Employers of Legal Services majors in KS

Lawyers

Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes. They represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law. The majority of lawyers work in private and corporate legal offices. Some work for federal, local, and state governments. Most work full time, and many work more than 40 hours a week. All lawyers must have a law degree and must also typically pass a state’s written bar examination. The median annual wage for lawyers was $119,250 in May 2017. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Competition for jobs over the next 10 years is expected to be strong because more students graduate from law school each year than there are jobs available.

Judges and Hearing Officers

Judges and hearing officers apply the law by overseeing the legal process in courts. They also conduct pretrial hearings, resolve administrative disputes, facilitate negotiations between opposing parties, and issue legal decisions. All judges and hearing officers are employed by the federal government or by local and state governments. Most work in courts. Judges usually have law degrees and work experience as lawyers. However, some administrative law judge, hearing officer, and magistrate positions require only a bachelor’s degree. The median annual wage for administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers was $94,790 in May 2017. The median annual wage for judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates was $133,840 in May 2017. Employment of judges and hearing officers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. These workers play an essential role in the legal system, and their services will continue to be needed into the future.

Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators

Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system. Many arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators work for state or local governments or in the legal services industry. Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators typically learn their skills through a combination of education, training, and work experience. The median annual wage for arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators was $60,670 in May 2017. Employment of arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. This projected growth is driven by the fact that mediations and arbitrations are typically faster and less costly than litigation and may be required in certain types of legal cases.

Legal Secretaries

Perform secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research. The median annual wage for legal secretaries was $44,730 in May 2017.

Judicial Law Clerks

Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents. The median annual wage for judicial law clerks was $51,330 in May 2017.

Law Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in law. The median annual wage for postsecondary law teachers was $104,910 in May 2017.