There are many different types of legal professions. Yes, there are the “traditional” occupations like paralegal, attorney, or judge. But those with a legal degree may also pursue other professions. These positions might be the best decision for your future since they provide a new level of participation in your profession. Understanding the alternative occupations with a legal degree can help you make the best decision for your future, whether you have already earned a law degree or are just contemplating it.

Law Careers: An Overview

Law graduates have access to a wide range of employment opportunities. There are, of course, classic legal occupations that work closely with the court system. Of course, becoming an attorney is the most apparent choice for a law profession. Judges may be long-time practitioners, and those with law degrees but lack legal licenses can operate as paralegals or general legal counselors.

However, there are numerous non-legal occupations that you may get with a law degree; you don’t even have to work directly in the courtroom or the legal system. Alternative careers for attorneys include real estate agent, human resources manager, and community planner.

What can a law degree get you? In essence, if you have a legal degree, your career options are open to those of an attorney. Even if this is a great job with great pay, there are alternative possibilities. After earning your law degree, you might pursue employment where you can apply your legal expertise.

Alternative Jobs with a Law Degree

These are the best positions for recent law grads. You may utilize your degree to become one of the most successful professionals in the field, and they come with great pay.

#1 Attorney

Median Salary: $126,930

 Education: Juris Doctor (Law Degree)

 Experience: None

 Licensing: Law license through the bar exam

Even though many legal occupations don’t need to become a lawyer, this is often one of the top options following law school. Although they may operate in various industries and sectors, attorneys can advise and represent people and businesses in legal disputes. Personal injury, business, environmental concerns, constitutional law, contracts, estate planning, criminal defense, and other legal specialties are all covered by attorneys.

Although you don’t need the experience to be an attorney, the American Bar Association needs certification and a license. The bar exam, a protracted and challenging examination done over two days, concludes licensing.

Lawyers often earn some of the highest incomes imaginable. The top 10% of all lawyers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), make more than $208,000 annually.

Popular Pick: Juris Doctor / Executive from Taft University System

#2 Judge

Median Salary: $124,200

 Education: Juris Doctor (Law Degree)

 Experience: 5 or more years practicing law

 Licensing: Law license is typically required

When it comes to careers for law graduates, being a judge is often seen as the pinnacle of the legal field and the peak of the professional mountain. Judges preside over court proceedings and the legal system, significantly impacting how cases turn out. They carry out a range of legal judgments, mediate discussions, monitor judicial procedures, and handle administrative problems.

However, these positions are difficult, and many hopeful judges won’t get the opportunity. Although many judges have decades of experience before holding the gavel, you must work as a practicing lawyer for at least five years to become a judge. Of course, this implies that you must attend law school first, then seek employment as a lawyer before pursuing a judgeship.

Since the top 10% of earners in these fields make more than $180,000 annually, the pay for these jobs may be quite high. Being a judge is often seen as the pinnacle of the legal profession and the top of the career mountain when it comes to employment for law graduates, particularly for ambitious and accomplished lawyers. Judges preside over court proceedings and the legal system, significantly impacting how cases turn out. They carry out a range of legal judgments, mediate discussions, monitor judicial procedures, and handle administrative problems.

However, these positions are difficult, and many hopeful judges won’t get the opportunity. Although many judges have decades of experience before holding the gavel, you must work as a practicing lawyer for at least five years to become a judge. Of course, this implies that you must attend law school first, then seek employment as a lawyer before pursuing a judgeship.

Since the top 10% of earners in these fields make more than $180,000 annually, the pay for these jobs may be quite high. It’s often seen as a second job for lawyers, particularly ambitious and wealthy lawyers…

Popular Pick: Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice / Law & Public Policy from Walden University

#3 Legal Consultant

Median Salary: $82,178

 Education: Law degree

 Experience: 5 or more years of legal experience

 Growth: Not required, although previous licensing is required.

One of the better alternatives for attorneys is this position. One of the top J.D. desired careers is independent legal consulting, which numerous firms use to fill a rising need for skilled legal assistance. To assist a group, business, person, or organization manage a difficult legal matter, these experts provide advice and direction. They don’t function as the organization or individual’s representative in court or during talks with the law. They only provide guidance.

