Monday, January 07, 2013

Diversifying To Meet the Challenges of an Over-Saturated Law Profession


If you're interested in a career in law, you don't necessarily have to become a lawyer. In fact, the law field is heavily saturated right now. Perhaps instead, you can choose a specialized job, such as a legal transcriptionist or a paralegal. Or at least consider these as alternatives. Each of these jobs plays a crucial role in society to help protect the rights of all citizens. The following information about alternative careers will provide you with information on how to decide between which legal career to pursue:

Legal Transcriptionist

A legal transcriptionist is responsible for transcribing the proceedings from a legal proceeding into a clear document. Before you can apply for this job, you must undergo vigorous legal transcription training. This training will prepare you to use the tools needed for this job, including a computer. In addition, you'll also learn how to pay attention to small details, efficiently transcribe spoken legal proceedings, and edit your final document into a readable format.

After completing your training, you can get a job in a number of different locations. If you're an East Coaster this could include applying at some of the top Boston law firms or government agencies in Washington, if you're prepared to move. Some employers may even allow you to work from home with the proper equipment. In this career, you can expect to make between $30,000 and $40,000 per year. In addition, your experience as a legal transcriptionist can help you advance to another related job, including as a legal researcher or legal assistant.

Paralegal

Paralegals help attorneys in a number of different settings, including at law firms and corporations. These individuals do not represent clients or fulfill any official role in a court. Instead, paralegals offer assistance to those involved in a court case by performing research, examining evidence and managing files.

Most paralegals have at least an associates degree. Additionally, many paralegals choose to specialize in particular fields of law, such as divorce, personal injury or criminal law. On average, paralegals earn approximately $50,000 a year. After gaining more experience, you can earn even more money. The paralegal field offers plenty of room for growth as the demand for these professionals continues to grow.

Mediator

Due to the legal delays associated with divorce and other legal procedures, many individuals turn to mediators for help. Mediators assist parties who are locked in legal gridlock by offering suggestions and fresh ideas. Although a background as a lawyer can help with this job, becoming a mediator doesn't require any special experience. However, mediators do need special personality traits; mediators must exercise discretion, neutrality and patience with each party in a dispute. Most mediators prepare for their career by enrolling in mediation education programs.

This particular career is growing in popularity as more people seek to avoid expensive court cases. Mediators can expect to earn $30,000 per year when they first begin. If you can get a full-time mediator job with a local government or other agency, you may earn up to $100,000 a year.

If you want to get a job in law but have no interest in becoming a lawyer, or find the competition overwhelming, there are plenty of other opportunities you can pursue. Each of these jobs offers exciting challenges that will put you right in the middle of interesting court cases.


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