Select a paralegal career if you are interested in a 40 hour a week law career with an average salary of between $30,000 and $44,000 with benefits. This career is also a good option if you don’t want to spend a lot of time in school. You can complete your paralegal degree in about two years with most AA Paralegal degrees.
Become a general practice attorney if you are ready to devote seven years to school, four years to complete your undergraduate degree and three years to complete your Juris Doctorate. Attorneys make anywhere from $40,000 to over $100,000 a year, depending on where you practice law. This is a challenging career and may require you to spend 50 to 80 hours a week in the office or in court. This is a high stress job; however, it is also a well respected career choice.
Specialize in tax law and earn your L.L.M. degree, the next step up from a J.D. degree. As a tax attorney you will focus on tax laws and their application. Many tax attorneys work for corporations and complete tax returns, tax counseling and defend their clients in tax related court cases. With an L.L.M. You can expect to earn at least $80,000 with a Masters of Law degree. This is another position that requires extra hours; however, as a tax attorney you will have a more set schedule when compared to a general practice attorney.