sample law school personal statements

Though the ultimate goal is to be able to practice law, not all law graduates may become practicing lawyers themselves. It’s good to know that they’re not only limited to presenting cases in the court room or representing clients for the legal process. In fact, law degree holders may also explore other career opportunities. To give you an idea, here is a shortlist.

Be part of the academe

Bar passers and new graduates can also be part of the academe. They can teach law or even build a career as a university or college professor. Law graduates are not only limited to teaching in law schools. They can also be a faculty member in universities, ivy league institutions, and community colleges while teaching law-related courses.

Be part of the business world

Law degree holders may qualify for a higher position in the corporate setting. A law degree is a good academic background that can land them jobs in different business fields such as finance, taxation, and accountancy.  Their knowledge of law can be applied when dealing with business strategies, local  policies, and international business standards. Law degree holders can also be HRD (Human Resource Department) managers.

Be part of a research project

Their training in law school exposes law degree holders to different fields of research. They can use this developed skill in data analysis, information gathering, and report making. They can be part of the publishing industry for making law journals or consultancy firms for heading project management.

Be a policy-maker

In having to deal with the complex rules of law, law graduates can be effective in policy-making. They can review existing policies and help improve the system of rules for private organizations, business companies, and also government agencies. This can also be a good ground when planning to run for public office.

Be a law enforcer

Law graduates can build a career in law enforcement. By meeting the physical qualifications and other requirements of this industry, law graduates may rise to different law enforcement positions.

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So you’ve read sample law school personal statements, written your admission essay, got into law school and graduated. But you realized you don’t want to pursue a career in law. What are you going to do?

Well, you’re not really lost. With a law degree, you still have a lot of career options. In fact, because you’ve undergone four years of college and another four years of law school, you’re more qualified for various jobs than many of the other applicants. You just need to know your interests and skills to discover the career that’s right for you.

Here are some career options for a law school graduate:

1. Education career

Who else is better equipped to teach legal subjects than someone who has at least a bachelor’s degree in law? You can effectively apply all that you’ve learned in law school especially with the skills in analysis, persuasive communication, research, and writing you have developed during those four grueling years in law school.

Some subjects a law school graduate may teach in college or law school are law and economics, law and society, law and history, law and psychology, legal studies, business ethics, environmental policy, intellectual property, and criminal justice. You, as an educator, may also pursue a master’s degree in law or a doctorate in Juridical Science to be more effective in your career.

2. Entertainment and media careers

Believe it or not, entertainment and media careers are also an option for law school graduates. In fact, there are some Hollywood actors and actresses who spent a few years in law school and later pursued an acting career. One example is Gerard Butler who played King Leonidas in the movie “300″ and the Phantom in the movie remake of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of The Opera.” But of course, an entertainment career applies only if your heart is in acting.

On the other hand, law school graduates like you may use your research skills in some media careers. Examples of possible occupations are legal editor, law correspondent, legal newspaper publisher, legal publisher account representative, sports agent, literary agent, or publishing house acquisitions editor.

3. Administration and management careers

Many large companies are looking for qualified persons who can perform jobs like foundation executive, grants management specialist, unclaimed property administrator, management analyst, or program analyst. Having a broad knowledge of the law and various legal issues gives you leverage for such positions.

4. Environmental career

If you have a background in science or studied the sciences during college, you may work as an environmental consultant, environmental advocate, environmental protection specialist, environmental policy analyst, or hazardous waste management consultant. You may also opt for positions like safety and occupational health specialist, technological program hazards specialist or coastal zone resources manager.

5. Other careers

Further suggestions are careers in:

- Financial services
- Journalism and research
- Real estate
- Human resources and employment
- Law enforcement
- Criminal justice
- Insurance and risk management

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