other tedious tasks all in the hopes of climbing the | | | | school. In law school you will intern in different firms. |
| ladder to one day become partner. | | | | Most firms hire a great percentage of associates from |
| Becoming partner is the pinnacle of law firm statuses. | | | | the summer internship pool. |
| As one of the partners, you have a say in what cases | | | | If you're looking into working for the government, do |
| your firm takes on and other big decisions. Partners | | | | your homework. There are many different |
| also share the profits of the law firm. Once all | | | | government agencies out there that employ lawyers. |
| expenses have been paid out such as associates' | | | | Search online at government web sites and find a |
| salaries, the income that is left will be distributed | | | | contact method. |
| between the partners. The respect of being partner | | | | A great way to find job openings is by keeping in |
| and the high earning potential attracts many law school | | | | touch with your classmates. An old law school friend |
| graduates. | | | | may be able to recommend you to a law firm or |
| Law graduates who prefer not to deal with the social | | | | know other lawyers that can direct you to different |
| hierarchy of a law firm may opt to find work in a | | | | employers. It's always good to network. |
| corporation. This position is called in-house counsel. You | | | | There are many opportunities out there for someone |
| are employed by the company and work in the legal | | | | with a law degree. Don't ever feel stuck. If you decide |
| department. As in-house counsel you will typically work | | | | that you don't want to practice law, your degree still |
| less hours than at a law firm and your salary will be | | | | qualifies you for many jobs in business management |
| fixed. | | | | or in the non-profit sector. |
| Another career option for lawyers is to work for the | | | | |