Law and Society Directory
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Regional Directory > Law
Legal Services Directory |
Lawyers practice in many diverse and specialized areas of law including
business, criminal, environmental, family, international, labor,
property, taxation, and tort. They often play diverse roles, acting
as advisors, mediators, evaluators, negotiators, advocates, agents, or
fiduciaries for corporations, governments, not-for-profits, and
individuals. Lawyers typically have four years of undergraduate
study followed by three years of law school. Undergraduates must
pass the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) before gaining admission into
law school. Upon graduation, candidates receive a Juris Doctor
(J.D.) degree, and must pass the state Bar association exams before
beginning practice in their specialized area.
Other professionals working in the legal realm include paralegals, legal secretaries, and e-discovery professionals. Paralegals help lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and meetings by investigating facts and identifying appropriate laws, judicial decisions, and other materials that are relevant to a case. They prepare written reports, organize and track files, draft contracts, and maintain financial office records. Many paralegals complete a paralegal program through a community college, but others earn a certificate in paralegal studies, and some are trained on the job. A few schools offer bachelor's and master's degrees in paralegal studies. Legal secretaries prepare correspondence and legal papers for an attorney or paralegal, and assist with legal research. Often, legal secretaries have some form of on-the-job training combined with courses from a technical school or community college. E-discovery professionals help locate, gather, and manage electronic data for litigation. They often have a background in information technology or law.
Find more information about law careers and legal professions at the American Bar Association, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the National Lawyers Association.