What Can You Do with a Legal Studies Degree?

Did you just get your legal studies degree and now have no idea what to do with it?

Or are you only considering this degree and wondering if it’s worth your time?

Legal Studies Degree

Either way, we have good news for you.

You can find a lot of employment opportunities after pursuing legal studies.

Our list should give you a general idea about what to expect, so go ahead and find something that appeals to you!

Law and Legal Services

Legal studies give a strong foundation for roles in law and legal services without requiring a law degree.

Graduates often work closely with attorneys or the court system.

These positions tend to be very selective with candidates, so you should have a strong portfolio to boost your application.

You might want to get assistance from essay help services to make the best first impression.

But what exactly can you do?

Paralegal or Legal Assistant

You can assist lawyers with different parts of their work.

Conduct legal research, draft documents like motions and pleadings, organize case files, or help with client communication.

Paralegals are the backbone of legal teams because they ensure that attorneys are ready for court.

While they can’t give legal advice, their knowledge of procedures and regulations is invaluable for efficient practice.

Court Clerk

Clerks make sure that court records are accurate and properly maintained.

They handle administrative tasks like scheduling hearings, processing documents, and supporting judges during proceedings.

And don’t forget that courtroom logistics would be a messy nightmare without their smart management.

As a clerk, you will definitely have to organize files, prepare case dockets, and coordinate with attorneys and witnesses to keep trials running smoothly.

Legal Consultant

Consultants are all about giving specialized advice to people and organizations in need of understanding the law.

They can offer insights about topics like business compliance, intellectual property, or employment regulations.

This is how they help their clients follow local laws and avoid potential legal risks.

What sets consultants apart is that they tend to work on a freelance or contractual basis.

Compliance Officer

Organizations in highly regulated sectors like healthcare and manufacturing need compliance officers to follow industry standards.

Your main tasks here would be to monitor internal policies, conduct audits, and teach employees about their legal responsibilities.

You may also have to report to regulatory bodies and lend your knowledge to developing effective compliance programs.

Business and Corporate Settings

Legal studies can make you an ideal candidate for corporate roles.

After all, they give you in-depth knowledge about contracts, employment laws, and business regulations.

But remember that it’s not easy to get a place in a big and well-known corporation.

You can check out this source if you need help with your CV and cover letter, especially if you have no prior experience.

Human Resources Specialist

A background in legal studies is important for managing employee relations and making sure that workplace practices follow labor laws.

In this role, you may handle sensitive matters like wrongful termination claims, workplace harassment, and wage disputes.

HR specialists also help to develop policies that would prevent legal risks for the company.

Contract Manager

These professionals are all about creating, negotiating, and executing business contracts.

They work with legal teams to draft legally sound agreements that meet company standards and minimize risk.

Their other responsibilities may involve helping all involved parties understand exactly what they are agreeing to.

Legal language can be confusing and ambiguous for non-professionals, so someone has to explain it.

Risk Analyst

Analysts have to evaluate potential legal risks and keep their companies informed.

They look into corporate practices and operations to find any vulnerabilities.

Their main responsibility is to make sure that the company doesn’t violate any laws or regulations.

What’s more, they often create risk mitigation strategies, especially in industries like finance, where non-compliance brings very painful fines.

Corporate Governance Advisor

Here you will be expected to make sure that your company is directed and controlled in a lawful way.

These professionals help to create governance frameworks that protect the interests of all shareholders and support ethical business practices.

They advise the board of directors on such topics as legal requirements, organizational policies, and industry standards.

Government and the Public Sector

A legal studies degree opens doors to multiple roles in the public sector.

Your knowledge of law and regulations can help you shape policy and support justice.

If you’re passionate about making your community better, you might be interested in one of these opportunities.

The public sector currently suffers from personnel shortages, so you will be welcomed with open arms.

Legislative Assistant

You can support local legislators with tasks like conducting legal research, drafting bills, and preparing briefs.

Legislative assistants analyze existing laws and propose changes that align with the interests of their elected officials.

Their research creates a framework for proposing and enacting laws, and they usually cooperate with stakeholders like lobbyists and constituents.

Policy Analyst

Do you want to be part of shaping government policies?

Analysts use their knowledge and research to understand the potential influences of existing and proposed laws.

They advise lawmakers on policy decisions to find a consensus that will benefit the community the most.

They also have plenty of employment opportunities because they can work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups.

Public Affairs Specialist

These professionals bridge the gap between organizations and the public.

How are legal studies relevant?

Well, this role will expect you to navigate public policy and regulation as well as advocate for specific issues.

You will need legal knowledge to communicate about regulatory problems, manage public views, and guide government relations.

Public affairs specialists usually work with elected officials, policymakers, and lobbyists.

Have you found anything that piques your interest on this list?

If not, don’t feel discouraged.

We outlined the most common opportunities with high demand, but you can always find something more niche.

Even if you’re struggling to understand what you want to do with your degree, remember that legal studies are relevant in many different fields and positions.

Your knowledge will definitely be useful.

Chelsea Wilson

About Chelsea Wilson

Chelsea Wilson is the Community Relations Manager for Washington University School of Law’s distance learning LLM degree program, which provides foreign trained attorneys with the opportunity to earn a Master of Laws degree from a top-tier American university from anywhere in the world.

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