The legal industry includes all law firms, government agencies, and businesses that deal with legal practices. The legal industry encompasses professionals who participate in civil and criminal court proceedings, conduct research and attempt to resolve legal disputes.
The legal industry generates over $280 billion per year in the United States. While most people have a basic understanding of the work that attorneys and judges perform, there are several fields of law attorneys can specialize in and other unique legal careers you can opt to pursue if you’re interested in a legal profession.
Human Rights Attorney
Human rights advocates fight for the rights of their clients. Attorneys who specialize in this field of law, such as Malliha Wilson, may prepare lawsuits against employers who discriminate against employees based on their race, gender, or sexual orientation. Their clients are the most vulnerable members of society, and these lawyers can affect laws and set precedents that help protect the rights of others who experience discrimination.
Clients who believe their human rights have been violated may turn to human rights lawyers, such as Wilson, with years of experience preparing cases for Indigenous clients and experience with provincial and federal law. Wilson has also argued cases before the Supreme Court of Canada, which means she’s equipped with the experience needed to take human rights cases to Canada’s highest court.
Personal Injury Attorney
People who’ve been injured in an accident often face financial challenges while receiving treatment for their injuries. Whether you’ve been hurt in an auto accident or a work accident, you may benefit from seeking legal advice from a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury attorneys offer free consultations so you can be confident you have a solid legal case before hiring an attorney. Your lawyer will gather all the evidence they need to prepare a personal injury lawsuit.
Victims should hire a personal injury lawyer with years of experience with personal injury lawsuits because they know about relevant case law they can use to support their case. Your attorney will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any property damage you incurred. To find a personal injury lawyer in the Chicago area, Google “personal injury attorney in Chicago” and look for attorneys who offer a free consultation and have testimonials from clients they’ve helped. Some personal injury attorneys also handle wrongful death lawsuits, medical malpractice, and birth injury cases.
Legal Nurse Consultant
Legal nurse consultants are medical and legal experts. These professionals typically begin their careers as registered nurses (RNs) or nurse practitioners (NPs). Attorneys who’re handling personal injury lawsuits, medical malpractice cases, or birth injury lawsuits may hire a legal nurse consultant to provide expert insight and help them prepare their case. Legal nurse consultants may interview witnesses and conduct research. They may also testify in court as an expert witness.
Mediator
Two or more people who have a dispute may go to civil court to seek a resolution, but they can also opt to see a mediator. Mediators attempt to help each party address their concerns and reach an amicable agreement to resolve their differences. Couples who file for custody as part of their divorce proceedings are usually referred to mediation. Mediators can help these parties develop a custody agreement that suits their personal needs and interests.
Law Teacher
Attorneys must earn an undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree before passing the bar exam. This process typically involves seven years of postsecondary studies.
Individuals who have a graduate degree can opt to teach the next generation of legal professionals. Postsecondary law teachers prepare lessons, teach classes, evaluate students, and advise students. These academic legal experts may work at colleges or universities where they teach law courses. Becoming a postsecondary law teacher is an excellent option for those who have years of experience working as lawyers and want to switch career paths. Postsecondary instructors may also teach courses for paralegals and legal secretaries.
Although most people have a basic understanding of the type of work lawyers do, many lawyers focus on unique legal specialties, such as human rights and personal injury law. Other unique legal professionals include legal nurse consultants, mediators, and law teachers.