A degree in Legal Studies prepares you to assist lawyers with various duties including the investigation of facts and research of laws.
Before you begin to look at the different types of opportunities available to Legal Studies majors, you must look at yourself and ask yourself a few basic questions:
Understand your major strengths, skills and accomplishments. Some examples of skills and qualities employers look for are:
Research
Writing
Analytical
Organizational
Oral communication
Attention to detail
Leadership
Computer
Investigative
Interpersonal, etc..
Examine your interests. What kind of life style do I want to lead? Examine your values...is money what you're after, job security, challenging work?
If you are having trouble answering these questions, you are not alone. Make an appointment with an advisor in the Career Center. We want to help you!
Once you know yourself, you are ready to decide where and how you want to apply this knowledge.
A bachelor's degree in Legal Studies and the appropriate skills and/or experience can lead to positions in:
Legal research
Preparing written reports
Drafting pleadings
Obtaining affidavits
Court appearances
Docket preparation
In the areas of law such as:
Litigation
Bankruptcy
Corporate law
Criminal law
Employee benefits
Patent and copyright law
Real estate law
Trusts and estates
Environmental law, etc...
Some examples of related occupations are:
Claims examiners
Compliance and enforcement inspectors
Occupational safety and health workers
Patent agents
Police officers
Title examiners, etc...
For information on graduate schools, consult Peterson's.
Typical places of employment are:
Large and small law firms
Corporations
Financial institutions
Government
Community legal services
Insurance companies
Consumer organizations, etc...