Legal Careers
What if your passion for solving problems could become a career that shapes the world around you?
Law sits at the intersection of society’s most important issues - human rights, the environment, business, education, technology, and more. A legal education equips individuals with the tools to analyze complex challenges, advocate for others, and create lasting change. Begin exploring the many fields of law and discover where your interests might lead.
General Information:
- Most full-time law programs take 3 years to complete
- Some schools offer part-time JD programs, which generally take 4 years to complete
- Most law schools require the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) as part of the application for admission
- Upon completion of law school, students earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree
- After graduating, passing the bar exam is required to practice law
- Although there is no undergraduate degree preferred, it’s important for students to take classes that build skills in the following areas:
- Critical Thinking
- Reading and writing
- Research and analysis
Click here to see PPAC’s recommended courses for building these skills
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Animal Law
Animal law is the study and practice of law relating to animals. As an animal rights lawyer, you apply the legal
system to speak for animals and their human associates and allies. You might be contesting animal exploiters,
defending animal rights activists, and campaigning for the legal status and rights of animals.Civil rights attorneys often work for:
• Animal Rights Organizations
• Law FirmsResources:
• I Am The Law Podcast – Animal Protection
• Animal Legal Defense Fund – Animal Law 101US News Law School Recommendations for Civil Rights:
• UCLA School of Law
• Lewis & Clark Law School
• Stanford Law School -
Civil Rights
Civil rights law focuses on protecting individual freedoms and ensuring that government power does not
infringe upon constitutional rights. Attorneys working in civil rights may challenge discriminatory laws, defend
freedom of speech, or advocate for equal treatment under the law. Because it is a competitive field, many
lawyers practice civil rights through nonprofit organizations or pro bono work while maintaining another
primary practice area.Civil rights attorneys often work for:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public interest law firms
- Large law firms handling civil rights litigation
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for Civil Rights:
- Yale Law School
- NYU School of Law
- UC Berkeley School of Law
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Corporate Law
Corporate law focuses on helping businesses operate within the law while achieving their economic goals. Corporate lawyers assist with forming companies, negotiating contracts, managing mergers and acquisitions, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. They often play a central role in advising business leaders on legal risks and corporate governance.
Corporate lawyers often work for:
- Large law firms
- Corporations as in-house counsel
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for Corporate Law:
- University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
- Columbia Law School
- University of Chicago Law School
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Criminal Law
Criminal law addresses conduct considered harmful to society and involves the prosecution and defense of individuals accused of crimes. Criminal lawyers work either to prosecute cases on behalf of the government or to defend individuals accused of violating criminal statutes. Their work often involves courtroom litigation, evidence analysis, and protecting constitutional rights such as due process.
Criminal law attorneys often work for:
- District attorney or prosecutor offices
- Public defender offices
- Private law firms
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for Criminal Law:
- Georgetown University Law Center
- University of Virginia School of Law
- UCLA School of Law
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Education Law
Education law focuses on the legal issues affecting schools, students, and educational institutions. Attorneys in
this field may represent school districts, universities, teachers, or students in matters involving policy
compliance, civil rights in education, or special education disputes.Education law attorneys often work for:
- School districts or universities
- Government education agencies
- Law firms representing students or families
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for Education Law:
- Harvard Law School
- Columbia Law School
- Georgetown University Law Center
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Employment and Labor Law
Employment and labor law focuses on the rights and obligations of workers and employers. Lawyers in this
field may represent employees, labor unions, businesses, or government agencies in disputes involving wages,
discrimination, workplace safety, and labor negotiations.Employment and labor attorneys often work for:
- Labor unions
- Law firms representing employers or employees
- Government agencies regulating labor practices
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for Employment and Labor Law:
- NYU School of Law
- UC Berkeley School of Law
- University of Michigan Law School
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Environmental and Natural Resource Law
Environmental and natural resource law deals with regulations protecting the environment and managing
natural resources such as land, water, and wildlife. Lawyers in this field may work on issues involving pollution
control, climate policy, energy regulation, and conservation.Environmental lawyers often work for:
- Government regulatory agencies
- Environmental advocacy organizations
- Law firms specializing in environmental compliance
Resources:
- I Am The Law Podcast – Environmental Law
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Association of Environmental Professionals
US News Law School Recommendations for Environmental Law:
- UC Berkeley School of Law
- Pace University School of Law
- Vermont Law School
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Family and Juvenile Law
Family and juvenile law addresses legal matters involving family relationships, including divorce, adoption,
child custody, and juvenile justice. Lawyers in this area frequently work directly with families and courts to
resolve sensitive personal disputes.Family law attorneys often work for:
- Small law firms
- Solo legal practices
- Government agencies handling child welfare
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for Family Law:
- Georgetown University Law Center
- University of Minnesota Law School
- Loyola University Chicago School of Law
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Health Law
Health law focuses on regulations affecting healthcare providers, medical institutions, and patients. Attorneys
working in this field navigate issues involving medical liability, healthcare compliance, bioethics, insurance
regulation, and public health policy.Health law attorneys often work for:
- Hospitals or health systems
- Health insurance companies
- Government health agencies
Resources:
- I Am The Law Podcast – Health Law
- Health Policy and Medical Professional Prosecutions
- Excelling at a Large Corporate Healthcare Firm
- American Health Law Association
US News Law School Recommendations for Health Law:
- Saint Louis University School of Law
- Boston University School of Law
- University of Houston Law Center
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Immigration Law
Immigration law focuses on policies governing the entry, residence, and citizenship of individuals entering the United States. Attorneys may assist individuals with visas and citizenship applications or represent clients facing deportation or asylum cases.
