A  Michigan Jobs & Career Portal service.  

Lawyers, also called Attorneys, are trained in the law and are authorized to advise and represent clients in legal matters. 

JOB DUTIES      

To view Lawyers or Attorneys at work click here .

Tools and equipment used may include:

• Dictating and other recording equipment 

• Federal and state statutes and interpretations 

• Legal digests, case reports and transcripts 

• Computers (including portable and laptop computers with Internet access) 

• Computer database services (LEXIS, WESTLAW & AMBAR) for legal info. 
   
• Flash memory storage devises

• Facsimile (fax) machines / scanners 

• Cellular telephones & Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's) 

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES    

Lawyers may specialize in these areas:   

110.107-010  LAWYERS, also called Attorneys, advise clients in legal matters.  They give advice about rights and responsibilities when buying property, making a will, or settling an estate. Lawyers also handle the settlement of legal problems out of court or, when necessary, represent clients in court or before government agencies.   

110.117-022  CORPORATION LAWYERS advise corporations about legal rights, obligations, and privileges. They represent the corporation before regulatory agencies and in court. They give advice on tax law, corporate financing, and employee benefit plans.   

110.107-014  CRIMINAL LAWYERS specialize in law cases dealing with offenses against society or the state, such as theft, murder, and arson. They may also handle appeals in Appellate Court.   

110.117-026  PATENT LAWYERS specialize in patent law, which involves advising inventors, investors, and manufacturers concerning whether or not an invention can be patented (granting all rights of the invention, such as producing and selling, for a specific number of years).   

110.117-038  TAX ATTORNEYS advise clients concerning income, estate, gift, excise, property, and other taxes.   

110.117-010  DISTRICT ATTORNEYS, also known as Prosecuting Attorneys, City Attorneys, or State's Attorneys, conduct criminal prosecution cases in court proceedings on behalf of a city, county, state, or the federal government.   

Other areas of specialization include civil law, labor law, personal injury law, domestic relations law, probate law (estate planning), real estate law, insurance law, admiralty law, international law, government administrative law, and copyright law.   

Many individuals who have legal training may not work as lawyers but use their knowledge of law in other occupations. For example, they may be journalists, business executives, management consultants, bankers, and financial analysts. A legal background is also an asset to those seeking or holding public office. Most judges have a legal background.   

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:   

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WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS    

In Michigan, membership in the State Bar of Michigan is required, although membership is not required in all states. Many Lawyers join other professional associations to keep current on events in the field of law. Association membership requires payment of an annual fee.   

You Should Prefer:

• Activities involving people and communicating information 

• Activities of a vague nature requiring creative imagination 

• Activities which bring recognition or appreciation from others  

You Should Be Able To:

• Read with understanding and pay attention to detail 

• Reason clearly and logically, especially when under pressure 

• Communicate clearly and effectively in speech and writing 

• Perform arithmetical operations quickly and accurately 

• Make decisions based on personal judgment 

• Understand people's problems and respect confidences 

• Influence people's opinions, attitudes, or judgments 

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often 

• Have agreeable work relationships with others 

• Plan, direct, or control activities of others  

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:   

Your client is suing for damages in the amount of $800.00. If your client is awarded 80% of his claim, how much money does he receive?   

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:   

Ancillary jurisdiction is a means by which a federal court can exercise jurisdiction over a case for which it cannot exercise diversity or federal question jurisdiction. Ancillary jurisdiction required that there already be a case properly in the federal court's jurisdiction.   

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:   

Prepare a mortgage for a client.   

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:   

Should be able to demonstrate excellent analytical skills, organizational skills, decision making skills, and be detail oriented in advising and representing clients regarding the law. 

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES    

The most common requirements for entering law schools are completing an appropriate undergraduate program with an acceptable grade point average, registering with the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) , completing the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) with an acceptable score, and completing all necessary forms and applications.   

090 LAW (PRE-PROFESSIONAL)    

Pre-Law Programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills required for admission to law school. Most law schools require applicants to have a bachelor's degree, but few require a prescribed undergraduate program for admission. No single Pre-Law Program can be recommended as the best one. Concentrations in history, English and literature, economics, and political science are frequently selected as majors by Pre-Law students.   

Most Michigan colleges and universities offer programs which may satisfy the prerequisites for admission to law schools. Prospective students should contact the law schools of their choice for admission requirements and consult their school's pre-professional adviser to ensure that prerequisites will be met. Courses vary from school to school and between major areas of concentration.   

The most common requirements for entering a community college are a high school diploma, or GED, or being at least 18 years old and completing application forms. In addition, entering a college or university may require graduation from high school in a college preparatory program, a grade point average acceptable to the school to which you apply, and passing entrance examinations.  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***     

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.    

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program      

***MILITARY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES***   

Please check Military website at  http://www.todaysmilitary.com .  

