Categories of Legal Occupations
The legal profession is in some ways a reflection of the human condition. Almost every imaginable aspect of living may intersect with the law. Creating legislation, testing its application in public affairs and modifying its structure are three main elements of jurisprudence. Supporting each of these elements requires special knowledge and skills and is the source of many different occupations.
Each aspect of litigation generates demand for a diverse workforce. Attorneys alone account for a host of different specialties. Practitioners range from traffic citation lawyers to elected lawmakers. Aside from counselors, many other occupational specialties make up the law’s inner workings and support its role in daily life. The various jobs that exist as a result of legal activities can be divided into roughly 2 categories.
Creating Laws
Legislators within most democratic governments are elected officials. Lawyers are generally the most common candidates for these positions but business executives and military members are also often nominated and elected. Systems that are integral to the legislative process generate many occupations such as congressional staffers, lobbyists and researchers. A veritable army of different workers fill administrative functions that only exist because of the legislative process. Maintenance personnel for facilities such as the houses of congress and the supreme court alone account for thousands of jobs.
Administering and Enforcing Laws
There is an almost endless list of positions within this area of the legal system. Elected and appointed judges are normally lawyers that have distinguished themselves over time. Court related professions include court reporters, bailiffs, forensic specialists, paralegals and law clerks. The enforcement careers include frontline police officers, detectives and a host of supporting administrative roles.
The legal system is constantly producing jobs that serve a variety of needs within civil society. Beyond those careers within the legislative process, courtrooms and enforcement functions academia focused on studying the law is yet another source of work. All these roles help to maintain some degree of justice in modern life. The law is a fascinating area that is constantly evolving to accommodate human endeavors.
