Helping Hands Lawyers

Traditionally, many in-house attorneys obtain their positions when they are working in a law firm and are asked by a client to join the company. In-house lawyers often report that they enjoy greater control over their time than their law firm counterparts. Also, because in-house lawyers represent one client, they are not beholden to the "billable hour." Most government lawyers work at the local level, but state governments and the federal government also hire lawyers to perform a multitude of tasks. Government lawyers include prosecutors (district attorneys, State Attorney Generals, and federal prosecutors who work at the Department of Justice here in D.C. and at U.S. Attorney's Offices throughout the country) and public defenders (who represent those who cannot afford an attorney). Lawyers also work for the Environmental Protection Agency, the Office of Homeland Security, the Security Exchange Commission, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Patent and Trademark Office, and just about every other government agency that you can name. In addition, state legislative bodies and the United States Congress offer many exciting opportunities for lawyers to develop and help pass legislation. Judicial clerks are a subset of government lawyers, but warrant separate mention.

Judicial clerks research and draft memoranda and opinions for judges. Often, these intellectually stimulating and prestigious positions are short term. Frequently, recent law graduates will spend a year or two clerking before embarking on their legal careers. There are, however, some "permanent clerk" positions that allow for long-term employment. Many public interest lawyers work for legal-aid societies, which are private, non-profit agencies designed to serve disadvantaged people. These lawyers might seek medical benefits for AIDS patients, represent the poor in landlord-tenant disagreements, or negotiate child visitation rights for individuals who cannot afford private attorneys. Other public interest lawyers work for non-profit organizations that seek to change the law. Lawyers might strive to strengthen environmental laws, to protect the rights of children in foster care, to promote civil rights of gays and lesbians, or to advocate for racial and religious tolerance. Public interest lawyers work on both the "left" and the "right". Some work to abolish abortion, while others work to strengthen abortion rights; some promote "victim's rights" and advocate in favor of the death penalty, while others strive to abolish the death penalty. Non-profit organizations often struggle for funding. As a result, many are willing to provide (non-paying) internships to interested college students. Even after law school, public interest lawyer positions are not high paying. But because they offer other rewards, these positions are often highly competitive. Lawyers teach in law schools, colleges, and at other educational levels. Many lawyers who hope to become professors first gain teaching experience by working as an adjunct professor and teaching one course while working elsewhere full time. Practicing lawyers who want to teach also often look for publishing opportunities.

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