Careers With Your Law School Degree
Graduating from law school is an incredible achievement. Now, you are ready to put your degree to use and find a suitable job. Fortunately, a law degree actually opens the door to many more opportunities than you might expect. Of course, getting started in a new career can mean becoming a practicing attorney. But, if you are open to considering a different path, read through this list of unique careers you can do with your law school degree.
1. Labor Relations Specialist
There are plenty of opportunities in human resources. For example, a labor relations specialist acts as a liaison between company employees and the executives, resolving disputes and playing the role of mediator. They typically work for union organizations or government agencies. Want to learn more about a court reporter Hawaii or a construction worker’s position in New York? You can gain experience working anywhere in the country and with people in varying fields. A strong understanding of employment law is required for the job, and a few years of experience helps.
2. Political Campaign Manager
It should come as no surprise that politics and law go hand-in-hand. Campaign managers oversee all aspects of a political campaign, including:
- fundraising
- handling the booking for all events
- organizing voter outreach
- managing all projects
- heading advertising and marketing efforts
- and developing policy positions
Most of these specific responsibilities are delegated to other employees of the campaign, but a campaign manager will oversee all of them.
3. Lobbyist
One of the most powerful and lucrative jobs you can do with your J.D. is work as a lobbyist. They are employed by trade organizations, public interest groups, and public relations firms. Lobbyists persuade lawmakers to push policies from their employers. The position requires a thorough understanding of the issues presented and excellent communication skills.
4. Senior Risk Manager
You can use your expertise to apply for positions in risk management. Senior risk managers identify potential risks a company faces. They try to mitigate or eliminate those risks. You would assess risks in the legal, operations, and financial departments. Responsibilities encompass the analysis of business practices, workplace safety, and market-based risks, such as supply issues. If your experience is limited, you may have to begin at a lower-level risk analyst position, but you can move up quickly once you demonstrate proficiency.
5. Executive Recruiter
What are the responsibilities of an executive recruiter? Well, you would be charged with recruiting executives, such as directors, senior managers, and other upper-level positions. This is a position that doesn’t require direct employment with one company. You might be more successful working as a freelance executive recruiter. But, you have flexibility. You can expand your services and work with different types of companies, gaining experience and make more money.
6. Human Resources Manager
Human resources is a field that is always evolving. New positions open up and are created often within organizations of every field. A human resources manager oversees all the human resources needs of a company. A brief overview of the responsibilities might include:
- creating a hiring process for the company and conducting interviews
- training new employees
- managing employee relations, including conflict management
- designing team building plans
- streamlining and monitoring company communication efforts
- keeping track of employee performances
There are many more specifics that vary based on the size of the company. However, H.R. encompasses managing all the processes and systems that relate to the people within a company.
Careers With Your Law School Degree
Overall, you have no need to worry about finding a position using your degree after you graduate. Most of the positions in this list are executive. But you can always gain experience by starting at a lower level and work your way up. Most have above average starting pay and max out in six figures. You can live comfortably and enjoy what you do.