LAWYERS    

The military has its own system of laws and courts. Lawyers administer activities within the military judicial system. They also perform legal research, prosecute and defend court cases, and preside over military courts. They provide legal services for military personnel and represent the services in civil and international legal matters.   

What They Do    

Lawyers in the military perform some or all of the following duties: 

• Give legal advice about government, real estate, commercial contracts, patents, and trademarks 

• Prepare pretrial advice for clients in court-martial cases 

• Act as prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, or judge in court cases 

• Prepare legal documents, such as wills and powers of attorney 

• Interpret laws, directives, regulations, and court decisions 

• Preside over court cases and make judgments based on the Uniform Code of Military Justice 

• Help train new lawyers  

Special Requirements    

A degree in law is required to enter this occupation. In addition, most specialties require a membership to the bar in either federal court or the highest court of a state.   

Helpful Attributes:    

• Interest in working with and researching legal concepts 

• Ability to write clearly and concisely 

• Ability to speak effectively in public 

• Sensitivity to the needs of others  

Work Environment    

Lawyers work in legal offices and courtrooms on land and aboard ships.   

Training Provided    

Job training consists of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes: 

• Military trail procedures 

• Application of the Uniform Code of Military Justice 

• Methods of obtaining evidence 

• Court-martial advocacy techniques  

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.   

Civilian Counterparts    

Civilian lawyers work in private practice and for law firms, government, corporations, and nonprofit groups. They perform duties similar to those performed by military lawyers. Civilian lawyers, however, usually specialize in a particular field. There are several fields of civilian law, such as divorce, trade, and antitrust that military lawyers do not practice.   

Opportunities    

The services have an unknown number of lawyers. With experience, lawyers may be appointed military judges. In time, lawyers may advance to senior management positions in the legal field.    

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY    

All states require individuals to be admitted to the bar before practicing law. Because rules vary, students should investigate the admission requirements of states in which they may wish to work while in law school.   The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Attorney for specific licensing information.  

School-to-Work opportunities include:   

informal apprenticeships   

mentorships   

job shadowing experiences   

touring a local Law employer   

internships   

volunteer work with a Law employer   

community service work with an agency   

Law students may find part-time positions as assistants and researchers in law offices or as law clerks assisting judges in preparing and writing judicial opinions. There are few opportunities for experience without some postsecondary education in either a pre-law or a law program. Related experience may also be gained in the military. Legal service programs (for indigent clients) may offer opportunities for clerking and practicing law under supervision. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:   

ABA Career Center

Lawjobs

LegalForce

HG.org

Michigan Jobs & Career Portal  

simplyhired.com

Indeed | one search. all jobs.

Michigan Talent Bank  

MONSTER.COM  

Yahoo!hotjobs  

CareerBuilder  

USAJOBS - United States Office of Personnel Management  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.   

Jobs for Lawyers go to law school graduates who pass the State Bar examination. Positions are often obtained through direct application to agencies and firms or referrals by professors. Assistance in locating a position may be obtained by consulting newspaper want ads and professional journals. Placement services are offered by the  State Bar of Michigan and law schools. 

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT    

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK    

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

While the majority will find jobs as Lawyers, some graduates may be forced to accept positions for which they are overqualified or in areas outside their field of interest. The willingness to relocate or advanced training in a specialized area, such as taxation, may be an advantage in getting a job.   

Although growth in this occupation will be primarily concentrated in salaried positions in the legal services industry, many openings should also occur in the manufacturing, finance, insurance, and real estate industries. Establishing a profitable new practice will be difficult. Prospects will be best in small towns and expanding suburban areas.   

There are approximately 19,100 Lawyers employed in Michigan.  Almost all of them worked in urban areas. Many others are salaried employees of law firms. Others worked for units of government, banks, insurance companies, real estate agencies, manufacturing companies, or a variety of other business requiring full-time legal services. 

Employment of Lawyers in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. An average of 530 openings is expected each year, with 170 due to growth and 360 due to replacement of those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.   

Opportunities should grow because of supreme court decisions giving persons accused of lesser crimes the right to have a Lawyer; more legal action in such areas as consumer protection, environment, and safety; and growth of prepaid legal plans. The continuous emergence of new laws and legal interpretations will also create new jobs for Lawyers. While stiff competition is expected for traditional positions, jobs that combine a legal background with other skills are opening up in business management, politics, law enforcement, and the news media. Issues about energy, the environment, communications, and space are also expanding.   

Some Lawyers may be affected by the cyclical swings in the economy. During recessions, for example, the demand for such services, as planning estates; drafting wills, forming new businesses; restructuring corporate, company, and personnel matters; and handling real estate transactions declines. However, clients may face other problems which require legal action such as bankruptcies, foreclosures, and divorces. Graduates of top law schools have very good prospects, although those who do not have top grades or those who graduate from lower-rated schools may have trouble finding work. Some take contract work and may work without benefits.  

MICHIGAN 'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

  MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area   

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION    

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