ATTORNEYS California Occupational Guide Number 322 Interest Area 11 1998
THE JOB
ATTORNEYS, also called LAWYERS, advise clients regarding their legal rights and obligations and act as advocates for them in court or negotiation proceedings. An Attorney's most fundamental activity is the interpretation of case law and its application to specific issues in cases. This requires case research of previously applied laws handed down in judicial decisions called precedence. Attorneys also have to interpret and apply statutes to cases or business transactions.
Most Attorneys are engaged in the general practice of law, therefore, they handle various types of legal issues. An increasing number specialize in specific fields of law. Criminal Attorneys represent clients charged with a crime. Civil Attorneys handle cases that are non-criminal where a client is seeking money for a personal injury, property damage, or a remedy for breach of contract. Attorneys in civil practice also handle divorces and draft legal documents such as contracts, wills, and deeds. Corporate Attorneys act as a company's counsel and advise companies about legal questions that arise from business or security transactions. Attorneys can also practice in other fields of law such as bankruptcy, international law, environmental law, maritime law, patent/intellectual property, and taxation law.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Attorneys work in settings that range from modest offices to comfortably furnished suites in law firms. Offices are usually quiet and are equipped with private areas for interviews and meetings to ensure attorney-client confidentiality. Most Attorneys spend the greater part of their time researching case law and writing court briefs (official court documents). Attorneys spend a good deal of time in court, whether it is for an indictment, trial, or a motion to be argued in front of the judge. They may also spend time interviewing clients at the office, in a client's home or wherever it may necessary.
Attorneys research law in a law library using books or by using a 24-hour on-line law library service. Large firms usually maintain an in-house law library, while sole practitioners, lacking the capital of a firm, may visit a public law library. Many Attorneys and firms subscribe to on-line law services. Law students should be aware of traditional research methods as well as on-line research methods. Attorneys can also purchase CD ROMS instead of expensive and bulky law books in order to maintain their own library within their field of specialty. Attorneys often work under pressure and tension to meet important court filing deadlines and may use evenings and weekends to prepare for a trial. They must keep up with the latest court decisions and other developments within their profession, especially within their field of practice.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 56,030 Estimated number of workers in 2005 74,440 Projected Growth 1993 to 2005 33% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 10,670
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The majority of Attorneys are employed in private firms or as sole practitioners engaged in offering legal services on a contingency fee basis. The remainder are employed primarily by the government and may work at the county, state, or federal level.
Competition remains intense for associate positions with prestigious law firms. Graduates of distinguished law schools who rank high in their class will have the best opportunities for employment with the top law firms. Students also increase their chance of employment by acquiring legal research experience through internships. However, long hours of research at a law firm may not be ideal for many graduates. Those who want to be litigators seek employment with government agencies in order to gain trial experience. While some graduates may hang a shingle and become a sole practitioner.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
A number of factors affect the earning levels of Attorneys. Salaries vary with size and reputation of law firms and small practices, location of employment, type of practice, and clientele. Attorneys can start between $30,000 and $42,000 annually in the government sector with small towns paying less than metropolitan cities. Attorneys with private firms can start from $35,000 to 85,000 annually. Government Attorneys with experience can earn from $34,000 to $55,000 with a senior-level range of $43,000 to $80,000. Some law firm partners and those in private practice earn between $100,000 and $400,000 or more annually. New Attorneys starting their own practice as sole practitioners may earn little more than expenses during the first years or may not break even at all. The normal work week varies with an Attorney's caseload, however, they frequently work over 40 hours a week including late weeknights and weekends
Fringe benefits for private firms and government agencies include vacation, sick leave, holidays, retirement and comprehensive health plans. Benefits for sole practitioners may be difficult in the beginning, but with proper financial planning a sole practitioner can enjoy the same benefits as an Attorney in a firm.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Attorneys should have the ability to deal effectively with all kinds of people such as clients, other Attorneys, witnesses, judges, and jurors. They need the integrity to uphold strict rules of professional responsibility to the client and to the tribunal. Excellent writing skills are essential to write clear and concise briefs and strong communication skills are necessary to represent a client's interests.
A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite to admission into a law school. However, in California, some law schools will admit applicants that have completed at least two years of college. Law schools also require that applicants take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) one to two years prior to applying to law schools. There are LSAT prep courses that are offered by private companies and are highly recommended. A high score is preferred coupled by a high college grade point average. However, law schools also look for a well-rounded applicant. An undergraduate degree in philosophy, English, accounting, political science, history, or psychology may provide a student with a foundation for the study of law.
A Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is conferred upon graduation from law school. Some graduates continue their education by earning a Masters of Law in areas of specialty such as taxation or international business.
Admission to the California State Bar is required in order to be licensed to practice law in California. To qualify for admission, applicants must pass the three day California Bar Examination and a one day Multi-state Professional Responsibility Examination. Applicants must be of good moral character and be at least 18 years old. In addition, applicants should have completed at least two years of preparatory college work, or its equivalent and have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association or the California State Bar Examiners. California also permits alternate courses of study for entrance to the Bar examination: study in law offices under personal supervision of members the State Bar of California who are engaged in active practice of law; study under the direct supervision of a judge; correspondence law school study; or study at an unaccredited law school. These applicants must take and pass a First Year Law Student's Examination nicknamed the "baby bar" before receiving credit for the first year of law study and advancing to the second year.
ADVANCEMENT
The legal profession allows for much advancement. Attorneys who enter practice in private law firms as junior associates may be promoted to senior associate, junior partner, and eventually to a senior partner within six to seven years depending on the size of the firm. Larger firms may take a few years longer. In government service, promotional opportunities lead to greater responsibilities such as prosecuting murders instead of burglaries or Attorneys may be promoted to supervisory positions. Many trial Attorneys are appointed or elected as judges in courts of varying levels. Some Attorneys also elect to teach a law course or become professors.
FINDING THE JOB
Many law students obtain directories of law firms and government agencies and apply directly by sending resumes. Some students are hired after taking the Bar exam but their tenure is dependent upon passing. While other students wait to apply until results are released. Pre-professional experience as a legal intern or law clerk is strongly recommended because the position may lead to a permanent job or provide a law student with valuable experience. Some firms place ads with widely read legal journals and magazines. Some jobs are obtained through referrals from networking.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Committee of Bar Examiners 555 Franklin Street San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 561-8300 www.calbar.org/
Law Services 661 Penn Street Newtown, PA 18940 (215) 968-1001 www.lsac.org/
American Bar Association (ABA) 750 N. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 988-5000 www.abanet.org/
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Paralegal Personnel No. 464
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupation al Titles, 4th Ed., 1991 ) Lawyer 110.107-010 Lawyer, Criminal 110.107-014 Lawyer, Corporation 110.117-022 Lawyer, Patent 110.117-026
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics )System Lawyers 281080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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