You may have wanted to become a lawyer to help put criminals behind bars, but you can also help fight crime in other ways. A law degree is useful in the criminal justice field, where understanding the differences between local, state and federal laws is a benefit. Those with law degrees are welcome as police officers or agents in the FBI, CIA or Drug Enforcement Administration. Also consider becoming a forensic investigator or postal inspector if behind-the-scenes work appeals to you. Other criminal justice-related jobs for those with law degrees include narcotics control officer, Border Patrol agent and crime prevention coordinator.
If you studied finance law extensively in college, you are well prepared to take on a career in banking or finance. With a law degree and an affinity for numbers and math, consider a career as a market consultant, credit examiner or escrow agent. You may also work as an accountant, financial planner or investment banking officer. Many finance occupations pay well and require a knowledge of laws related to banking, income and taxes.
You may have decided to enter law school so that you could stand up for people who could not defend themselves. You can still do so without becoming a lawyer, for instance by becoming an advocate for children's or women's rights. Other choices include a child support collection specialist or abuse specialist.
The environment needs protecting, too. You may enjoy working as a conservation field representative or an environmental consultant. Becoming an environment protection specialist or marine resource specialist is also a possibility.
With a law degree and training as a teacher, you may consider becoming a professor of law at a college or university. High schools and elementary schools may also accept you as a teacher. If you don't want to teach in an academic setting, you can teach dispute resolution, ethics or labor relations for corporations that request your services.
Law students are usually very familiar with writing by the time they graduate. If you enjoy writing, you can become an editor or literary agent. Technical writers are also often in demand. A law degree also can help you become a talent or sports agent.
Those working in the real estate industry often benefit from knowledge of law. With your law education, you can become a housing advocate, land agent or title examiner. Zoning administrators and land protection directors must also be familiar with the law. Other careers to consider are a housing authority director or real estate director.
In the field of transportation, consider working as a boating law administrator or highway safety specialist. Other choices include a traffic management specialist. You may enjoy these occupations because they require you to help keep the general public safe.