Law is a very versatile and rewarding profession that demands the exercise of reason, judgment, fairness and problem-solving. Because of this, a law degree is an excellent tool for anyone who wants to have a tangible effect on the world. Law school widens your horizons by teaching you about ethics, communication, and the intricacies of legal and governmental systems.
What does a lawyer do?
Lawyers can work in a wide array of legal fields, including criminal, intellectual property, civil, business, government, and family law. At their core, lawyers write, research, advocate, problem-solve and provide counsel to clients. Not all lawyers go to court regularly.
What can I do with a law degree besides practice law?
A law degree can open the door to careers in the following fields:
- Politics
- Real estate
- Professional counseling
- Entrepreneurship
- Conflict resolution
- Finance
- Education
- Writing
- Human resources
- Lobbying
- Sales
- Marketing
- Law enforcement
- Management
- Motivational speaking
How do I know if a law degree is right for me?
Want to get a taste for law without committing to law school? Try working at a local law firm. There are eight law firms within walking distance of the Willamette campus and 20 firms within a five-minute drive. In addition, the Oregon State Capitol, four courts and all of the agencies that make Oregon’s government-run are across the street from campus.
What kind of legal work can I do as an undergrad student?
Private law firms offer a variety of jobs that don’t require a law degree, including these:
- Office assistant
- Receptionist
- Researcher
- Investigator
- Paralegal
- Litigation support
- Temp worker
Our unique location across from the state Capitol will give you an opportunity to work in various legal departments, such as the following:
- Legislature
- Governor’s Office
- Treasurer’s Office
- Oregon State Supreme Court
- Oregon Court of Appeals
- Marion County District Court
- Oregon Tax Court
- Department of Justice