Research Paper on One Career Choice

Lawyer

Pearl Nguyen

March, 18th 2025

Pauline Wethington

De Anza College
Table of Contents:
● Introduction

● 1. Typical Career Path

● 2. Trends

● 3. Salary Information

● 4. Experience Requirements

● 5. Employing Organizations

● 6. How to Apply for Employment

● 7. Education/Training

● Conclusion

● References
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INTRODUCTION

Lawyers are responsible for representing clients' interests within the legal system, which

necessitates a broad range of skills and knowledge. Working primarily in law firms, corporate

legal departments, or government agencies, lawyers spend their days researching cases,

drafting legal documents, meeting with clients, and representing them in court proceedings.

The work environment can range from formal office settings to courtrooms, with regular

interaction with clients, other attorneys, and legal support staff.

The daily responsibilities of lawyers also involve extensive legal research using specialized

databases and resources to stay current with laws and precedents. They must possess strong

analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective legal strategies for their clients.

Additionally, lawyers often specialize in specific areas of law such as criminal, corporate,

environmental, or family law, allowing them to develop deep expertise in their chosen field.
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1. Typical Career Path

The career trajectory for a lawyer can vary significantly depending on the field of law, the

type of employer, and individual aspirations. However, a general progression from entry-level

to senior positions often follows a common pattern.

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), the career path for lawyers typically

begins after law school graduation as a Junior Associate or Associate Attorney at a law firm.

After gaining 5-7 years of experience and building a strong track record, lawyers can advance

to Senior Associate positions. The next major career step is becoming a Partner, which

usually occurs after 8-10 years of practice and involves taking on leadership responsibilities,

managing client relationships, and having an ownership stake in the firm. Some lawyers may

further advance to Managing Partner or name partner positions, while others might choose

alternative paths such as becoming General Counsel for corporations, judges, or establishing

their own practices.

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2. Trends

The legal profession is experiencing significant transformation due to artificial intelligence

and automation tools, which are streamlining document review, legal research, and contract

analysis tasks. Virtual law practices and remote legal services have become more prevalent,

enabling lawyers to serve clients across wider geographical areas. Additionally, there's

growing demand for lawyers with expertise in emerging fields like cryptocurrency law, data

privacy, and environmental regulations.

The rise of legal tech startups and alternative legal service providers is also reshaping the

industry, creating new opportunities for lawyers who can bridge traditional legal practice with

innovative service delivery models. These changes are driving law firms to adopt more

efficient, technology-driven approaches while maintaining high standards of legal expertise

and client service.

Another significant trend is the increasing emphasis on environmental, social, and

governance (ESG) law, as organizations face mounting pressure to address sustainability and

social responsibility. This has created new opportunities for lawyers specializing in ESG

compliance, climate change litigation, and sustainable business practices. Moreover, the

globalization of legal services has led to greater demand for lawyers with cross-border

expertise and cultural competency (Susskind, 2023).

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3. Salary Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for lawyers was

$145,760 in May 2023, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $71,850 and the highest

10 percent earning more than $239,200. However, these are national averages and can vary

significantly based on location, experience, specialization, and employer type. For example,

entry-level associates in large metropolitan areas or specialized fields may earn more, while

experienced partners in prestigious firms can earn well above the top 10 percent, potentially

reaching millions annually. Job boards and industry reports provide additional insights,

though their data can vary, offering a broader understanding of the market (U.S. Bureau of

Labor Statistics., 2018).

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4. Experience Requirements

Licensing Requirements:

Must pass the bar exam

Requires graduation from ABA-accredited school, passing written bar exam, and character
evaluation

Continuing legal education required to maintain license

Key Skills Required:

Analytical skills. Lawyers interpret the law as it applies to their client’s case. They must be
able to evaluate large amounts of information, interpret relevant findings, and apply them to
facts.

Communication skills. Lawyers must be able to clearly present and explain information to
clients, opposing parties, and other members of the legal community. They also need to be
precise when preparing documents, such as court filings and wills.

Interpersonal skills. Lawyers must build relationships with current and prospective clients,
as well as with their colleagues and other members of the legal community.

Persuasion. Lawyers work to convince others that particular laws or findings apply to their
client’s case in a way that is most favorable to their client.

Problem-solving skills. Lawyers must evaluate information to propose viable solutions,

mediate disputes, and reach agreements or settlements for their clients.

