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Expected Growth and Demand for Attorney Jobs

The legal system affects almost every part of our society, and attorneys are the foundation of its function. About a quarter of lawyers are
self-employed, either as partners or in solo practices. The other three quarters may be corporate attorneys, associates in a private
practices, or work in any number of other situations. Competition to gain admission into law school is very stiff, and thousands of
students graduate from law school every year, leading to increased competition for job openings as well.

Attorneys act both as advisors
and advocates, representing
parties in criminal and civil trials
and counseling clients about legal
obligations and rights. Lawyers
may argue and present evidence
in court in support of their clients,
suggest particular courses of
action when it comes to personal and business matters, and
perform extensive research about laws and legal decisions. It
is the attorney’s job to apply the law to his or her client’s
specific circumstances.
Types of Attorneys and Skills Required
Attorney jobs can require a variety of specific skills, depending
on the given attorney’s specialization and specific position.
While any lawyer is licensed to represent clients in court,
some appear in court much more frequently than others. For
instance, trial lawyers specialize in court appearances. This
means that they must have the ability to think on their feet,
as well as the ability to speak easily and authoritatively.
However, even trial lawyers spend most of their time outside
of courtrooms. That’s because researching, doing interviews
with witnesses and clients, and preparing cases for trial take
up most of their time.
In addition to trial lawyers, there are a number of
other specialized attorney jobs available. They include
environmental, elder, probate, international, bankruptcy,
personal injury, and patent lawyer jobs, among others. Each
has its own specific skills and knowledge required to perform
the job.
assist them in applying for licenses and approvals.
Intellectual property attorney jobs are one fast growing
area. IP lawyers are involved in helping to protect artwork,
copyrights, computer programs, product designs, patents,
and more for their clients. Insurance lawyers may work
as advisors for their client companies, helping them to
find policies that protect them but also conform to the law.
Insurance attorney jobs also involve reviewing claims when
they’re filed against the companies and representing such
clients in court when necessary.
Most attorneys are in private practice and concentrate on
criminal and civil law. Criminal law attorney jobs involve
representing individuals who’ve been charged with crimes.
Attorneys who specialize in civil law are more likely to assist
clients with wills, contracts, trusts, leases, titles, mortgages,
and litigation. Some lawyers only handle cases they feel are
in the public interest. They concentrate on civil or criminal
cases relating to a particular cause. There are even lawyers
employed full-time by a single client. When this client is a
corporation, the attorney is called an in-house counsel. These
attorney jobs involve advising the company about legal issues
that relate to its activities.
Many attorneys are also employed by the government. These
attorney jobs include working for state attorneys general,
acting as public defenders or prosecutors in criminal courts,
investigating cases for the Department of Justice or other
government agencies, developing programs and legislation,
and arguing on behalf of the government in court.
Work Environment for Attorney Jobs

For instance, an environmental lawyer might represent waste Most attorney jobs are located in law
disposal companies, special interest groups, construction libraries, courtrooms, and offices.
firms, and other organizations when dealing with the EPA and However, lawyers may also need to meet
other government agencies. These lawyers may help defend clients in their homes or businesses, or
their clients against fines or accusations of wrongdoing, or even in prisons and hospitals. Attorneys

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travel to gather evidence, attend meetings, and appear before
courts and other authorities. While a case is being tried,
heavy pressure may be felt by the lawyers involved, and court
preparation can require significant research.
While salaried lawyers generally have structured work
schedules, those in private practice may work irregular hours
doing research, conducting client conferences, and in brief
preparation. Most lawyers work long hours, with nearly forty
percent working more than fifty hours each week.
Qualifications and Advancement
Formal requirements for attorney jobs include a four-year
undergraduate degree, three years of law school, and passing
the written bar exam for the jurisdiction in which the given
lawyer wishes to practice. Additional requirements vary
by state, and admission to law schools is intense. High
proficiency in speaking and writing, research, analysis, logical
thinking, and other important skills are required to succeed,
both in law school and in attorney jobs. Students interested
in a particular aspect of the law may also wish to take specific
courses. For instance, patent lawyers should have a strong
background in science or engineering.
Most beginning attorney jobs are salaried positions, such as
associate positions in a private firm. After several years,
some associates will become partners, others will go on to
practice for themselves, and still others will take another type
of attorney job. Experienced lawyers may, for example, be
nominated to become judges or opt to become faculty and
administrators at law schools. On average, lawyers make
around $100,000 per year, but some may earn significantly
more, depending on their position and experience.
Conclusion
For those willing to put in the effort and to develop the
skills and qualifications required, attorney jobs are a great
opportunity. However, they require dedication, the ability to
face strong competition, and the desire to work long hours for
one’s career.

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