Lawyers provide legal representation and advice to individuals, businesses and government agencies. Lawyers may specialize in family law, personal injury litigation or corporate law practices.
Many lawyers work in private law firms. A firm may be large or small and include workers other than just attorneys.
Law Firms
Many new lawyers seek jobs with large law firms, which typically offer prestige and higher salaries. Such firms typically employ hundreds or even thousands of staff and lawyers work on complex and challenging legal projects for clients; typically starting out as associates before becoming equity partners of the firm.
As law firms grow larger, attorneys must bill clients more hours for legal services (except litigation contingency fees ) in order to earn a profit; associates must keep close track of their time in six-minute increments.
Compensation systems at law firms can have a dramatic effect on their culture. Some firms employ modified lockstep models that pay partners according to years of service while also giving them opportunities for bonuses and profits based on performance; other firms use merit-based models which encourage competition over collaboration among partners.
Government
Government lawyers often come to mind in relation to criminal trials or political debate on Capitol Hill. However, federal, state and local government agencies provide opportunities for government lawyers in many legal areas.
Government attorneys work in various capacities within both the executive and legislative branches, though judicial positions are also common. Lawyers often serve as law clerks in congressional offices or committees or hold leadership offices such as majority or minority leader or speaker of the house positions.
On the executive side, federal agency attorneys may be found in any number of locations, from district attorney offices and public defender offices to in-house counsel hired by state governments for civil litigation and compliance or code enforcement issues. Hiring occurs frequently through informal channels; networking plays a crucial role in finding employment with any government agency.
Immigration
Immigration attorneys work with people from around the world who wish to live, work, or study in the United States and assist in navigating their complicated path to citizenship. Since immigration law may intersect with other areas of legal practice such as family, civil rights or criminal, attorneys who specialize in this field often also practice family, civil rights or criminal law and have knowledge in multiple other legal specializations as well.
Are You Wanting to Become an Immigration Lawyer? Gain Experience through Volunteer Activities, Internships, Clerkships or Externships
Real Estate
Real estate attorneys typically work in law firms or as on-staff lawyers for property agencies, government entities or corporations. Some attorneys even function as title insurance agents.
Interns will assist attorneys with research and analysis related to contracts and real estate transactions. Common assignments include researching and drafting memos as well as attending and participating in Division meetings.
Interview with Samantha Harnett, General Counsel of online brokerage ZipRealty, who discusses her journey into real estate law as well as work environment and workload. Available on Lexis. ACREL provides membership opportunities as well as insight into industry practices and potential employment prospects for real estate lawyers.