Lawyers work in numerous environments. This may include private practice with large or small firms; public policy agencies/think tanks; or working directly for federal, state and local governments.
Legal work is notorious for long hours and demanding workload. Furthermore, handling high-stakes cases or sensitive client matters may take its toll emotionally on lawyers.
Private Practice
Many lawyers choose private practice for its prestige, financial potential and client-centered career path. But working at a private firm can still present many challenges due to billable hour quotas and needing new business development opportunities.
Private firm work demands greater dedication from attorneys hoping to become partners, as well as from support staff like legal secretaries, paralegals, IT personnel, litigation support specialists and file clerks.
Transitioning from in-house or government roles to private practice can be challenging, but patience and a strategic approach will prove essential to its success. Building your book of business requires maintaining an extensive professional network composed of industry peers, former colleagues, and even adversaries – ensure all contacts are up-to-date, host networking events or attend alumni association meetings relevant to your practice area and participate online forums relevant to it all.
Public-Interest
Public interest work allows lawyers and law students to promote social justice issues, provide legal representation for those unable to afford attorneys, or work for non-profit organizations – just some of the many opportunities open up when practicing in this arena. Public interest work can either involve litigation or policy decisions; either approach requires writing skills, research expertise and strategic thought to successfully persuade an audience.
Public interest organizations enact progressive policies across a wide variety of issues such as AIDS, arts, children’s rights, civil liberties and prisoner’s rights; consumer, disability rights; economic development; education; family; environmental concerns; employment/union side labor issues; family violence issues; gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender rights, health; homelessness/housing needs and international human rights are just some of the issues addressed by public interest organizations.
Students looking for internship opportunities in this field may consider working for public interest organizations, district attorneys, state attorneys general or court-appointed counselors. Furthermore, some private firms offer programs allowing a student to split their summer between working half at their firm and half with public interest organizations.
Government
Attorneys play a vital role in all three branches of federal government as well as in state legislatures, city councils and other local governing bodies, serving in areas like policy development and legislative drafting and advice as well as investigations and prosecutions – often acting as prosecutor, district attorney or public defender in criminal matters.
Each state government maintains their own law departments, including civil rights and labor divisions, while each branch of the federal government also employs legal staff including litigators and other lawyers in special departments.
Graduates interested in working for government can select from an abundance of departments that best align with their career goals and interests, from financial-sector enforcement via the FBI or state securities offices to civil division prosecutor’s offices offering summer intern programs – not forgetting fellowship opportunities available to 3Ls and clerks looking to pursue careers within government.
Corporate
Lawyers working in private practice typically find employment with law firms or within legal departments of large companies, as well as within government agencies.
Government-level corporate legal professionals work closely with regulatory bodies to develop and enforce business laws. Their duties may involve creating policies, overseeing activities and handling litigation.
Lawyers could also join an international organization’s staff such as the World Bank or International Monetary Fund and contribute to cross-border transactions while conducting legal research for global benefit. Such positions require expertise with legal research and development activities for global good.
No matter the environment in which you practice law, an extensive skill and knowledge base is necessary for success as a lawyer. Internships or externships may help provide practical experience that will allow you to determine which area best matches your career goals and abilities; and you should aim for specialization in an in-demand field to maximize earnings potential.