Lawyer

11/10/09

Per. 8
Nature of Work

The Ohio Career Information System describes lawyers as those who

“study, explain, and apply laws to specific problems”. This can take many

forms, such as defending or prosecuting someone in court or giving legal

counseling or advice. Specific duties a lawyer might have depend on their

specialty. There are numerous areas that can be specialized in. These

include international, environmental, intellectual property, and bankruptcy

law. The majority of lawyers, however, are in what is called “private

practice”, working with civil or criminal law. Civil lawyers will only rarely step

foot inside a courtroom. They deal with matters like contracts, mortgages,

and wills. Criminal lawyers represent or prosecute people who have been

charged with crimes in court.

Working Conditions

Lawyers commonly work around 50 hours a week, which is a lot more

than the standard of 40 hours. Lawyers always work inside, whether in a

courtroom or an office. It is not a hazardous job, but it can be a stressful one.

There are strict deadlines, and the workplace is often competitive. Also,

lawyers must often deal with lawyers or clients who are angry and upset.

They must be exact and decisive, work well in a team, communicate with

others effectively, and be comfortable speaking in front of large groups.

Training or other Qualifications

 Lawyers must be licensed by the government to practice law. Every

state has requirements that vary slightly, but are essentially the same. In

Ohio, prospective lawyers must be at least 21 or older. They must have both

a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and a law degree from a

school approved by the American Bar Association. They must pass the Ohio

bar exam and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam. All lawyers

take an oath of office. In addition, after getting their license, lawyers must

register their status every two years with the Supreme Court of Ohio. It

typically takes 4 years to receive a bachelor’s degree, and an additional 3 for

a law degree.

Employment Outlook

The Occupational Outlook Handbook has estimated an eleven percent

increase in the employment of lawyers from 2006 until 2016. This is around

the average estimated growth rate for jobs in that decade. However,

because of the large number of students that graduate from law school

every year, competition for jobs is expected to be very stiff.

Earnings (Wages on Average)

The average wage of lawyers in the United States is $110,590 a

year. For lawyers in Ohio, this number is somewhat lower, at $92,230 a year.

Lawyers employed by law firms or corporations generally earn more than

those who are employed by the government. Lawyers who work in a firm

along with other lawyers typically earn more than lawyers who work alone.
Related Occupations

Other jobs related to the occupation of lawyer include jobs in the legal

field such as judges, paralegals, and law clerks. It is also similar to many jobs

in business fields like positions in banks, insurance firms, real estate

agencies, and government as administrators and managers.

Sources of Additional Information

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, more information

about lawyers or law school can be found by contacting the American Bar

Association at 321 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610. They also have a

website at http://www.abanet.org. Another organization you can contact is

the National Association for Law Placement at 1025 Connecticut Ave. NW,

Suite 1110, Washington, DC 20036. Their website is at http://www.nalp.org.

Advantages of Job

Being a lawyer offers steady employment and high pay. Many full-time

lawyers for firms receive benefits such as sick leave, paid vacation time,

health insurance, and even a retirement plan. There are good opportunities

for advancement as a lawyer gets more experience and seniority at a firm.

The best lawyers are sometimes asked to become federal judges. Lawyers

also have a degree of independence, to try out their own ideas and make

choices.

Disadvantages of Job
 Lawyers work long hours, many more than 40 hours a week. The work

atmosphere is stressful, with strict deadlines and unrelenting clients.

Lawyers must take several very difficult tests in order to receive their

license. These tests include the bar exam. Each state has its own bar exam

and it must be passed before a lawyer can practice law in that state. The job

market is very competitive and it can be difficult to get started.

Works Cited

“Lawyers.” Ohio Career Information System. Ohio Department of Education.

7 Oct. 2009 < http://ocis.ode.state.oh.us/info2.aspx?

FileID=Occ&FileNum=100115>.

“Lawyers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition. 18 Dec. 2007.

Bureau of Labor. 7 Oct. 2009 <

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos053.htm >.