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Lawyer

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AVG. SALARY

$120,780

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EDUCATION

First professional degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Lawyers Career Video

About This Career

Represents clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draws up legal documents, or manages or advises clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security cluster Legal Services pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Analyzes the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
  • Advises clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
  • Selects jurors, argues motions, meets with judges, and questions witnesses during the course of a trial.
  • Interprets laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
  • Presents evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
  • Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
  • Presents and summarizes cases to judges and juries.
  • Studies Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
  • Prepares, drafts, and reviews legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
  • Negotiates settlements of civil disputes.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would sit most of the time. There's some walking and standing. You may have to lift and carry things like books, papers or tools weighing 10 lbs. or less.
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Irregular hours
  • Overnight travel
  • Overtime work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Attorney General
  • Counsel
  • Attorney
  • Attorney at Law
  • City Attorney
  • Deputy Attorney General
  • General Counsel

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support