Legal Occupations encompass a wide range of roles within the legal field. Typical job descriptions may include tasks such as providing legal advice, researching laws and regulations, preparing legal documents, representing clients in court, negotiating settlements, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Specific roles within Legal Occupations include lawyers, judges, paralegals, legal secretaries, legal assistants, and more.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $30,330.00 |
25th percentile | $42,540.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $59,280.00 |
75th percentile | $132,730.00 |
90th percentile | $216,940.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $14.58 |
25th percentile | $20.45 |
median (50th percentile) | $28.50 |
75th percentile | $63.81 |
90th percentile | $104.30 |
Legal Occupations encompass a wide range of roles in the legal field, including lawyers, paralegals, legal secretaries, and others. To pursue a career in Legal Occupations, individuals typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, most positions in this field require further education. For example, becoming a lawyer necessitates completing a bachelor's degree, followed by attending law school and passing the bar exam. Paralegals often have an associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies. In contrast, legal secretaries may only require a high school diploma but could benefit from additional specialized training or certification. Training for Legal Occupations varies based on the specific role. Lawyers undergo extensive education in law school, which typically involves coursework, practical experience through internships, and passing the bar exam to become licensed to practice. Paralegals often complete certificate programs or associate degrees in paralegal studies, focusing on legal research, writing, and procedures. Legal secretaries may receive on-the-job training or attend vocational schools to learn about legal terminology, document preparation, and office procedures specific to law firms. Continuing education is crucial across all Legal Occupations to stay current with laws and regulations.