JD degree holders can find work as attorneys or pursue alternative career paths.
A JD, or Juris Doctor, degree is awarded to graduates of law school programs. While many law school graduates will seek employment as attorneys, there are also non-traditional career paths where a JD degree holder can put the speaking, writing and research skills honed in law school to use.
Attorney
The traditional career choice for a JD degree holder is to become an attorney. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, notes that an attorneys job involves advocating for clients in court with respect to criminal and civil matters by presenting evidence tat supports the client. In addition, attorneys advise their clients as to their legal rights and suggest the most appropriate course of action in a particular case. Attorneys can specialize in various areas of the law, such as wills and trusts, personal injury or bankruptcy. Attorneys can work for a corporation, in a law firm as a staff attorney or solo practitioner. Practicing attorneys must pass the bar examination. The median annual salary for lawyers was $110,950 in 2008, according to the BLS.
Law Librarian
The American Association of Law Libraries note that about a third of law librarians have a law degree. A JD degree is usually a requirement for prospective law school librarians, be they directors or reference librarians. However, the association notes that JD degree holders who wish to obtain law library jobs should complete a MLS degree, because even those positions that require a law degree will also require a candidate to have earned a degree in library science. Law librarians research sources, classify library materials, and maintain specialty collections such as those related to taxation, patents and international law. The BLS notes that librarians in colleges and universities earned a median salary of $55,180 in 2008.
Lobbyist
Lobbyists are paid activists who work to encourage change by influencing people with the authority to change laws--typically elected officials. JD degree holders can use their verbal and written communication skills in lobbyist positions. Because lobbyists spend a lot of time dealing with government officials, a solid knowledge of the law and the legislative process is advantageous.
While donating money to a candidate's campaign or to a particular cause is a way to influence people, according to an article published by My Pursuit, a career information website, lobbyists also spend much of their time building a network of contacts that work together to bring about a desired outcome. The Princeton Review notes that lobbyists can work for the public, a private individual or a corporation. Lobbyists make an average annual salary of $46,000, according to My Pursuit.
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