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