Before choosing a law degree specialization, it’s essential to assess your work environment. Lawyers’ daily working environments vary based on practice area and firm size.
Some lawyers choose to work pro bono or volunteer for organizations providing legal services for vulnerable populations. Such opportunities can provide rewarding yet emotionally taxing career experiences.
Public Sector
Every time you send out mail, wash your hands at the kitchen sink or renew your driver’s license, you benefit from services provided by the public sector. These agencies and organizations that make up government’s oversight of social policy and critical services such as police departments, fire departments and military.
Public sector lawyers may work at any level of government from federal, state and local, in roles such as prosecutors, public defenders, administrative or executive staff members or legislative attorneys – not forgetting handling civil suits on behalf of both state or its citizens.
Some lawyers choose non-profit policy agencies or solo practices as careers, each providing unique challenges and career paths for legal professionals. Both positions allow lawyers to set their own schedules and work remotely while typically being paid on an hourly fee structure that could lead to burnout if left unmanaged. Furthermore, these lawyers often utilize pro bono projects or volunteer opportunities coordinated by their employer or nonprofit entities as means for fulfilling their passion for public interest work.
Private/Nonprofit Policy Agencies & Think Tanks
Lawyers work in an array of environments, such as government agencies, non-profit policy organizations and solo practices – each setting presents its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Some attorneys specialize in immigration law, representing individuals and families seeking entry or settlement in the US. Others focus on real estate law by helping clients buy, sell or rent commercial and residential properties.
Attorney work can be demanding, especially in high-demand practice areas. Long hours, complicated cases and frequent travel can take their toll on relationships, mental health and overall wellbeing.
Public interest lawyers advocate for social justice and civil rights. For example, they may assist those facing eviction or homelessness, having family or employment problems, survivors of sexual assault or human trafficking as well as survivors. Lawyers specializing in this field often work pro bono or for nonprofit organizations and may receive payment on an hourly, contingency or flat basis fee basis.
Large Business
Most lawyers work in legal businesses known as law firms unless they opt to work solo (known as solo practice). Law firms vary in size and may specialize in various areas including corporate law, taxes, real estate litigation, civil rights issues, family matters, bankruptcy trusts & estates employment intellectual property law criminal defense.
Immigration, labor & employment and real estate lawyers are in high demand; such cases often involve emotionally charged events which can be physically draining for attorneys.
Entry-level lawyers generally focus on learning the fundamental aspects of law from senior Lawyers while supporting them and learning its foundational aspects. Mid-level Lawyers gain greater independence and are responsible for developing legal strategies, handling negotiations and representing clients in court. Senior Lawyers tend to take on more leadership-related responsibilities involving leadership of law firms or legal departments as well as mentoring junior Lawyers through long hours and frequent travel.
Government
Lawyers work for large law firms, government agencies and non-profits across the US. They often collaborate with paralegals and legal assistants while meeting clients at various offices or meeting them directly; remote work has become more widespread as technology progresses.
Legal practice is an extremely competitive field with numerous opportunities available to lawyers. Attorneys can specialize in various areas including corporate, family, real estate, entertainment, intellectual property law immigration or criminal law.
At first, many new lawyers gain valuable experience by serving as clerks to judges during their first year of practice. This provides invaluable hands-on courtroom experience and helps them learn about the basic tenets of legal work. As clerks gain more experience they may go on to become judges themselves or enter other higher-ranking positions such as high-level management; some choose even running their own private practices independently as solo practitioners.
