Using a Law Degree in the Business World

Have you considered using your law degree as a primary building block for starting a business career? Decades of television shows have unfortunately reinforced the concept that once people get their JD degrees, they head straight into the legal profession and end up as fiery criminal defense attorneys, like Perry Mason. Nothing could be further from reality, but you can’t blame TV executives for seeking high ratings.

In truth, thousands of JD degree recipients, as well as people who earn graduate-level legal diplomas, do not practice or teach law. Instead, they end up pursuing high-level career paths in the world of accounting, taxation, real estate, banking, tech, entertainment, and other fields. If you are among those who aim to earn a law degree but don’t fancy the idea of plying your trade in the legal profession, consider the following points about how to best use your expertise in the business sector.

Pay for School and Pass the Bar Exam

Obviously, getting a JD or advanced law degree is an essential step. But, paying for schooling is equally important. Law degrees can be pricey, which is why it makes sense to apply for loans from private lenders. Not only does this technique give you the power to comparison shop for rates and terms, but you’ll be able to seek financing for the entire cost of the program. The process for private lenders is fast and simple. In fact, the majority of lenders will let you upload application documents from your phone and receive a response quickly. with financing details behind you, it’s much easier to focus on coursework and earn good grades for the duration of the degree program.

Consider Accounting Firms

Accounting firms are well known for their willingness to hire people with legal degrees of all kinds, from JDs to doctorates. One reason is that so much of the accounting world overlaps with law, particularly in the areas of taxation and estate planning. If you randomly view some of the staff members bios on CPA firm websites, you’ll likely be surprised at how many of the principals are both certified public accountants and lawyers. Many hold several advanced degrees in both fields.

Explore Trust Department Jobs at Banks

Banking has always been a sector of the economy where holders of legal degrees were welcome, and that’s still true in the digital age. National and regional banks often staff their trust departments with professionals who have eclectic backgrounds in both business and law. Many trust officers are licensed attorneys or were at one time. Others hold master’s degrees but never formally practiced.

Join Startups and Tech Companies

One of the newer areas where many are law degree holders are getting jobs is with tech and startup companies, many of which are in dire need of people who understand commercial legalities and can apply it within a fast-growing niche. Small companies in any field often outsource their legal needs until they begin to grow. These kinds of organizations are ideal landing places for anyone who holds an advanced legal degree or a JD.