Law
Many students grow up imagining themselves as a lawyer, and for good reason! Law can be an incredibly rewarding, interesting, and challenging career path. There are also several legal career options that don’t require law school. Whether you’ve had a lifelong interest in law or are just curious about certain aspects of the legal field, the Legal Studies major and Criminal Justice Certificate are fantastic opportunities to explore many aspects of related careers, including community advocacy, criminal justice reform, law enforcement, and many more!
Key Skills and Abilities
- Ability to craft a persuasive argument
- Attention to detail
- Logical reasoning
- Creative problem-solving
- Writing and interpersonal communication skills
- Organization and planning
- Commitment to justice and the legal system
Common Employers
- Law Firms
- Nonprofit Organizations
- State and Local Government Agencies
- Federal Government Agencies
- Private Business
Undergraduate
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a standardized test composed of 3 graded sections (2 Logical Reasoning sections and 1 Reading Comprehension section) and 1 unscored section of either Logical Reasoning or Reading Comprehension. The exam tests logical reasoning and reading comprehension skills that are important skills for success in law school and the legal profession. Unlike the GRE, the LSAT is universally accepted by all U.S. law schools. The Center for Pre-Law Advising (CPLA) at UW-Madison offers free services to help you prepare for the LSAT, including guidance on study plans, materials, and test-taking strategies. Visit CPLA for personalized support and resources tailored to your LSAT preparation needs.
Finding internships in the legal field as an undergraduate student can often feel like an uphill battle, as many positions are designed for law school students. Indeed, the majority of positions advertised as “legal internships” are tailored towards law students. However, this doesn’t mean undergraduate students are unable to acquire valuable experience. There are several avenues worth exploring when searching for legal experiences before heading to law school.
Platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, or Google are often relied upon by undergraduates in searching for internship experiences. These platforms frequently list opportunities that, while not always directly labeled as “legal,” can provide relevant experience in fields adjacent to law. Another internship-searching alternative might be cold contacting. Cold contacting can be valuable in at least two ways. First, you may cold contact an employer and to set up an informational interview, where you discuss with an employee about their career path and what they do for work. Second, you may cold contact an employer asking about any open positions they may have. Either way, reaching out directly to law firms or other legal-related employers, clearly stating your position as an undergraduate student at UW-Madison, and expressing your eagerness to learn and assist in any capacity may open doors to opportunities that aren’t even listed. When drafting these cold emails or making calls, it’s crucial to articulate what you can bring to the table.
Additionally, consider broadening your search to areas of your interest. For instance, if you’re drawn to sports law, an internship in sports marketing could provide a unique perspective and valuable contacts in the industry. For those passionate about immigration law, consider internships focusing on immigration policy. These experiences, while not directly within a law firm, can enrich your understanding of the field and enhance your experiences.
Remember, the objective is to build a portfolio of experiences that will not only make you a compelling candidate for law school, but also provide clarity on your legal career pathway. For more tailored advice and resources, both the Center for Pre-Law Advising (CPLA) and SuccessWorks can help. CPLA can offer guidance on the necessary skills for a law school application, and SuccessWorks can help you explore internship and job opportunities to gain those skills. Both offices can provide you with a structured plan to follow as you explore your interests in the legal field, ensuring that you’re not just casting a wide net, but doing so strategically.
A strong resume is important for both acquiring new internship or job experiences, as well as your application for law school. Either way, your resume should outline your experiences beyond the classroom, particularly previous internship experiences, campus involvement, and community service. In general, a strong resume should include sections for Education, Work Experience, and Activities, detailing relevant information such as institutions attended, employment history, and extracurricular involvement. Additional sections like Honors/Awards, Research, and Skills/Interests can be included if applicable. When applying for internships or jobs, your resume likely will only be one page in length unless the employer specifies otherwise. On the other hand, a law school resume may exceed one page unless otherwise noted by the law school. For personalized guidance on crafting your resume, consider working with both SuccessWorks and the Center for Pre Law Advising (CPLA) at UW-Madison. SuccessWorks can help you ensure that your resume fully represents your skills and abilities, and CPLA can confirm that it is adequately tailored to law school requirements.
Examples:
Note that there are a few differences between a resume geared toward applying for legal experiences and one for law school. Law school resumes are often more than a page and may include additional information, like the number of hours per week you worked, volunteered, or participated in a club/organization.