While it is feasible to provide legal consulting services without any prior expertise, most of these professionals will have years of legal experience. In reality, many will already be practicing law; some will actively represent certain clients while advising and consulting on cases for others.

One of the finest second occupations for attorneys is independent consulting, and the more experience you have, the greater your chances of being recruited. According to ZipRecruiter, anyone who has finished a legal profession may find this a lucrative sector since the top 10% make over $137,000 annually.

Sponsored Pick: Doctor of Law & Policy from Liberty University

#4 Legal Professor

Median Salary: $80,560 (postsecondary teachers)

 Education: Juris doctor and teaching/education degree

 Experience: 5 or more years of legal practice recommended

 Growth: Previous licensing is recommended; most states will also require a teaching license

You can mold the thinking and abilities of aspiring lawyers as law professors. Law instructors should have at least five years of experience practicing law since this career often demands prior expertise. This makes great sense, given that expertise enables you to provide pupils with clear, practical counsel.

Although they are regarded as alternate careers for attorneys, you may need to keep your law license to work as a legal lecturer. The college or institution often prefers this. Additionally, it’s common for a lawyer with a great academic record to teach law and practice it.

According to the BLS, the median pay for postsecondary professors is $80,560, although this is the total. It’s quite feasible that law-educated academics in these other professions make far more money than this. One of the finest non-legal careers for someone with a law degree is law professor, which offers the opportunity to mentor aspiring lawyers and a high salary.

Sponsored Pick: Doctor of Philosophy in Education / Educational Law from Liberty University

Top Jobs for People Who Have Practiced Law

Even while there are plenty of opportunities for lawyers who are already in practice, there are also options for individuals who were lawyers but are, for whatever reason, no longer practicing because they aren’t keeping their licenses.

#1 Regional Planner

Median Salary: $79,950

 Education: Master’s in regional or urban planning

 Experience: None

 Growth: A few states require licensing

As a regional planner, your job entails organizing land use to foster community development, promote economic growth, and revive urban, suburban, and rural regions. Community planning knowledge is necessary for this career, but legislation from the federal, state and municipal levels has a significant impact. It is helpful to have a law degree and legal expertise.

Although engineering and development companies also employ regional planners, local governments are likely to be your primary employer in this line of work. There is potential for big salaries since the top 10% make more than $102,000 yearly.

Popular Pick: Master of Arts in Urban & Regional Planning / Geographic Information Systems from the University of Florida

#2 Arbitrators

Median Salary: $66,130

 Education: Bachelor’s in a related subject like law

 Experience: None

 Licensing: None

Legal disagreements often end up being resolved outside of court. An arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator is often called upon in these circumstances; these are rewarding positions for former attorneys. There is no federal need for licensure; however, certain states require certification. In other words, you may work in this field without having to pass the bar test. However, prior legal expertise would be very helpful since it would aid you in comprehending and navigating the complexity of legal agreements.

Once again, the Salary is paltry compared to that of judges, lawyers, and other legal professions. However, the top 10% may anticipate yearly revenues of over $131,000, making this a desirable alternative for many former lawyers.

Legal disagreements often end up being resolved outside of court. An arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator is often called upon in these circumstances; these are rewarding positions for former attorneys. There is no federal need for licensure; however, certain states require certification. In other words, you may work in this field without having to pass the bar test. However, prior legal expertise would be very helpful since it would aid you in comprehending and navigating the complexity of legal agreements.

Once again, the Salary is paltry compared to that of judges, lawyers, and other legal professions. However, the top 10% may anticipate yearly revenues of over $131,000, making this a desirable alternative for many former lawyers.

Sponsored Pick: Bachelor of Science in Legal Support & Services from Purdue University Global

#3 Law Librarian

Median Salary: $56,320

 Education: Law degree, library science degree

 Experience: None, although legal experience is helpful.

 Licensing: None

Lawyers, paralegals, and judges often use law libraries to locate the necessary information. These meticulous experts give research assistance, which may involve operations management, legal research, and sometimes even strategic planning. Although businesses, institutions of higher learning, and governments will also seek their services, law firms often use their knowledge.