Research skills. Lawyers need to find laws and regulations that apply to a specific matter in
order to provide appropriate legal advice for their clients.
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5. Employing Organizations

According to the American Bar Association (2024), lawyers work across diverse employment

settings, with private law firms being the most common employers. These firms range from

small local practices to large international firms with thousands of attorneys. Corporate legal

departments also employ significant numbers of lawyers as in-house counsel, while

government agencies at federal, state, and local levels provide opportunities in public service

roles, including prosecutors, public defenders, and regulatory attorneys.

The nonprofit sector and legal aid organizations employ lawyers dedicated to public interest

work and serving underrepresented communities. Some lawyers choose independent practice,

establishing their own firms or working as freelance legal consultants. Additionally, academic

institutions hire lawyers as professors and researchers in law schools (U.S. Bureau of Labor

Statistics, 2024).
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6. How to Apply for Employment

The job search process for lawyers involves a multifaceted approach, combining networking,

online job boards, law school career services, and direct applications. Networking is crucial

in the legal field, as building strong professional relationships often leads to referrals and

informational interviews. Platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn provide access to advertised

positions, while law-specific job boards such as LawCrossing, NALP, and the ABA Career

Center offer additional opportunities. Many law firms and corporations post openings on their

websites, especially for in-house counsel roles at Fortune 500 companies, tech firms, and

financial institutions. Legal recruiters, such as Major, Lindsey & Africa and Robert Half

Legal, can help lawyers access unadvertised roles. Law school career services play a vital

role in guiding students through the job search process, offering job fairs, counseling, and

exclusive networks. Internships, judicial clerkships, and summer associate programs are

essential for law students to gain experience and secure job offers. For government positions,

platforms like USAJobs.gov and state bar association websites are valuable resources. The

application process typically involves submitting resumes, cover letters, and sometimes

transcripts, followed by multiple rounds of interviews and background checks. The job search

timeline can vary, but leveraging networking, job boards, recruiters, and internships

significantly improves a lawyer’s chances of securing a position.

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7. Education/Training
Becoming a lawyer requires extensive education and training. The process begins with

earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, typically in a field such

as political science, history, or philosophy, though any major is acceptable. Afterward,

prospective law students must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which evaluates

reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking skills. Following this,

students attend a Juris Doctor (JD) program at an accredited law school, which generally

takes 3 years to complete. During law school, students study core subjects like constitutional

law, contracts, and criminal law, while also gaining practical experience through internships,

clinics, and moot court competitions. After earning a JD, aspiring lawyers must pass the bar

exam in the state where they intend to practice, which tests knowledge of state and federal

law and may also require an ethics exam, the Multistate Professional Responsibility

Examination (MPRE). Once they pass the bar, lawyers must participate in continuing legal

education (CLE) throughout their careers to stay updated on changes in the law. The entire

process to become a lawyer typically takes around 7 years (4 years for a bachelor's degree

and 3 years for law school), followed by passing the bar exam and fulfilling ongoing

educational requirements (The State Bar of California).

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Conclusion

Based on my MBTI type (INTJ) and Jung Typology Test results (ENFP), I find that my

personality traits align well with the requirements of a legal career. My analytical and

strategic thinking abilities as an INTJ would be valuable for conducting thorough legal

research, analyzing complex cases, and developing effective legal strategies. Meanwhile, my

ENFP characteristics would enhance my ability to connect with clients, present persuasive

arguments in court, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.

The combination of these personality traits particularly suits the varied demands of legal

work, where success requires both rigorous analytical thinking and strong interpersonal skills.

My natural inclination toward strategic problem-solving, coupled with my ability to

understand and relate to others, would serve me well in navigating the complexities of legal

practice.
 References

Websites
College Recruiter. (2025). Which industries will hire the most legal professionals in 2025? -

College Recruiter. Collegerecruiter.com.

https://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/2024/12/27/which-industries-will-hire-the-mos

t-legal-professionals-in-2025?

Langemo, B. (2024). Transforming the Legal Profession Through Technology and

Entrepreneurship. Americanbar.org.

https://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_practice/resources/law-technology-today/20

24/transforming-the-legal-profession-through-technology-and-enterpreneurship/

NALP - National Association for Law Placement . (n.d.). NALP - National Association for

Law Placement | Prelaw - What Is the Timetable for Legal Recruitment?

Www.nalp.org. https://www.nalp.org/pre-law_timetable

Books
Susskind, R. (2023). Tomorrow’s Lawyers. Oxford University Press.

Government Publications
The State Bar of California. (n.d.). Www.calbar.ca.gov.

https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Admissions/Requirements/Education

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2018, October 10). Lawyers : Occupational Outlook

Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bls.gov.

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm#tab-4