If you’re looking to pursue a legal career, you have many options to choose from. The legal profession involves the study, development, and application of law. Obtaining a law degree is essential for most legal careers. Read on to learn more about law careers and the different requirements and salary ranges. Also, discover the different specializations of a lawyer.
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Job outlook for a lawyer
The job outlook for a Leather District Boston, MA injury attorney is generally very good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 813,900 lawyers in the United States today. By 2026, the job outlook is expected to rise by eight percent, with most growth occurring in large law firms. Although the number of lawyers in the United States may decline slightly in the years following Covid-19, the job outlook remains relatively positive.
There is plenty of growth opportunity, as the demand for lawyers remains high. According to the American Bar Association, although the number of new law graduates is declining, there will be an eight percent increase in jobs for lawyers between 2020 and 2026. Moreover, many large law firms will continue to hire new law graduates, and major corporations are increasing staffing for their in-house legal departments.
Salary for a lawyer
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for a lawyer is $144,230. This is far from the bottom end of the Milbank/Simpson/Cravath scale, but it’s still plenty of money to live comfortably in most areas of the country. Depending on location and skill level, this salary could even be more.
Starting salaries vary widely, but many lawyers earn well over $160,000. In 2007, some law firms increased starting salaries for new associates, but this practice slowed as the economy turned. In 2009, more than 60 percent of the largest firms in Washington and Los Angeles paid the top salaries.
Specializations of a lawyer
A lawyer may specialize in different areas of law. Some of them focus on specific industries or practice types, such as patent law. Others focus on a particular location. These specializations are becoming increasingly common. They have become a necessity in a world where many industries have multiple players. For example, financial services companies have created niche segments that focus on millennials and entrepreneurs, or bitcoin investors.
One of the most common legal specializations is family law. The work of a family law specialist is focused on legal relations within the family unit. Students learn about the legal implications of various family issues, and this area may be the perfect fit for someone who enjoys working with families.
Requirements for a lawyer
There are many requirements for becoming a lawyer. One of the first is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Then, you can apply to law school. Taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) will allow you to determine whether you have the aptitude and academic skills to pursue a career in law. The education required to become a lawyer is extensive and expensive, and typically takes three years. You will then receive a degree called a juris doctor. This career is highly competitive, and salaries are high.
While the exact requirements for becoming a lawyer vary from state to state, many states require a Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school. After completing law school, you must pass a state bar exam. In addition, many states require you to pass a criminal background check and ethics exam. Once you pass the bar exam, you’ll be allowed to practice law.