- Writer, Journalist, Author
Lawyers are taught how to write effectively and clearly communicate their ideas. Translating these valuable skills into a career as a writer, journalist, or author can be a great way to put your law school education to use. A great deal of news focuses on the law, and the ability to understand the details and translate it to the layperson’s point of view could be a great benefit.
- Entertainment Agent
Knowledge of the legal jargon in contracts and the gritty details of how they work can help you get a job as an entertainment agent for talented actors or performers and promote their work. Perks of the job include the potential to help rising stars on the way to achieving their dreams while ensuring that their offers and deals are legally sound.
- Government Employee
A law degree can lend itself well and be a benefit in acquiring a job working for the government, whether it is at the national or more local level. There are a wide variety of jobs in these areas, such as working for the Secretary of State, departments in health or law, human resources tasks, or secretarial work. This could also encompass international work, such as becoming a Foreign Service officer or working abroad.
- Law Professor
If you love research, the law, and legal writing, this could be a fitting career. While law professors certainly spend time teaching, their main focus is researching and writing about the law. Additionally, you could be in charge of training a new generation of hopeful lawyers, influencing their minds and interests for the better.
- Legal Recruiter
Known as the “human resource professionals of the legal world,” legal recruiters can help lawyers find employment. They may work with individual practices or recruitment companies. Legal recruiters learn to recruit possible clients, interact with firms, and work well with employees. A law degree is required for these jobs, but provides an interesting way to use it outside of becoming a practicing attorney.
- Law School Career Counselor
Similar to career counselors at Cornell, law school career counselors help students to transition to whatever path they choose after completing their JD. These positions help students gain confidence in their skills and abilities and apply to opportunities that suit their goals. Providing guidance to new lawyers could be a very rewarding job!
- Policy Analyst
Policy analysis can be a great choice for those who don’t want a career in the spotlight as a politician, but are still interested in policy issues that affect people’s daily lives. These jobs often focus on research for firms or nonprofits, and include presenting data and facts to leaders in the areas of policy you hope to change. The skills you gain in law school can be beneficial in conducting research, public speaking to present your findings, and raising public awareness of relevant policy issues.
For more online resources, check out 60 Nontraditional Jobs You Can Do With A Law Degree and 8 Other Jobs You Can Get With A Law Degree!
Stop by the CEC in 162 MVR for more information, and to look through our library containing more books about legal careers.