What’s Next? Legal Career Options for Law School Graduates

You’ve probably already narrowed down your career options to law if you are reading this. You have already made half of the decision by choosing law. Now you need to decide which specialty area is best for you. You will be able to determine where and how you work for the majority of your career based on your choice. Students like you can practice law at Real Legal after you have completed your degree. While you browse through the list of possible legal paths, take note of those that spark your interest. You may want to consider pursuing one.

Divorce Attorney

Divorce lawyers are those who represent people who wish to dissolve their marriage. To protect their clients’ rights, they provide legal advice and representation during the divorce. You will negotiate settlements, file relevant paperwork and offer advice to your clients as a divorce attorney. You will need to negotiate the child custody, child maintenance, spousal assistance, and division of assets acquired during your client’s marriage.

To practice as a lawyer for divorce, you will need to have several qualifications. These include having a law degree, and passing the bar exam. Find out what qualifications you must meet in order to become a divorce lawyer. Real Legal’s qualified and experienced divorce attorneys can provide advice to newly graduated lawyers interested in this area.

Work Injury Lawyer

Work injury attorneys represent employees who have been injured at work to ensure that they receive the compensation due. The lawyer acts as an intermediary between employee and employer or insurance company. Insurance lawyers often try to handle injury cases as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. A work injury attorney ensures that the insurance company or employer does not underpay the employee.

You will most likely be paid a contingent fee if you decide to take this route. You’ll need a Juris Doctor degree as well as an undergraduate degree in law and to pass the bar exam of your state. You will be dealing with clients who have suffered minor or serious injuries, and in some cases even death. Real Legal’s work injury lawyers help clients receive compensation for medical costs, lost wages and rehabilitation costs. They can also get compensation for emotional and psychological trauma, as well as loss of breadwinner and other losses.

Criminal Attorney

Criminal lawyers defend clients accused of crimes such as burglary, thefts, murders, arson etc. It is the attorney’s responsibility to interpret the laws, counsel their client about legal options and present evidence in court. They represent their client in hearings, agreements, and trials. The lawyer negotiates pleas and punishments with the prosecutor.

You’ll need to have a law degree, and be admitted to the bar of your state. Most law firms are likely to hire you if you have two years’ experience in the area. Real Legal, for example, offers criminal defense services. They can mentor you on this topic. To stay current on the latest laws and developments in your chosen state, you will need to undergo ongoing training.

DUI Attorney

DUI lawyers represent people who are charged with driving while under the influence. They are more straightforward in their work than other lawyers, and focus on negotiating with the prosecutor the best possible punishment. The approach of the law enforcement is simplified because they have enough evidence to prove that the accused consumed more alcohol than allowed by state laws. These cases are therefore relatively quick and easier to dismiss than other areas of law, such as criminal law.

You will need to have a Juris Doctorate and be admitted to the bar if you decide on this path. A good relationship with the prosecutor can be very helpful during negotiations. Real Legal’s DUI attorneys will inform their clients of their legal options, and help them determine the best legal strategy for their case.

Car Accident Lawyer

Car accident lawyers represent victims who have been injured or lost money due to the negligence of another driver. Personal injury cases can involve minor or serious injuries. In some cases, the victims may suffer for a long time, while others never fully recover. Your clients will likely include those who have suffered injuries or disabilities, as well as those who have lost loved ones to an auto accident. Your primary objective is to make sure that they are fairly compensated for the losses they have suffered.

If the car of your client has been damaged and repair costs have accrued at an auto shop, you will ask for monetary compensation. You may have to negotiate with an insurance company, or the reckless driver in the event that their vehicle is uninsured. Your main task is to prove the accident was caused by the negligent driver and that injuries were a direct consequence of that incident. When listening to your client’s case, it is best to listen with empathy. Your client may require emotional and psychological support.

Estate Attorney

A lawyer for estates protects assets and transfers them upon the death of a client. The estate lawyer helps clients’ families by providing detailed plans for property transfers when the owner has died or become incapacitated. The client can sometimes grant a partial or full power of attorney to allow the lawyer to make decisions about the client’s assets, medical care, and other matters. A lawyer can also step in when there is no will, and the family wants to determine the most fair way to divide property.

You will be drafting wills and trusts to reflect the decisions of your clients about how they wish to transfer their assets. After their death, you will supervise the transfer to make sure it is in accordance with the will. Your client will be advised to make decisions that are in line with the fair laws and policies of their industry. A lawyer who specializes in estate planning advises their clients to minimize taxes on estate transfers.

