While the traditional route for law school graduates is to take the bar examination and become licensed attorneys, there are indeed alternative legal careers available for individuals who choose not to pursue or are unable to take the bar exam. These alternative career paths can be appealing to law school graduates who have different interests, goals, or circumstances that make practicing law less desirable. Let’s take a look at six of them:
Alternative Legal Career #1: Legal Technology
As technology continues to reshape the legal industry, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in legal technology. Legal technology professionals help law firms and corporate legal departments implement and manage legal software and systems. This can include e-discovery platforms, contract management systems, and legal project management software.
Alternative Legal Career #2: Compliance
As regulations become more complex, compliance has become a critical area for businesses. Compliance professionals help companies navigate legal requirements and ensure that they are in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This can include areas such as data privacy, anti-money laundering, and environmental regulations.
Alternative Legal Career #3: Legal Writing and Editing
Legal writing and editing is a growing field, particularly with the rise of online legal publishing. Legal writing and editing professionals help lawyers and law firms produce high-quality legal content, such as briefs, contracts, and legal memos. This can also include writing and editing for legal publications and blogs.
Alternative Legal Career #4: Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a growing area of the legal industry. ADR professionals help parties resolve disputes outside of the courtroom, often through mediation or arbitration. This can be an attractive option for law school graduates who are interested in the law but do not want to litigate.
Alternative Legal Career #5: Government
Working for the government can be an excellent option for law school graduates. This can include positions in agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency or the Securities and Exchange Commission, or working as a legislative aide for a member of Congress. Government positions can provide a wide range of opportunities and can be an excellent way to gain experience and build a network.
Alternative Legal Career #6: Non-Profit and Advocacy
Many non-profit organizations and advocacy groups require legal expertise to advance their missions. This can include working for organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union or the Southern Poverty Law Center. Non-profit and advocacy work can be an excellent way to use legal skills to make a difference in the world.
There are many alternative legal careers that law school graduates might consider. Graduating from law school is an exciting achievement, and the legal profession offers a wide range of career options. Good luck to all those about to graduate!
- June 15, 2023
- New Lawyers
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