Lawyers can pursue a variety of careers in modern societies, ranging from private practice to politics and advocacy. In the private sector, the majority of lawyers handle legal matters on behalf of corporations and individuals. A large number of additional career options for lawyers exist in most countries, including prosecutors, public defenders, judges, and law clerks who practice law on behalf of the public. A large number of men and women who are trained as lawyers go on to work in fields where a law degree is a valuable credential but not a requirement.
A large number of lawyers work in the private sector for a living, and their career options vary greatly depending on the type of legal practice. Lawyers working for large corporations or prestigious private firms can earn substantial salaries, but they are frequently expected to work long hours and may not always have good opportunities for advancement.
Some lawyers choose to work as sole practitioners or as partners in smaller law firms. Lawyers who pursue these opportunities typically earn less money but have less stress and lighter workloads. Lawyers in this field often have more freedom in selecting cases and clients, and their job security may be higher, as competition for these positions is often less fierce.
Lawyers are employed legal aid societies to represent underprivileged clients. There are numerous opportunities for lawyers in this field, but the work is typically low-paying. Lawyers who have a strong sense of civic or social responsibility, on the other hand, may prefer this type of work.
Government agencies employ a significant number of lawyers. Some governmental job opportunities for lawyers include prosecuting criminals on behalf of the state or serving as public defenders for clients who cannot afford legal representation. Other lawyers work for the government in a more advisory capacity, assisting in the development of legislation and the formulation of public policy.
To fill the ranks of judges and law clerks, most, but not all, legal systems rely on men and women who have been trained as lawyers. Judges on the appeals court are advised and assisted a team of trained law clerks. Such opportunities for lawyers may be available right away for promising young lawyers, particularly those who have graduated from prestigious law schools. In other cases, lawyers gain experience in private or public practice before pursuing judicial careers.
Not every man or woman who has been trained as a lawyer works in the legal field. For lawyers, political candidacy and advocacy are common career paths. Legal training is also beneficial for men and women who want to pursue careers in business, where legal issues are frequently critical.