The following are some of the more common career paths available to lawyers, although you will undoubtedly encounter others. If you require additional information about particular career paths, many branches of legal practice have their own professional associations, journals, and websites.

Private Practice

More than half of all law graduates in North America join private law firms. The size of a private firm can vary from a single practitioner to a large, national corporation with hundreds of lawyers. Law firms are usually organized as partnerships in which the “partners” managing the firm hire “associates” on a salary basis. Associates usually join a private firm with the goal of becoming partners within five to seven years.
Lawyers who flourish in private firms - especially large and well-established firms - will have the highest earning potential. However, compared to other types of practice, private firms require associates to work very long hours.

Job placement at private firms is competitive, and is usually based on your performance in law school, your school’s reputation, your interview, and the demand for lawyers in the area.

In-House Counsel

Many lawyers work exclusively for one corporation or business. While often performing functions similar to those in private law firms, in-house lawyers serve only one client. In-house lawyers usually experience less pressure to work long hours and, subsequently, their salaries are typically lower than those working at private firms.

Lawyers for Government and Public Agencies

While some government lawyers work as prosecutors in criminal cases, most are responsible for writing regulations at the federal, state, provincial, county, or municipal level.

Working in the public sector usually provides generous benefits and pensions, but the salaries in these government positions are significantly lower than those in private practice. Government work is also a common path for those seeking a political career.