What Can You Do With a JD Degree?

A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a professional degree that qualifies graduates to practice law in the United States. It is a three-year program that typically requires a bachelor’s degree for admission.

JD graduates have a wide range of career options both inside and outside of the traditional legal profession. According to the American Bar Association, only about half of all JD graduates work as lawyers. The rest work in a variety of fields, including business, government, finance, and non-profit organizations.

What Can You Do With a JD Degree?

Here are some of the most common career paths for JD graduates:

• Lawyer

The most common career path for JD graduates is to become a lawyer. Lawyers represent clients in court, advise clients on legal matters, and draft legal documents.

• Judge

Judges preside over court cases and make decisions based on the law. They must be fair and impartial, and they must have a deep understanding of the law.

• Prosecutor

Prosecutors represent the government in criminal cases. They investigate crimes, file charges, and try cases in court.

• Public defender

Public defenders represent indigent clients who cannot afford to hire their own lawyers. They provide legal advice, representation, and advocacy for their clients.

• Legal aid attorney

Legal aid attorneys provide legal services to low-income clients. They work in a variety of settings, including legal aid clinics, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.

• Corporate lawyer

Corporate lawyers advise businesses on legal matters. They help businesses comply with laws and regulations, negotiate contracts, and resolve disputes.

• Government lawyer

Government lawyers work for government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. They provide legal advice to government officials, draft legislation, and represent the government in court.

• Non-profit lawyer

Non-profit lawyers work for non-profit organizations. They provide legal advice, representation, and advocacy for their clients, who may include low-income individuals, victims of domestic violence, or environmental organizations.

What Are the Benefits of a JD Degree?

There are many benefits to earning a JD degree, including:

• High earning potential. Lawyers are among the highest-paid professionals in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers is $126,930.

• Job security. Lawyers are in high demand, and there is a low unemployment rate for lawyers.

• Intellectual challenge. The law is a complex and challenging field. JD graduates must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Public service. Lawyers can use their skills to help others and make a difference in the world.

What Are the Challenges of Earning a JD Degree?

There are also some challenges to earning a JD degree, including:

• The cost. Law school is expensive. The average cost of tuition and fees for a three-year JD program is over $100,000.

• The time commitment. Law school is a full-time program. Students must be prepared to spend three years in school and study long hours.

• The stress. Law school is stressful. Students must be able to handle the pressure of exams, deadlines, and competition.

Is a JD Degree Right for Me?

If you are considering a career in law, you should carefully consider whether a JD degree is right for you. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Do you have a strong interest in law?
• Are you good at analytical thinking and problem-solving?
• Are you able to handle stress?
• Are you willing to make a significant investment of time and money in your education?

If you answered yes to these questions, then a JD degree may be right for you.

What Can You Do With a JD Degree Besides Law?

If you are interested in earning a JD degree but are not sure if you want to practice law, there are many other career options available to you.

Here are some of the most common non-law careers for JD graduates:

• Business
  • Management consultant
  • Investment banker
  • Financial analyst
  • Marketing manager
• Government
  • Policy analyst
  • Legislative aide
  • Regulatory affairs specialist
• Finance
  • Compliance officer
  • Risk manager
  • Financial planner
• Non-profit
  • Executive director
  • Program director
  • Legal advocate

There are many creative ways to use a JD degree outside the world of law. If you are creative and open-minded, new possibilities are constantly emerging.

4 Useful Tables

Table 1: Median Annual Salary for Lawyers

Table 2: Common Non-Law Careers for JD Graduates

Table 3: Challenges of Earning a JD Degree

Table 4: Benefits of Earning a JD Degree

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when considering a JD degree:

• Not doing your research. Before you apply to law school, make sure you do your research and learn about the different career options available to JD graduates.
• Applying to too many schools. It is important to be realistic about your chances of getting into law school. Do not apply to too many schools, or you will waste your time and money.
• Not preparing for the LSAT. The LSAT is a standardized test that is required for admission to law school. Make sure you prepare for the LSAT and get a high score.
• Not taking advantage of financial aid. Law school is expensive, but there is a lot of financial aid available. Make sure you take advantage of all the financial aid programs that you qualify for.
• Not networking. Networking is essential for success in law school and in the legal profession. Make sure you network with other students, professors, and lawyers.
• Not taking care of your mental health. Law school is stressful. Make sure you take care of your mental health and seek help if you need it.

Conclusion

A JD degree can open up a world of possibilities. If you are interested in a career in law or in a related field, a JD degree may be right for you.