Law

Americans look to the law to solve their problems – and that means a steady level of demand for legal professionals. The U.S. Department of Labor expects population growth and a concurrent rise in business activity to create opportunities for lawyers and related professionals. In addition, experts expect an increasing demand for legal services related to health care, elder care, technology, the environment, and intellectual property. A recent trend toward the consolidation of services by large law firms means that most legal employment opportunities will be available in major cities. Independent attorneys and small firms will face increasing competition for clients from these large firms and will probably do best in small towns and suburbs. Some legal specialties require a bachelor's degree plus appropriate work experience or training. Lawyers must complete a juris doctor (JD) degree, which requires three years of post-bachelor's study at an accredited law school, and pass an exam to be admitted to the bar of the state in which they intend to practice.

Careers in law include:

• Lawyers

• Judges

• Paralegals

• Legal secretaries

• Judicial workers

• Law professors

• Law librarians

• Related careers include:

• Mediators

• Insurance investigators and adjustors

• Law enforcement and security officers

• Private investigators

• Corrections officers

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