Lawyer/Attorney

Specialties: Cyber-attorneys, Cyber-lawyers, District Attorneys, Environmental Lawyers, Information Lawyers, International Lawyers, Internet lawyers, Mediation Lawyers, Net lawyers, Prosecuting Attorneys, Public Defenders.

What do Lawyers do?

  • Lawyers advise people of their legal rights and obligations and represent them in courts of law.
  • They also negotiate out-of-court settlements, represent clients before government agencies, and act as trustees and guardians.
  • Some lawyers act as prosecutors representing federal, state, or local jurisdictions.
  • Other lawyers are engaged in legal research, drafting legislation, or taking legal actions on behalf of consumers, minorities, or the environment.
  • Tasks include: Lawyers may specialize in business, civil, criminal, or probate law, estate law, family or divorce law, labor, malpractice, patent law, real estate law, taxation law, title law, or trial law.

Salary and Employment Outlook:

EDD Labor Market Information

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Career Info Net

Typical Employers:

Approximately 35% of lawyers in the united states are self-employed in private practice. Many work for large or small law firms, or for the legal departments of large companies, corporations or ****s. A large number work in a variety of local, state and federal government departments. Some lawyers teach in colleges or universities, often on a part-time basis. Some work for the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) or airlines.

Preparation:

To enter a law school, only three years' undergraduate work is required. However, completion of a four-year bachelor's degree is preferred. Many colleges offer prelaw programs, although completion does not guarantee admission to a law school. College courses should be to the development of a broad cultural background, intellectual curiosity and scholarship. Courses of value are Literature, Philosophy, Latin, logic, and scientific methods. Most law schools require you to take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Several colleges offer graduate programs for a doctor of jurisprudence degree. Admission to the State Bar is required to practice law. There are several ways to enter the Bar. You can also get experience and training in the military. There are a small number of schools offering 'Paralegal' curriculum (422 Legal Assistant Training) which may be a good way to get a feel for this career area and complete pre- legal prerequisites at the same time.

Educational Program(s):

  • Law
  • Related Programs: Philosophy, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Speech

    Web Resources:

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    Career Info Net

    WetFeet

    Career Center

    CollegeBoard.com

    American Bar Association

    Law School Admission Council

     

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