Though many people think of law as a career that only offers high-paying opportunities to those already at the top of their field, this is not the case. In fact, several different legal careers provide outstanding salaries and plenty of room for advancement. If you’re looking for a high-paying job that you can pursue with a law degree, here are a few options to consider.
Become a Judge
Becoming a judge is one of the most obvious career choices for those with a law degree. Judges preside over court proceedings, ensuring that the law is followed and making decisions on cases presented before them. While the job of a judge can be demanding, it is also very rewarding. In addition to a high salary, judges also enjoy excellent job security and several other benefits.
Here are a few things you should know if you’re considering a career as a judge:
- The median salary for judges and magistrates varies depending on the court level they preside over. For example, the median salary for federal judges is $125,880, while the median salary for state court judges is $145,000.
- The job outlook for judges and magistrates is expected to grow from 2019 to 2029. This growth is about average when compared to other occupations.
- There are several different types of judges, each with its responsibilities. For example, some judges preside over criminal cases while others preside over civil cases.
Become a Lawyer
What’s a list of high-paying careers you can pursue with a law degree without mentioning lawyers? Lawyers are one of the most common legal professions, offering several different career paths. While many people think of lawyers as being in private practice, this is just one option. In reality, lawyers can work in several different places, all of which offer high salaries.
Here are a few of the places you could work as a lawyer:
- Private practice: This is the most common type of law job and offers the highest salaries. If you choose to go into private practice, you can either open your own firm or join an existing one.
- Corporate law: Many lawyers work in-house for corporations and earn high salaries.
- Government: Lawyers can also work for the government, either at the local, state, or federal level.
- Non-profit organizations: Some lawyers choose to work for non-profit organizations and often earn lower salaries than other types of lawyers.
You should also consider becoming a criminal lawyer. Criminal defense lawyers represent clients who have been accused of crimes and often earn high salaries. This type of lawyer typically works in private practice, but they can also work for the government or non-profit organizations.
Become a Lobbyist
Lobbyists are another type of lawyer, but they don’t work in the traditional sense. Instead of working for a specific client, lobbyists work for various organizations, trying to influence government officials on behalf of their clients. While lobbying is a controversial profession, it is also one that offers high salaries and excellent job security.
You don’t need a specific law degree to become a lobbyist, but having a law degree can give you an advantage. Lobbyists with law degrees often better understand the legal process, which can help them be more effective in their jobs.
So, if you’re interested in a high-paying and controversial career, lobbying might be the right choice for you.
Become a Mediator
Mediators are neutral third parties who help resolve disputes between two parties. Mediators help the parties come to an agreement without going to court. While mediators don’t have the same authority as judges, they play an important role in the legal system.
Mediators typically have a law degree, and many of them also have a background in psychology or conflict resolution. If you’re interested in becoming a mediator, you should consider getting a law degree and taking additional coursework in mediation or conflict resolution.
Become a Legal Analyst
Legal analysts are experts on the law and provide analysis and commentary on legal issues. Legal analysts typically have a law degree and often work as consultants or in-house counsel for corporations. They may also work for law firms, think tanks, or the government.
With a law degree, you can become a legal analyst and use your knowledge of the law to help businesses and organizations navigate the legal system. As a legal analyst, you can expect to earn a high salary and enjoy great job security.
There you go! These are just a few of the high-paying careers you can pursue with a law degree. No matter what path you choose, you can be sure that your law degree will open doors to a high-paying career. So, if you’re considering a law degree, don’t let the high cost of tuition deter you. The investment will pay off in the long run.