Being actively involved in relevant student organizations during your undergraduate studies can significantly bolster your application to law school. These organizations provide opportunities to develop leadership skills, foster meaningful connections, and engage in activities that demonstrate a genuine interest in the legal field. Whether participating in mock trial teams, pre-law societies, or student government, these experiences offer first hand exposure to legal concepts, courtroom procedures, and advocacy skills essential for success in law school and beyond. Additionally, involvement in these organizations showcases a commitment to community service, critical thinking, and teamwork—qualities highly valued by admissions committees. Through networking events, guest speakers, and workshops, students can gain insights into the legal profession, refine their career aspirations, and potentially secure strong letters of recommendation from mentors within these organizations. Overall, active participation in relevant student organizations not only enriches one’s undergraduate experience but also enhances their competitiveness as they pursue admission to law school. Here is a list of some student organizations at UW-Madison for students interested in the legal field:
Phi Alpha Delta (Pre-Law Co-ed Fraternity)
Latine Pre-Law Student Association
Black Student Law Association (BSLA)
Criminal Justice and Health Association (Exploring the overlap between health and law)
Criminal and Juvenile Justice Student Association (CJJSA)
Undergraduate Law Journal (Info packet Feb 2024) (Interest Form)
Court Observations:
Witnessing courtroom proceedings is a valuable method to delve into law careers and gain insights into legal practice. Whether alone, accompanied by friends, or fellow members of a student organization, observing courtroom proceedings offers a unique learning opportunity. Most court sessions are open to the public, with exceptions for cases involving juveniles.
Madison is home to the Dane County Courthouse, a U.S. Federal Courthouse, and the Wisconsin Supreme Court, all of which provide observation opportunities. By accessing each court’s calendar, individuals can view details of cases, including parties involved and the issues before the court. Judges and attorneys in Dane County are accustomed to observers, particularly pre-law students from UW-Madison. If time permits, they may entertain questions, providing an excellent opportunity to seek clarification on court proceedings or learn more about legal careers.
Volunteering:
Volunteering is a remarkably beneficial alternative to internships for gaining practical experience in the legal field. For aspiring legal professionals, volunteer opportunities, such as working with nonprofit legal organizations, assisting in legal aid clinics, or participating in community outreach programs, provide a unique avenue to develop critical skills. Through volunteering, individuals not only enhance their understanding of the law in action but also build invaluable soft skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Additionally, volunteering demonstrates a commitment to public service and ethical practice, qualities highly esteemed in the legal community. It can also expand one’s professional network, offering connections and references that are essential for future career opportunities. For anyone looking to break into the legal field, volunteer experience serves not just as a resume builder, but as a profound way to make a meaningful impact while honing legal expertise. Students may be able to Google volunteer opportunities based on areas they are interested in, or utilize websites like Morgridge Center or Volunteermatch.org to expand their searches. Visit these resources or schedule an appointment with CPLA or SuccessWorks to learn more.
Mentorship:
Mentorship is an invaluable resource for gaining connections in the legal field, particularly when traditional internships are not available. Engaging with a mentor who is established in the legal profession provides a unique opportunity for personalized learning and growth. Mentors can offer guidance, practical advice, and insights into the complexities of legal practice that are rarely available through other means. They can also help mentees navigate the legal landscape, identify areas of interest, and develop key competencies required in the field. Furthermore, mentors often facilitate networking by introducing mentees to colleagues and potential employers, significantly enhancing career prospects. In essence, mentorship not only accelerates professional development but also helps build confidence and a sense of direction in the competitive and demanding world of law. Visit SuccessWorks Career Conversations to search for mentors!
Gap Year
Taking a gap year or multiple years before law school can be a strategic decision after you graduate, enriching both your personal and professional growth. Pausing formal education allows you to explore diverse interests, gain practical experience, and develop skills that complement your legal education. Whether through internships, volunteer work, or employment in law-related fields, these experiences provide valuable insights into the legal profession, build networks, and enhance your professionalism and leadership qualities—attributes highly valued in the legal field.
Moreover, gap years offer you a broader perspective on life by engaging in travel, volunteering abroad, or cultural exchanges. These experiences deepen your understanding of global issues, diverse perspectives, and legal systems, fostering empathy, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills. Additionally, gap years provide you with the opportunity to clarify your career goals, discover new passions, and align your academic and professional aspirations more confidently. Careful planning and proactive engagement during this time will ensure that you maximize the benefits of your gap year, preparing you for a successful transition to law school and beyond.
Law School and Post Law School Careers
Many students consider law school, and even begin law school, not knowing what area of law they want to practice. Many students also find that they change their interest area while in law school. Fortunately, there are many different types of law one you choose from, and many different types of employers!
