If you have a passion for law, you may want to explore career options beyond just practicing it. You could become a paralegal, a legal assistant, a court reporter, a mediator, or advocate for change. The possibilities are endless and there’s a career path for everyone. Read on to learn more about some of the possible options.
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Paralegal
Paralegals often work in corporate legal departments or private law firms. They work closely with attorneys and supervisors to meet client expectations. While these are the most common employers, paralegals may also find employment with advocacy groups, real estate companies, banks, or federal or local government agencies. Some may even find work in the courts.
As a paralegal, your duties may range from organizing trial exhibits and creating visual aids, to preparing motions and witness interviews. You may also conduct interviews and perform field investigations. A paralegal’s role is crucial to the quality of legal representation, and it is important to perform investigations effectively.
Legal assistant
As a legal assistant, you’ll be in charge of a variety of administrative tasks at law firms. Your duties will range from answering phones to keeping track of appointments. You may also need to conduct research into case facts, maintain digital databases, and prepare legal documents. These positions are usually entry-level, but they can lead to more advanced roles in law firms.
As a legal assistant, you’ll work with attorneys and paralegals, and you’ll also help prepare cases for trial. Your duties will range from maintaining costs to scheduling witnesses, organizing evidence, and preparing materials for mediation conferences. In addition, you’ll keep case files organized, manage case files, and keep confidential information secure. The constant challenge and opportunity to learn new concepts of justice make this a fulfilling career. Moreover, a legal assistant’s job description should state whether the position is contract-based or permanent.
Mediator
There are many different paths to becoming a Mediator in law. There are many different levels and training that you can pursue, from undergraduate studies to advanced degrees. However, there are some prerequisites that you will need to meet before you can apply to a school and start working as a mediator. The first step in becoming a mediator is completing your undergraduate degree. Typically, undergraduates will focus on a broad business background, including marketing, operations, and management. The skills and knowledge you acquire will be essential for your role as a Mediator.
You will need to build your reputation as an expert in your field and become a sought-after mediator. To do this, you will need to network with attorneys and stay active in bar associations and trade organizations.
Court reporter
Working as a court reporter involves using verbatim audio recordings and high-quality transcriptions to document legal proceedings. This job requires a wide range of skills and can be done from home or in an office. Most court reporters earn between $50,000 and $60k per year, with entry-level positions starting at $44,000. They can also be freelance court reporters and sell their transcripts for a fee per page. However, both types of positions require long hours and very little room for advancement.
Some court reporters work in a courtroom, while others are hired by broadcasting companies. Others work for closed captioning services for television programs. Another option is to work as a Communication Access Real-Time Translation provider (CART). This position involves transcribing business meetings and high school or college classes for deaf individuals.
Lawyer
One of the best ways to get experience in a law career is to intern. You can do this with a law firm or a public defender. This will give you contacts and allow you to explore different areas of interest. You can also attend seminars and local events to network and hear from industry experts. You can find these opportunities through your employer, coworkers, or professional associations.
Before considering a law career at something difficult, like a Camp Lejeune water contamination law firm, make a list of the things you like and dislike about the profession. You may want to try working in an area you’ve always wanted to pursue, or you may want to explore a different field of law altogether. Keeping this list handy will make the job search easier and help you find something you’ll enjoy.