Elder Law Lawyer

Elder law attorneys play a crucial role in advocating for the rights and well-being of older adults, ensuring they receive the legal protections and benefits they are entitled to. Their expertise extends beyond estate planning to include financial security, long-term healthcare arrangements, and legal safeguards against abuse or exploitation. They assist clients in navigating the complexities of Medicaid and Medicare, helping them access healthcare benefits while preserving their assets. Additionally, they provide guidance on retirement planning, guardianship, and conservatorship, ensuring that seniors maintain control over their personal and financial affairs for as long as possible.

In addition to financial and healthcare matters, elder law attorneys also help seniors and their families address issues like nursing home rights, elder abuse, and age discrimination. They work closely with social workers, medical professionals, and government agencies to ensure their clients’ needs are met. If a senior faces financial exploitation or fraudulent schemes, an elder law attorney can step in to provide legal recourse. With a deep understanding of civil rights laws and elder care policies, firms like Real Legal support older adults in making informed decisions about their future while protecting their dignity and independence.

Child Custody Attorney

Lawyers who specialize in child custody represent their clients when there are disputes over the custody of children. They can help resolve disputes when parents are unsure of how to share responsibilities after a separation or divorce. The majority of child custody disputes are settled at mediation by negotiating with opposing counsel. If negotiations fail, however, child custody lawyers represent clients in order to obtain a fair judgement.

You will help your client understand the rights of each parent by interpreting the law. You’ll provide an insight into the best strategy, and create parental agreements that clearly define each parent’s role. You must remind your client that these cases are often heated and to conduct themselves ethically. Real Legal helps clients through the emotional separation process and determines child custody and parental rights.

Intellectual Property Lawyer

Intellectual property attorneys protect their clients’ rights to intellectual property. The attorney helps their client to apply for trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property rights in their own country as well as worldwide. They can include logos, slogans and music that are unique to an individual or a business. If their client’s IP has been used without permission, the lawyer will take legal action.

As an IP attorney, you’ll process the necessary documentation to start the legal negotiation process to get your clients the compensation they deserve. To make the application process easier, it is important to establish a network of trademark-issuing organisations. You can specialize in this field after obtaining your law degree through your college or your state bar. After you finish your studies, spend time learning from reputable firms such as Real Legal. They have experience in the industry and will help you gain practical experience.

Immigration Lawyer

Immigration lawyers help refugees, students, employees and other groups to gain legal status in order to live, study or work in the country. They assist employees in navigating the legal process to obtain citizenship or extend their legal status. The attorney will represent their client in a lawsuit to try to keep them in the country to avoid deportation. The attorneys help asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors and refugees to prove that returning them to their home country is a threat.

You can receive certification and specialization in this field by taking certain courses at some colleges. If your college doesn’t offer this option, you might want to find out what units you could take to get a law degree that would allow you to specialize in this area once you graduate. Real Legal will provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision about this legal pathway. Immigration lawyers can work privately, for the government or NGOs.

Human Rights Lawyer

Human rights attorneys are considered to be one of the most noble legal professions. They defend the rights of groups, individuals and communities when their rights are violated. Imagine a lawyer organizing and participating in social action to promote the preservation of human dignity and autonomy. They represent clients before national and international tribunals to deal with crimes such as torture, genocide and arbitrary detention.

These attorneys are able to work in a variety of settings, such as international organizations, federal governments, and non-governmental organizations. To become an attorney, you need to have a Juris doctorate and be able to demonstrate precision, persuasiveness and a thorough understanding of the issues that affect your cases. Real Legal is the place to go if you are interested in this area or know someone who has had their rights violated. The firm can provide you with the legal assistance or referrals that are needed to pursue justice.

Tax Lawyer

Tax attorneys are essential to the smooth running of a company’s finances. They are familiar with the complexities of federal and state taxes, and can help businesses navigate them. Small, medium or large businesses, as well as NGOs, hire them to assist with compliance with federal and state tax laws. A lawyer will also decide if the business has a legal problem that requires legal representation at court or in mediation.

You will be able to provide legal advice for clients in order to prevent lawsuits if you decide to become a tax attorney with Real Legal, or any other firm. You should stay abreast of any changes in tax laws, IRS rulings and court opinions which may affect your legal career. When you decide to specialize, you can earn a Master of Science in Taxation after you’ve gained experience in the area.

You can find out more about the different legal niches by looking at the list above. By observing what areas spark your curiosity and doing more research to determine if they align with your career goals, you can find the best fit. Avoid the idea that you have to choose a certain path just because it is attractive. Instead, focus on what feels more meaningful. If you follow a career path that you truly love, you will likely enjoy it for decades.