In general, there are several different categories of law firms: Small, Small Regional, Large Regional, and National. In general, Small law firms are considered law firms with 10 or fewer attorneys, including solo practitioners. Small Regional law firms have between 11 and 100 attorneys total across one or more offices. Large Regional law firms have between 101 and 250 attorneys across one or more offices. National law firms have at least 251 attorneys across one or more offices.
Learn more about the many different fields of Law that different firms practice and specialize in.
Lawyers working for nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in ensuring legal compliance, protecting the organization’s interests, and advancing its mission. A lawyer’s responsibilities greatly vary depending on size, focus, and activities, but may include: legal compliance, governance and corporate matters, contract review and negotiation, risk management, intellectual property protection, employment law compliance, fundraising and donor relations, advocacy or public policy.
Common Job Titles: General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer, Staff Attorney, Policy Advocate/Legal Advocate, Pro Bono Coordinator, Director of Compliance, Development Officer/Grant Writer, Director of Risk Management, Legal Clinic Director, Director of Advocacy and Legal Services
Lawyers serving state and local government agencies play a pivotal role in ensuring legal compliance, representing the agency’s interests, and providing legal guidance to government officials. Their responsibilities greatly vary depending upon the specific agency and its legal needs, but generally include: legal advice and counsel, regulatory compliance, policy development and drafting, administrative hearings and appeals, litigation and legal defense, contract negotiation and review, land use and zoning, open records and public meetings, interagency cooperation and collaboration, or ethics and conflicts of interest.
Common Job Titles: State Attorney General, City Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Prosecutor, Public Defender, State Legislative Counsel, Administrative Law Judge, State Agency General Counsel, State Legislature Legal Staff, Municipal Court Judge, City/County Solicitor
Lawyers working with federal agencies play essential roles in upholding the law, protecting the interests of the federal government, and ensuring the effective functioning of government programs and initiatives. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of legal matters specific to the agency’s mission and regulatory purpose, however, their tasks may include: legal advice and guidance, regulatory compliance, rulemaking and policy development, administrative proceedings, litigation and enforcement actions, contracting and procurement, intellectual property protection, ethics and legal compliance, interagency collaboration, or international law and diplomacy.
Common Job Titles: FBI Special Agent/Legal Advisor, Assistant United States Attorney, Solicitor General, Office of Legal Counsel Attorney, General Counsel, Legislative Counsel, Federal Judge.
Lawyers in private businesses outside of law firms serve critical roles in ensuring legal compliance, protecting the interests of the company, and facilitating business operations. Although the specific duties vary depending on the industry, size, and needs of the business, a lawyer working for a private business generally does the following: legal counsel and advice, contract negotiation and review, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, intellectual property protection, employment law compliance, litigation management, risk management, or corporate transactions.
Common Job Titles: In-House Counsel/Corporate Counsel, Compliance Officer/Compliance Manager, Intellectual Property Counsel, Employment Counsel/HR Legal Advisor, Real Estate Counsel, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Contracts Counsel, Privacy Officer/Data Protection Counsel, Government Relations/Policy Counsel, Litigation Manager/Legal Risk Manager, Consultant
Other Legal Careers
Paralegals perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers. Paralegals are found in all types of organizations, but most work for law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. They usually work full time, and some may have to work more than 40 hours a week to meet deadlines. Most paralegal have at least an associate’s degree or a paralegal certificate. In some cases, employers may hire college graduates with a bachelor’s degree but no legal experience or specialized education and train them on the job.
Learn more about the many different fields of Law that different firms practice and specialize in.
Legal Assistants and Secretaries are essential members of a law firm, legal department, or other legal entity, providing administrative and clerical support to attorneys and other legal professionals. Their role is crucial to the efficient operation of legal practices, as they handle various administrative tasks and help manage the workflow of legal cases. Some responsibilities may include administrative support, document preparation and management, client interaction and communication, court filings and case management, and billing and timekeeping.
Common Job Titles: General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer, Staff Attorney, Policy Advocate/Legal Advocate, Pro Bono Coordinator, Director of Compliance, Development Officer/Grant Writer, Director of Risk Management, Legal Clinic Director, Director of Advocacy and Legal Services
Court reporters create word-for-word transcriptions at trials, depositions, and other legal proceedings. Simultaneous captioners provide similar transcriptions for television or for presentations in other settings, such as press conferences and business meetings, for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Most court reporters work in courts or legislatures; simultaneous captioners may work from their home or a central office. Some court reporters and simultaneous captioners travel to other locations, such as meeting sites or public events.
