Lawyers
Description OES Code: 281080
Conduct criminal and civil lawsuits, draw up legal documents, advise clients as to legal rights, and practice other phases of law. May represent client in court or before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government. May specialize in a single area of law, such as patent law, corporate law, or criminal law.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $32.90
25th Percentile $38.64
50th Percentile $50.66
75th Percentile $62.28

Wages, San Joaquin
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $30.11
25th Percentile $34.84
50th Percentile $40.53
75th Percentile $44.97

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
The normal work week varies with an Attorney's caseload, however, they frequently work over 40 hours a week including late weeknights and weekends.

Fringe benefits for private firms and government agencies include vacation, sick leave, holidays, retirement and comprehensive health plans. Benefits for sole practitioners may be difficult in the beginning, but with proper financial planning a sole practitioner can enjoy the same benefits as an Attorney in a firm.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 47,200
Projected Employment 2008 61,100
Growth Rate 1998-2008 29.4%
Openings due to Separations 5,900

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 370
Projected Employment 2006 450
Percent Change 1999-2006 21.6%
Separations 1999-2006 30

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Attorneys work in settings that range from modest offices to comfortably furnished suites in law firms. Offices are usually quiet and are equipped with private areas for interviews and meetings to ensure attorney-client confidentiality. Most Attorneys spend the greater part of their time researching case law and writing court briefs (official court documents). Attorneys spend a good deal of time in court, whether it is for an indictment, trial, or a motion to be argued in front of the judge. They may also spend time interviewing clients at the office, in a client's home or wherever it may be necessary.or wherever it may be necessary.

Advancement
The legal profession allows for much advancement. Attorneys who enter practice in private law firms as junior associates may be promoted to senior associate, junior partner, and eventually to a senior partner within six to seven years depending on the size of the firm. Larger firms may take a few years longer. In government service, promotional opportunities lead to greater responsibilities such as prosecuting murders instead of burglaries or Attorneys may be promoted to supervisory positions. Many trial Attorneys are appointed or elected as judges in courts of varying levels. Some Attorneys also elect to teach a law course or become professors.

Getting the Job & Other Information
The majority of Attorneys are employed in private firms or as sole practitioners engaged in offering legal services on a contingency fee basis. The remainder are employed primarily by the government and may work at the county, state, or federal level.

Many law students obtain directories of law firms and government agencies and apply directly by sending resumes. Some students are hired after taking the Bar exam but their tenure is dependent upon passing. While other students wait to apply until results are released. Pre-professional experience as a legal intern or law clerk is strongly recommended because the position may lead to a permanent job or provide a law student with valuable experience. Some firms place ads with widely read legal journals and magazines. Some jobs are obtained through referrals from networking.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite to admission into a law school. However, in California, some law schools will admit applicants that have completed at least two years of college. Law schools also require that applicants take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) one to two years prior to applying to law schools. There are LSAT prep courses that are offered by private companies and are highly recommended. A high score is preferred coupled by a high college grade point average. However, law schools also look for a well-rounded applicant. An undergraduate degree in philosophy, English, accounting, political science, history, or psychology may provide a student with a foundation for the study of law.

A Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is conferred upon graduation from law school. Some graduates continue their education by earning a Masters of Law in areas of specialty such as taxation or international business.

Admission to the California State Bar is required in order to be licensed to practice law in California. To qualify for admission, applicants must pass the three day California Bar Examination and a one day Multi-state Professional Responsibility Examination. Applicants must be of good moral character and be at least 18 years old. In addition, applicants should have completed at least two years of preparatory college work, or its equivalent and have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association or the California State Bar Examiners.

California also permits alternate courses of study for entrance to the Bar examination: study in law offices under personal supervision of members the State Bar of California who are engaged in active practice of law; study under the direct supervision of a judge; correspondence law school study; or study at an unaccredited law school. These applicants must take and pass a First Year Law Student's Examination nicknamed the "baby bar" before receiving credit for the first year of law study and advancing to the second year.

Skills & Other Requirements
The interpretation of case law and its application to specific issues in cases requires case research of previously applied laws handed down in judicial decisions called precedence. Attorneys also have to interpret and apply statutes to cases or business transactions.

Attorneys should have the ability to deal effectively with all kinds of people such as clients, other Attorneys, witnesses, judges, and jurors. They need the integrity to uphold strict rules of professional responsibility to the client and to the tribunal. Excellent writing skills are essential to write clear and concise briefs and strong communication skills are necessary to represent a client's interests.

References
California Occupational Guide: #322

Related Occupations: Paralegal Personnel

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)