Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.
The majority of lawyers work in private and corporate legal offices. Some work for federal, local, and state governments. The majority work full time, and many work more than 40 hours a week.
All lawyers must have a law degree and must also typically pass a state's written bar examination.
The median annual wage for lawyers was $115,820 in May 2015.
Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Competition for jobs should continue to be strong because more students graduate from law school each year than there are jobs available.
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for lawyers.
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of lawyers with similar occupations.
Learn more about lawyers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-2024 Edition
Interesting Fact
Before becoming an actress and comedian, Whoopi Goldberg worked as a bricklayer, a bank teller, and even as a makeup artist at a funeral parlor.
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