Do you hold a law degree but didn’t pass the bar? Or do you want to enter a legal career without having to be a lawyer?
There are about 1.3 million lawyers across the United States today. However, the professional world they belong to is not exclusive to attorneys. Entering a law career doesn’t always mean having a law degree and passing the bar.
Instead, there are alternative legal careers you may want to consider if you love the law that much. Continue reading below for seven careers that will get you in the legal field even without a law degree.
1. Litigation Support Professional
As technology continues to leave its mark in the legal profession, the need for litigation support professionals also increased over the past decade. The work of litigation supports professional features paralegal duties and a certain level of technological know-how.
Should you decide to explore this profession, be ready to deal with automating a lot of things for your law firm. You will also assist attorneys as they manage large-scale litigation. Some of the specific duties you will encounter include designing and implementing databases.
As far as the databases go, you need to ensure that the lawyers can manage, index, sort, and coordinate them in large volumes. Additionally, you may contribute to developing various data management strategies. If an attorney needs help in operating technology inside the courtroom, you will be the one to take on the task.
2. Compliance Specialist
If you decide to join the finance or healthcare sectors, you may want to consider becoming a compliance specialist. The work of a compliance specialist is to ensure that the company abides by all laws and regulations that cover the sector.
For example, you will check the details of all policies, procedures, and contracts. You will determine if they all adhere to existing regulations. Moreover, you will conduct compliance audits for the company.
You will also develop and promote the code of ethics to all employees. Additionally, you will monitor the business and spot any irregularities and unusual activities.
3. Paralegal and Legal Assistant
A paralegal or legal assistant is one of the most popular alternative legal careers today. This is also one of those jobs where you work closely with attorneys. Thus, it is also a great stepping stone for people who wish to complete a law degree and become an attorney.
The main task of a paralegal is to assist attorneys in preparing for their meetings, hearings, and trials. This is also the main reason why law firms have their own sets of paralegals and legal assistants. The law firms’ operations improve because of the help of the paralegals.
Some of the key duties of a paralegal are to investigate cases and conduct research on laws and regulations concerning the cases. They also collate and arrange legal documents.
Furthermore, they write pre-trial reports and take notes, and review transcripts during trials. Whether you’re working on a case involving law enforcement officers or partnering with car accident lawyers, expect to handle the filing of exhibits and appeals. This means you will deal with the people in court, as well as the opposing counsel.
4. Law Firm Administrator
If you don’t have a law degree but have extensive management skills and knowledge, a law firm administrator post may suit you well. Since the position is at the executive level, you will likely be a chief managing officer (CMO), a chief operating officer (COO), or an executive director.
A law firm administrator has to manage the business side of the practice. This covers all the hiring, marketing, and branding of the firm. As an administrator, you will oversee the compensation, benefits, and business development of the firm.
Generally, it is the veterans with deep management experience who apply for the position.
5. Conflict of Interest Manager
Part of the intricacies of law practice is dealing with conflicts of interest. This happens when a law firm cannot accept a new client because of a conflict of interest stemming from another client the firm represents.
Because this predicament poses an ethical concern, a conflict of interest manager can step into the picture to avoid any complications. As a conflict of interest manager, your task is to ensure that every new client that the firm accepts doesn’t come doesn’t translate into any conflict of interest.
Hence, you will have to be knowledgeable with the latest requirements and standards on conflict of interest. You will also manage and maintain databases concerning the subject.
6. Jury Consultant
Winning the hearts of the jury can be tricky, especially in high-profile cases. However, attorneys can get a better feel of the jury’s behavior with the help of a jury consultant.
As a jury consultant, your mission is to predict the predispositions of the jury by using empirical data. In turn, you will give valuable information that attorneys can use in their arguments.
Thus, your work entails a lot of research on the jurors’ backgrounds. You will also create juror profiles and assist with the jury selection.
7. Legal Tech Support Specialist
Last but not least, you can venture into a career as a legal technology support specialist. This is perfect for people who have ample skills and background in computer software and hardware.
Your job description mainly revolves around providing top-notch support that keeps all essential safeguards in place. These include security protocols and billing programs in the law firm.
With the position, you will do a lot of hardware and software troubleshooting. You will also find ways to fortify the efficiency, quality, and security of the firm’s services.
Succeed in These Alternative Legal Careers
Through these alternative legal careers, you can live out your love for the law even if you’re not a lawyer. You’ll be working with some of the best minds in the country and will also enrich yours in the process.
However, like in any other profession, you need to pay your dues before reaching the top. Check out our other blog posts to learn the secrets to succeeding in any legal career you choose.