- Lawyer or Attorney: J.D. graduates are eligible to practice law after passing the bar exam in their state. As a lawyer, you can work in a private law firm, a government agency, a corporation, or a nonprofit organization. You can specialize in various areas of law, such as criminal law, civil law, corporate law, family law, or environmental law.
- Judge: J.D. graduates can also pursue careers as judges. Judges preside over court proceedings, hear arguments from attorneys, and make decisions on legal matters. To become a judge, you typically need to have several years of experience practicing law and meet certain requirements set by your state's judicial system.
- Legal Scholar: J.D. graduates can also choose to pursue academic careers as legal scholars. Legal scholars conduct research and write about various aspects of the law. They may teach law at law schools or other academic institutions, or they may work for think tanks or government agencies.
- Government and Public Service: J.D. graduates can work in various government and public service roles. They can work as prosecutors, public defenders, or government lawyers. They may also hold positions in law enforcement, administrative agencies, or regulatory bodies.
- Corporate Counsel: J.D. graduates can work as corporate counsel for companies, where they provide legal advice and represent the company's interests in legal matters.
- Nonprofit Organizations: J.D. graduates can also work for nonprofit organizations, where they may provide legal services to low-income individuals or advocate for social justice.
In addition to these traditional legal careers, J.D. graduates may also find opportunities in other fields that value legal knowledge and analytical skills, such as business, consulting, finance, human resources, and public policy.