Common Job Titles: State Attorney General, City Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Prosecutor, Public Defender, State Legislative Counsel, Administrative Law Judge, State Agency General Counsel, State Legislature Legal Staff, Municipal Court Judge, City/County Solicitor
Legal transcriptionists convert audio recordings into written documents, working with materials from various legal proceedings. They use both standard and specialized equipment to produce these transcriptions, distinct from court reporters and stenographers, but their role may include tasks like preparing, drafting, revising legal documents, and filing paperwork. Certification as a legal transcriptionist, or a “career diploma,” is highly valued in the legal field, enhancing job prospects and providing a pathway to higher education or advanced positions. Many academic programs offer credits that can transfer to or from other degrees. The demand for certified legal transcriptionists is growing, leading to more educational programs, including online options that accommodate flexible schedules, with some programs allowing completion in just a few months.
Common Job Titles: FBI Special Agent/Legal Advisor, Assistant United States Attorney, Solicitor General, Office of Legal Counsel Attorney, General Counsel, Legislative Counsel, Federal Judge,
Legal recruiters specialize in finding qualified lawyers for law firm positions, utilizing databases and legal job boards to match candidates with client needs. They conduct interviews, negotiate benefits, and handle exit interviews, focusing on experienced attorneys rather than entry-level candidates, and may earn commissions upon successful placements. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields and legal industry experience, with some having a law degree or prior work experience in the legal field.
Common Job Titles: In-House Counsel/Corporate Counsel, Compliance Officer/Compliance Manager, Intellectual Property Counsel, Employment Counsel/HR Legal Advisor, Real Estate Counsel, Regulatory Affairs Manager, Contracts Counsel, Privacy Officer/Data Protection Counsel, Government Relations/Policy Counsel, Litigation Manager/Legal Risk Manager, Consultant
Compliance officers are trained to guide businesses and organizations, ensuring they adhere to government regulations. This position spans multiple industries, from healthcare and government to real estate and retail—so a number of postsecondary degree programs can prepare individuals for the job.
While most Compliance Officer positions require a Bachelor’s Degree, some applicants also obtain a Master’s Degree, which may help qualify the applicant for more senior positions and the ability to select an area of specialization.
Private investigators, commonly known as PIs, fulfill a crucial role in the realm of information gathering for a diverse clientele. They navigate through a spectrum of investigative tasks, ranging from delving into legal complexities to unraveling personal histories and examining intricate financial transactions. This multifaceted approach often involves conducting exhaustive background checks, interviewing relevant parties with precision, and discreetly engaging in surveillance operations when necessary to obtain critical information. The journey to becoming a private investigator typically involves a comprehensive educational foundation and relevant credentials. While certain employers may prioritize candidates with degrees in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related fields, formal education isn’t always obligatory. Nevertheless, possessing a robust educational background can significantly enhance one’s understanding of investigative techniques, legal protocols, and ethical obligations integral to the profession. In addition to educational qualifications, licensure is a pivotal requirement for individuals aspiring to practice as private investigators in most states across the United States. The licensure process typically entails fulfilling specific eligibility criteria, including completing requisite training hours, accruing practical experience, and successfully passing a comprehensive examination assessing proficiency in investigative practices, legal statutes, and ethical standards. This stringent licensing regimen ensures that licensed PIs possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethical integrity to carry out their investigative duties competently and responsibly.
Law enforcement officers are essential guardians of public safety nationwide, responsible for enforcing laws and ensuring community well-being. Their roles include crime prevention, offender apprehension, maintaining order, and aiding those in need. Prospective officers typically undergo rigorous training, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent, with many agencies preferring candidates with college coursework in criminal justice. Training at a police academy covers essential areas such as firearms proficiency, legal procedures, and community policing. Following graduation, officers undergo field training to apply their skills in real-world scenarios under supervision. Once certified, officers patrol, respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, make arrests, and engage with communities to build trust and address concerns. This demanding yet fulfilling profession demands strong communication, judgment, and resilience, aiming to uphold justice, fairness, and community safety.
A Master of Law (“LLM”) degree is designed for American or Canadian students who already have a J.D., or International students who have first earned a professional degree in law, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). For American or Canadian students, an LLM can help you specialize and extend your credentials in a specific area or field of practice. For international students, the LLM also typically offers exposure to U.S. or Canadian law systems, common law legal reasoning, and comparative law studies.
The LLM program typically offers a wide range of specialized courses and opportunities for in-depth study in specific areas of law. These areas can include but are not limited to international law, environmental law, tax law, intellectual property law, human rights law, corporate law, and more. One of the key features of an LLM program is its flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals. This may involve selecting elective courses, pursuing independent research projects, or participating in externships or internships with law firms, government agencies, or international organizations.
Continue Exploring