Immigration lawyers often work for:
- Government agencies
- Law firms specializing in immigration cases
- Community and nonprofit organizations
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for Immigration Law:
- Georgetown University Law Center
- UC Davis School of Law
- UCLA School of Law
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Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual property law protects creations of the mind such as inventions, artistic works, designs, and brand names. Lawyers in this field work with patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets to protect innovations and creative work.
Intellectual property lawyers often work for:
- Technology companies
- Law firms specializing in patents and trademarks
- Government patent agencies
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for Intellectual Property Law:
- Stanford Law School
- UC Berkeley School of Law
- George Washington University Law School
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International Law
International law addresses legal issues that cross national borders, including treaties, trade agreements, and human rights protections. Lawyers may work with governments, multinational corporations, or international organizations.
International lawyers often work for:
- International organizations
- Global law firms
- Government diplomatic or policy agencies
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for International Law:
- NYU School of Law
- Georgetown University Law Center
- Columbia Law School
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Municipal Law
Municipal law focuses on legal matters specific to cities and local governments. This field includes zoning regulations, land use planning, public services, and local taxation policies. Municipal attorneys help cities comply with state and federal law while managing local governance.
Municipal law attorneys often work for:
- City governments
- County governments
- Law firms advising municipalities
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for Municipal Law:
- University of Virginia School of Law
- UC Berkeley School of Law
- University of Texas School of Law
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Real Estate Law
Real estate law deals with legal matters involving land and property. Attorneys may work on property transactions, zoning regulations, development agreements, or disputes over land ownership.
Real estate attorneys often work for:
- Real estate development firms
- Law firms handling property transactions
- Title companies or lenders
Resources:
- I Am The Law Podcast – Real Estate Law
US News Law School Recommendations for Real Estate Law:
- NYU School of Law
- University of Miami School of Law
- University of Florida Levin College of Law
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Securities Law
Securities law regulates financial markets and the buying and selling of stocks, bonds, and other investments. Lawyers in this field ensure companies comply with regulations designed to protect investors and maintain fair markets.
Securities lawyers often work for:
- Large law firms
- Investment banks or financial institutions
- Government regulatory agencies
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for Securities Law:
- Columbia Law School
- NYU School of Law
- Georgetown University Law Center
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Sports and Entertainment Law
Sports and entertainment law addresses legal issues involving athletes, teams, entertainers, and media organizations. Attorneys may negotiate contracts, manage intellectual property rights, or represent clients in disputes.
Sports and entertainment lawyers often work for:
- Sports agencies
- Entertainment law firms
- Professional teams or leagues
Resources:
US News Law School Recommendations for Sports and Entertainment Law:
- UCLA School of Law
- University of Miami School of Law
- Fordham University School of Law
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Tax Law
Tax law focuses on the regulations governing how individuals and organizations pay taxes. Attorneys in this field interpret the Internal Revenue Code, advise clients on tax strategy, and represent them in disputes with tax authorities.
Tax attorneys often work for:
- Law firms specializing in tax law
- Accounting and consulting firms
- Government agencies such as the IRS
Resources:
- I Am The Law Podcast – Tax Law
US News Law School Recommendations for Tax Law:
- NYU School of Law
- Georgetown University Law Center
- University of Florida Levin College of Law
Co-Curricular Involvement
Student Organizations
UCR students pursuing careers in legal fields have come together to form a variety of organizations and groups. While participation in these groups is voluntary, student organizations are a great way to share interests and goals with others interested in similar paths. The opportunity to connect and to build a support network with others is very important for success. A database of UCR student organizations can be found at HighlanderLink.
- Highlander Mock Trial
- We are a diverse group of UCR students with various interests, levels of experience, and career goals. On our team, you can be an attorney or a witness. Attorney roles are for anyone interested in law, debate, or public speaking. Witness actors receive a character to personify in court- whether it be a grieving mother, a business tycoon, or the number one suspect in a murder case!
- Lawtinx Pre-Law Club
- The Lawtinx Pre-Law Club was founded based on offering representation and resources to the Hispanic/Latinx/Chicanx community at UC Riverside. Despite making up 18% of the United States population, Latinxs make up 4% of the legal field; our goal is to change that. We offer representation, guidance, and community to those interested in pursuing a career in the legal field by hosting speakers and offering LSAT resources amongst other cultural and professional development events. While the emphasis is on the Latinx community, all pre-law students are welcomed!
- Legal Minds Society
- We're a group of UCR students who want to expand the pre-law culture on campus. Our goal is to create a platform for pre-law students to connect and grow. We understand the challenges and opportunities in the field, and we want to make it easier for everyone to access the resources and support they need to succeed. By bringing together like-minded individuals, we can create a strong community that maximizes our resources and helps us all reach our full potential. Join us in building a powerful network of pre-law students at UCR!
- Moot Court Club
- The Moot Court Club is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering skills in legal analysis, oral advocacy, and critical thinking through the simulation of appellate court proceedings. Our members engage in thought-provoking debates, analyze real-world legal issues, and compete in local and national Moot Court competitions. Through workshops, mock trials, and mentoring, we create a supportive environment where students can develop essential skills for law school, legal careers, and beyond. Open to students of all backgrounds, the club aims to empower members to advocate confidently, think critically, and lead effectively.
- National Black Law Student Association
- The purpose of this organization shall be to provide community support for students who desire to obtain a deeper understanding of the legal field through various services such as mentorship opportunities with a local bar association, the opportunity to shadow practitioners of the law who encourage academic excellence, as well as to provide the essential tools needed to assist students in their advancement into the professional community. This club is not limited to those pursuing a J.D., but is open to everyone interested in law and related fields.