Law

The legal field includes a variety of professional and support careers. However, all of these careers are focused on lawyers, the tasks they perform and various issues related to both preventing and participating in litigation.

Individuals who are interested in a legal career who aren’t planning to become lawyers may consider work as legal assistants or paralegals. These individuals help lawyers organize legal documents, analyze cases and prepare for trial. Lawyers are responsible for the actual representation of clients, which involves numerous in-depth tasks, and they must be licensed.

Paralegals may be trained on the job, but more commonly they can complete undergraduate programs in paralegal studies at the certificate, associate and bachelor’s levels. Master’s programs may also exist as continuing education options for professionals that need legal training.

To practice as a legal professional, students need to earn an undergraduate degree. Specialized practice might require additional training or a dual degree. For example, students looking to enter the legal profession as environmental lawyers might earn a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Environmental Law.

Career Options

Lawyers usually specialize in one or more areas of practice. The Study.com pages listed below can help you learn about many of the specializations pursued by legal professionals, the type of work involved and what you might expect in the workforce.

Government Attorney

Constitutional Law Fields

Legal Career Options

Executive Legal Secretary

Legal Careers in Taxation, Trade and Business

Courses Available

Bachelor of Laws

Business Law    

Criminal Justice and Criminology 

Energy Law and the Environment    

Governance, Risk management and Compliance    

Intellectual Property and Data Protection Law    

International Commercial Law    

International Development Law    

International Financial Law    

International Human Rights Law    

International Law    

IT Law and Policy    

Legal Practice