Lawyers

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Median Annual Wage: $114,970

Education: Doctoral degree (76%); Professional degree (16%); Master's degree (8%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Attorney; Associate Attorney; Lawyer; Associate; Assistant Attorney General; Deputy Attorney General; City Attorney; County Attorney; Partner; Assistant Counsel

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Lawyers.

More Legal Careers

  • Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
  • Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
  • Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
  • Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
  • Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
  • Prepare legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals in state and federal courts of appeal.
  • Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
  • Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.
  • Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
  • Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
  • Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions, by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
  • Negotiate settlements of civil disputes.
  • Prepare and draft legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
  • Confer with colleagues with specialties in appropriate areas of legal issue to establish and verify bases for legal proceedings.
  • Supervise legal assistants.
  • Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Lawyers.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  • Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Lawyers.

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