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Law

A number of careers in the field of law help keep members of our society safe. From the policeman who catches criminals to the prosecuting attorney who helps put them behind bars, a lot of people are part of the chain of law enforcement. You can work in the law field in your local community or in the federal government, working for organizations like the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency or the United States Supreme Court! If you believe strongly in protecting our society and ensuring that justice is served, a career in law may be for you!

LAWYER

In a Nutshell

young female lawyer

Lawyers give people advice and tell them what they can and can't do under the law. Sometimes, they hire lawyers to take their side in court against other people or companies or against the government. If you're a good communicator, like to do research and can argue your point of view well, then you might want to consider law.

Get Ahead

  • Lawyers need a license from the state in which they want to work.
  • To get a license, people need to get a college degree and then go to law school for 3 years.
  • Take English classes to learn how to write, do research and make presentations.

Earning Power (2008)

  • Nationally, half of all lawyers earned between $72,060 and more than $145,000 per year.
  • In Texas, they earned between $71,150 and more than $145,000.

They Did It

  • Abraham Lincoln — 16th U.S. president
  • Thurgood Marshall — his work as an attorney ended segregation in the United States
  • Gloria Allred — women's rights lawyer

POLICE OFFICER

In a Nutshell

If you keep your cool in stressful situations, enjoy helping the public and have a strong body and character, police work could be a good career match for you. Police and detectives enforce laws. They catch criminals. They collect evidence. At times, they testify in court. Others patrol set areas to prevent crime. Some patrol and give out traffic tickets. Because police work is a 24-hour job, some police have to work nights and weekends.

Get Ahead

  • You must be a U.S. citizen.
  • You must pass a written test.
  • Get your high school diploma.
  • All federal police agencies require a college degree.

Earning Power (2008)

  • Nationally, the middle half of all police and sheriff's patrol officers earned between $37,370 and $62,630 per year.
  • In Texas, they earned between $36,440 and $56,430.
  • Nationally, the middle half of all police and detective supervisors earned between $56,940 and $88,550.
  • In Texas, they earned between $53,530 and $81,110.

COURT REPORTER

In a Nutshell

Court reporters make word-for-word reports of court cases, meetings, speeches and other events. Court reporters play a critical role in legal proceedings. They are expected to create a complete and accurate legal record. Accuracy is crucial. They also provide closed-captioning and translating services for deaf and hearing-impaired people.

Get Ahead

  • Training is offered by about 130 vocational and technical schools and colleges.
  • This training will allow you to capture at least 225 words per minute.
  • Develop your listening skills.
  • Good writing skills are also needed.

Earning Power (2008)

  • Nationally, the middle half of all court reporters earned between $32,880 and $61,040 per year.
  • In Texas, they earned between $28,510 and $63,750.

JUDGE

In a Nutshell

Judges make sure that trials are fair. They resolve differences between lawyers. They read the law to decide what lawyers can and can't do. To make their decisions, judges research legal issues. Judges also write about their decisions and legal opinions. Sometimes, they ask lawyers or law clerks to help with research. Judges need to know the law very well. Good judgment and patience are important.

Get Ahead

  • Get your college degree and work experience, though most judges have worked as lawyers.
  • Take English classes to learn how to write, do research and make presentations.
  • Social studies classes teach about research and the law.
  • You'll also need strong reading skills.

Earning Power (2008)

  • Nationally, the middle half of all judges, magistrate judges and magistrates earned between $55,570 and $140,680 per year.
  • In Texas, they earned between $16,040 and $83,800.
  • The chief justice of the United States Supreme Court earned $212,100.

They Did It

Supreme Court Justices
  • Thurgood Marshall
  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg
  • Sandra Day O'Connor
  • Antonin Gregory Scalia

PARALEGAL

In a Nutshell

Paralegals, or legal assistants, help lawyers by looking up laws and past cases in books and on computers. Then, they write reports that lawyers use to help prepare their cases. They also keep track of the documents related to the case. Some paralegals help to write contracts and mortgages. Some help to prepare income tax returns and other financial documents.

Get Ahead

  • Community college offers a two-year degree.
  • Hone your research and writing skills.
  • Since they often deal with the public, paralegals must know how to be polite.
  • English classes will teach you how to write and do research.
  • Social studies classes teach about research and the law.

Earning Power (2008)

  • Nationally, the middle half of all paralegals earned between $35,270 and $57,500 per year.
  • In Texas, they earned between $35,480 and $57,830.

Based on material developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.