Lawyers
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions.
Salary distribution (US)
Real salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The p10–p90 spread tells you more than the median alone.
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- Law and Government
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Economics and Accounting
- Communications and Media
- Computers and Electronics
A day in the life
You start your morning reviewing case files, reading new filings from opposing counsel, and responding to a steady stream of client emails and calls that demand quick, precise legal guidance. Your day might include drafting contracts or motions, conducting legal research on Westlaw or LexisNexis, taking depositions, negotiating settlement terms, or appearing in court to argue motions before a judge. You work closely with paralegals, junior associates, expert witnesses, and clients whose livelihoods or freedom may depend on your counsel. The intellectual challenge of constructing airtight legal arguments is deeply satisfying, but the billable-hour pressure, adversarial nature of litigation, and high stakes for clients can make the profession emotionally exhausting.
Is Lawyers right for you?
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