Not everyone reaches the careers they want through the traditional path, there are many ways to get there, and they vary depending on the individual. The same thing applies to the legal profession with a Juris Doctor degree. It’s thought that to become a lawyer, you’ll need a law degree, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Alternative methods, such as getting your JD online, can also help.
A Juris Doctor (JD) degree is one of the most versatile degrees you can earn. It allows you to pursue a career in law or use your JD as a stepping stone to other professions. This blog post will discuss some jobs you can get with a JD degree. If you are wondering what careers are available, then keep reading.
Lawyer
Lawyers in Australia are vital to the functioning of any society. They provide various legal services, from drafting contracts and advising on disputes to preparing for court proceedings or drawing up client claims. The ability to make a difference through multiple avenues is what appeals to those looking for careers as a lawyer and may also appeal to you.
The role of lawyers has become more prominent due not only to their knowledge but also because they’re able to communicate effectively across many diverse fields. These can include corporate law, where transaction amounts can be millions if not billions depending on what industry you work within, or even property law, where they solve property disputes or new home purchases.
If you’re looking to become a lawyer, you can expect to earn around $95,000 a year for an entry-level position. After spending some time in the field, experienced lawyers earn up to $145,000 yearly.
Solicitor
A solicitor is a lawyer who advises and assists clients on legal matters. Solicitors have the same legal training as barristers but mainly provide advice and representation in court. In addition to their work in court, solicitors also draft documents, negotiate on behalf of clients, and provide general legal advice.
While most solicitors work in private practice, the government or large corporations employ some. The majority of solicitors are based in the UK, but there is a growing number of solicitors who work internationally. The average annual salary is around $94,000, while those with over five years of experience make approximately $140,000 annually.
Barrister
A barrister is a type of lawyer who represents clients in court. Barristers usually specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal or family law. In many jurisdictions, barristers undergo special training and need accredited by a professional body before practicing.
In Australia, the state and territory legal professions boards regulate barristers. Barristers typically must have a law degree and complete a period of practical training before they can be admitted to the Bar. Still, this role is also accessible upon completing your Juris Doctor qualification.
You can expect to earn $65,000 a year with an entry-level position. If you’re an experienced barrister, you can earn up to $110,000 yearly.
Magistrate
A magistrate is a judicial officer who presides over cases involving minor offenses. They handle many cases, including traffic violations, petty theft, and simple assault. Magistrates also typically have the authority to issue warrants, set bail, and even preside over trials.
Magistrates are often elected officials, though, in some jurisdictions, the court system may appoint them. They typically serve a term of several years and play an essential role in ensuring that justice is served, helping to ensure that minor offenses do not clog up the court system. The average salary can range from $70,000 yearly to $324,000 yearly for Magistrates with experience.
Judge
A judge is someone who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, and responsibilities of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. Still, the role of the judge is typically to maintain order in the courtroom, hear all evidence and arguments presented by the parties, and render a verdict or sentence.
In some jurisdictions, judges may also have administrative duties such as assigning cases to courtrooms and managing court dockets. The government or the people usually appoint judges, and they typically serve for life or until they reach mandatory retirement age. Typically they can earn anywhere from $66,000 to $376,000 depending on years in the position.
