Degree in law

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Hi there,
I stumbled across this site while researching the process of becoming a lawyer; some of the info here is very helpful!! I was wondering what kind of employment options are available to someone with a law degree. I know very little about this at all and I'm not sure that I would like to be someone in the courtroom all the time. Is there such a thing as a behind the scenes lawyer?

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I'm rarely in the courtroom any more, and now primarily only do what's referred to as "transactional" work (i.e., drafting opinions, contracts and advising my clients on particular issues). Some lawyers are corporate attorneys, which usually doesn't involve a lot of trial work. Many lawyers only do research. Some just write appellate briefs. There are a lot of options that do not require courtroom work, but if you become a lawyer and practice law, you should expect to enter the courtroom at some point or another.

I used to spend a lot of time in court, but it can be pretty stressful. Some people really enjoy the challenge and adrenaline rush of trial work. I prefer not having to go to court all the time, but I do enjoy going when I do.

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I found this in Findlaw:

http://www.findlaw.com/

This is an excellent site concerning law and lawyers. The page that I quoted was for New York City. I would suppose that the types of law work are similar in other areas, although places with certain types of industries might have additional kinds of law work peculiar to that area. ( auto, agriculture, oil, etc.)

I don't know if you saw this while you were checking out A2K, but I think that this site is very valuable for a young person deciding about his/her future:

http://bls.gov/oco/ocos053.htm

shyone- If your A2K "handle" accurately describes you, I think that you would do better in an area other than courtroom law. Good luck, and welcome to A2K!

Quote:

Areas of Legal Practice

Business Law- Advising about starting a new business (corporation, partnership, etc.), general corporate matters, business taxation, and mergers and acquisitions.

Criminal Law- Defending or prosecuting those accused of committing a crimes.

Domestic Relations- Representing individuals in separation, annulment, divorce, and child custody matters.

Estate Planning- Advising clients in property management, drawing wills, probate, and estate planning.

Immigration- Representing parties in proceedings involving naturalization and citizenship.

Intellectual Property- Law Dealing with issues concerning trademarks, copyright regulations, and patents.

Labor Law- Advising and representing employers, unions and employees on questions of union organizing, workplace safety, and compliance with government regulations.

Personal Injury- Representing clients injured intentionally or negligently, and those with workers' compensation claims.

Real Estate Assisting- clients in developing property; re-zoning; and buying, selling, or renting homes or other property.

Taxation- Counseling businesses and individuals in local, state, and federal tax matters.

http://cobrands.business.findlaw.com/newcontent/flg/ch1/st4/qa3.html

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shyone: Actually, this question was addressed in the "I want to be a lawyer!" thread.

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I want to be a lawyer but I don't think I'd want to get involved in trial work. Is that possible?
Sure. Trial lawyers are sort of the front line soldiers in the legal world, but, as with an army, there is at least one soldier in the rear areas for every soldier on the front. Many very successful lawyers never even set foot in a courtroom.

Ticomaya is right: not every lawyer spends time in court. I've even worked with people who called themselves "litigation attorneys" but who never spent any time in court.

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And sometimes you get the degree and you practice (or not) and decide you don't want to practice. I'm in IT, but a law degree is still nice to have, and pretty impressive on a resume.

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Thanks for all of your insights; you have been very helpful. I'm not quite as shy as my name suggests - but I can be. Talk to you all soon!
TF

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Degree in law

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