Careers in Law
By having laws, our communities have a certain structure that ideally makes life easier for everyone. However, if you watch the news, this is not always the case as there is a process called our legal system. There are many rewarding careers in law as some of these have become household names like the “Dream Team” as well as bit players that work hard behind the scenes, away from the limelight.
Attorney – also known as lawyers, they advise businesses, organizations and individuals of ways to both prevent a legal matter as well as provide counseling to a second party having a legal issue. They may work at a private practice, government agencies and organizations. Their main job consists of preparing briefs and other legal documents, interviewing witnesses and represents their client in and out of a court setting.
Corrections Officer – also known as a prison guard, their job consists maintaining the security of the prison or correctional facility, supervising prisoners so that peace is maintained. They are also responsible for making sure that visitors do not bring inappropriate items or engage in unlawful behavior while visiting a prisoner. A corrections officer many operate electronic security systems. Corrections officers are also responsible for prisoners when they travel to and from the correctional facility.
Court Reporter – also known as a legal transcriptionist takes down every word and action that takes during a court proceeding, deposition and interrogation. They may also take transcribe public hearings. By using a computer-aided transcription machine or computer, court reporters can take up to 200 words per minute, with accuracy.
Forensic Scientist – one of the newer careers in law, they collect evidence at a crime scene which includes, but is not limited to, blood, saliva, bones, fingerprints and semen. After collecting the evidence, they preserve it and write reports. Forensic scientists may also be called to testify in court. The data found plays an important role in determining whether a person is innocent or guilty.
Judge – there are two types of judges. One is a trial judge who rules on pretrial motions and the other is an appellate judge who may reverse the motion of a trial judge and this ruling may become law. The objective of both is to resolve disputes between two parties by interpreting current laws.
Legal Assistant – also known as a paralegal, works closely with one or more attorneys. They draft documents, cite sources, interview clients, perform legal research, review and update case files. Legal assistants may also draft legal memos, contracts and organize information in the proper fashion.
Legal Secretary –this position may include some paralegal duties such as interviewing clients and drafting documents along with maintaining a court calendar. Along with typing, filing, answering phones and other clerical duties, they also may have to keep financial records for a law office.
Local Law Enforcement Officer – City police officers and county sheriffs’ work together to help enforce laws and defend communities against criminal activity by investigating, securing evidence and writing reports. They also make arrests; testify in court and work to prevent crimes from happening.
Private Detective/Investigator – Some may be hired to observe and report infidelity cases, or missing persons. They may also set up surveillance cameras to observe a person’s behavior. Private detectives also verify facts about an individual, which may include interviewing employers or checking data bases..
Private Security Guard – as one of the entry level careers in law, their job objective is to observe and report. Some positions require that they monitor security cameras. Depending on the state where employed, they may be allowed to carry firearms, baton and tear gas. Some states require that they hold licensure and other jobs may not require any experience or skills to become employed.
Probation or Parole Officer – these officers monitor the behavior of those just released from the penal system. They may assist in rehabilitative life services such as obtaining regular employment, education or housing. They report the progress to a judge in a probation or parole hearing and investigate any violations that may occur during this time period.
