Lawyers
Lawyers represent clients in court proceedings, draft legal documents, and advise on business transactions and disputes. They work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, or private practice. Some specialize in criminal defense or prosecution, while others handle contracts, real estate, family law, or intellectual property.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against lawyers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A lawyer's week typically involves client meetings, legal research, document drafting, and case preparation. Time splits between office work and court appearances or depositions. Criminal lawyers may prepare defense strategies or plea negotiations; corporate lawyers draft contracts or review compliance issues. Administrative tasks include billing, case management, and staying current with legal developments.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECI. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You're drawn to this work if you like organizing complex information, following established procedures, and achieving concrete results. You tend to be strategic and goal-oriented, comfortable with responsibility and willing to invest years in training to master a specialized profession.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $127,580 | $207,860 | $322,120 | 91,870 |
| District of Columbia | $172,060 | $195,190 | $360,310 | 33,070 |
| California | $131,120 | $195,080 | $277,140 | 95,770 |
| Massachusetts | $119,960 | $176,680 | $282,080 | 23,560 |
| Delaware | $130,630 | $173,510 | $226,190 | 2,920 |
| Colorado | $107,420 | $168,520 | $233,910 | 16,720 |
| Virginia | $107,710 | $167,210 | $207,480 | 18,580 |
| Connecticut | $109,450 | $163,600 | $222,930 | 8,420 |
| New Jersey | $116,060 | $161,430 | $220,100 | 23,160 |
| Illinois | $103,020 | $160,800 | $224,450 | 33,590 |
| Pennsylvania | $98,720 | $157,180 | $208,260 | 27,170 |
| Minnesota | $107,220 | $155,140 | $216,440 | 12,380 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Law and Public Safety Introductory Level (LPSIL) — Law and Public Safety Education Network
- Board Certification in Social Security Disability Law — National Board of Trial Advocacy
- Estate Planning Law Specialist — National Association of Estate Planners & Councils
- Certified Specialist in E-Discovery (CEDS) — Association of Certified E-Discovery Specialists
- Registered Landman (RL) — American Association of Professional Landmen
- Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) — National Conference of Bar Examiners
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against lawyers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 23-1011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.