Although they are exempt from taking the bar test, many law librarians need legal education, including a J.D. For these J.D. recommended positions, an alternative degree may be a master’s in library science or information science.

According to ZipRecruiter, the typical wage in this profession is around $56,000, while the top 10% make over $94,000.

Sponsored Pick: Master of Science in Library & Information Science from St. John’s University

#4 Real Estate Agent

Median Salary: $51,220

 Education: Real estate courses

 Experience: None

 Licensing: State-by-state licensing required

One of the finest alternative occupations for those with a law degree is real estate, one of the industries tightly controlled by law for various reasons. A lawyer is necessary for many transactions; some attorneys are real estate and law specialists. A real estate agent and a lawyer might be a lucrative dual career for someone who has previously practiced law and still has a law license.

Compared to many legal jobs, the median compensation for real estate brokers and sales agents is modest but strongly dependent on performance. As a result, the top 10% of earners make over $174,000 a year, indicating that this profession has great potential for higher pay. If you’ve previously worked as a lawyer, you may transition into a second profession as a real estate agent. A real estate agent can be a good option if you’re seeking high-paced legal occupations that don’t need you to be a lawyer.

Sponsored Pick: Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate from Georgetown University

Alternative Careers with a Law Degree (For Those That are Not Lawyers)

There are several choices if you have a legal degree but still must be authorized to practice law. Even while you won’t be using your basic legal knowledge in courts, contracts, or legal consultations, these careers need a law degree, but no bar exam lets you utilize it.

#1 Human Resources Manager

Median Salary: $121,220

 Education: Bachelor’s degree

 Experience: 5 years or more

 Licensing: Certifications available

The legal intricacies in the human resources department are unlike those in other agencies. For obvious reasons, regulations govern hiring, dismissing, and conducting interviews. Human resources managers play a crucial part in understanding these regulations, making this a good option for those with legal degrees who don’t want to work in traditional legal employment.

Anyone seeking a lucrative job should consider this one. Although the median wage is high, the top 10% can expect to make more than $208,000. This might be a good alternate career path for law graduates, given the increased need for qualified human resources specialists.

Sponsored Pick: Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Resources Management from Grand Canyon University

#2 Chief Executive

Median Salary: $107,680

 Education: Bachelor’s degree

 Experience: At least 5 years

 Licensing: Certification may be required

A chief executive defines a firm or group’s overarching emphasis, direction, and strategy. A law degree might be useful in this field since there may be several legal problems depending on the kind of company or non-profit.

You’ll be able to employ your expertise, zeal, and comprehension of the legal industry to advance a company as a chief executive. The top 10% of earners make over $208,000 annually, making this one of the highest-paying alternative occupations for law graduates, even though compensation is primarily performance-based. These are ideal positions for former attorneys because they let you use your knowledge, abilities, and desire in a challenging setting.

Sponsored Pick: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Business Management from Western Governors University

#3 Paralegal

Median Salary: $52,920

 Education: Associate’s degree

 Experience: None

 Licensing: Certification typically required

Many of the significant jobs that paralegals do are those for which attorneys lack the time. They assist legal lawyers by conducting investigations, gathering documentation, writing summaries, and carrying out various other tasks. Although paralegal education of some kind is essential, a complete law degree is optional for these legal occupations.

As the top 10% of paralegals make over $85,000 annually, the compensation for experienced and professional paralegals may be good. Although they earn less than an attorney, this occupation is sometimes seen as a stepping stone to other legal jobs.

Sponsored Pick: Bachelor of Science in Law & Paralegal Studies from the University of Cincinnati

#4 Entrepreneur

Median Salary: Varies widely

 Education: None

 Experience: None

 Licensing: None

The term “entrepreneur” may be the most inclusive way to describe a job since it encompasses everyone from a sole proprietor to the head of a major worldwide tech corporation. Although a law degree is not a prerequisite, it is a smart place to start since it will help you negotiate tricky contracts and other situations that require legal knowledge.

Although it is almost difficult to estimate the median earnings of entrepreneurs, you may make a good living if you put in the necessary effort and persevere. Even though becoming an entrepreneur after law school may be interesting and fulfilling, it may not be one of the more conventional legal vocations.

Sponsored Pick: Master of Business Administration / Entrepreneurship from Utica College