There are law graduates who don't want to be lawyers, even though law is one of the most common career paths for professionals in the field. If you don't identify with the legal profession, don't worry! There are countless other legal careers you can pursue.
The field of law is broad, and a lawyer's professional path is not limited to practicing law. Graduates who choose not to practice law can select from a range of other legal careers.
How to choose between legal careers outside of private practice?
During the five years of undergraduate studies, students are exposed to various branches of law. It is during this journey that many realize which area they are drawn to, that is, the one that sparks their greatest interest.
When deciding which career path to follow after law school, this sense of belonging will be fundamental. Upon graduation, a law graduate can work in various fields beyond just practicing law.
To become a successful professional in any of these fields, a great deal of study and training will be necessary. We've prepared this post for you to learn about the possibilities that Law offers beyond practicing law. Let's go?
1- Academic
How about becoming a professor in the field of Law? Teaching in public or private institutions is the focus of many law graduates. Among the numerous subjects that can be taught in higher education are Criminal Law, Civil Law, Constitutional Law, Environmental Law, Administrative Law, Tax Law, among others.
Requirements
To become a law professor and enter an academic career, a bachelor's degree holder needs to pursue further studies through a master's and doctoral program, and even a post-doctoral fellowship.
2- Judiciary
The judiciary is a state career with the constitutional mandate to administer justice in the exercise of judicial power. A magistrate is a public official appointed to resolve conflicts of interest.
This is one of the most sought-after careers for law graduates, whether for its social prestige or attractive salaries. After passing a competitive examination, a state-level magistrate begins their career as a substitute judge, and their position only becomes permanent after about two years of service.
In this other article on our blog, you can find details about... career as a judge.
Requirements
First, to enter the judiciary, one must pass a public examination. Following that, one will be appointed to the position.
Furthermore, the professional must hold a bachelor's degree in Law, demonstrate 3 years of legal practice after graduation, pass the evaluation of qualifications and stages of investigation related to moral and social aspects, as well as physical and mental health examinations.
3- Judge
The appellate judges are the second-instance judges of the Judiciary. When a case involves one of the parties not satisfied after the first trial, the appellate judge steps in. They re-judge the case and have the power to uphold or overturn the decisions made by the previous judge.
Requirements
To become a judge of the Court of Appeals, one must be appointed or receive the title based on merit. Like other legal careers, a law degree is required.
Appointment to this position does not require passing a public examination. Typically, to be titled a judge, a legal professional usually has a career as a lawyer or in the Public Prosecutor's Office – the latter of which is achieved through a competitive examination.
4- Police delegate
If you're looking for a dynamic routine, a career as a Civil or Federal Police Delegate might be for you. Your duties include managing police stations, planning, controlling and coordinating police activities, conducting investigations, making arrests, carrying out orders, collecting testimonies, conducting interrogations, and initiating inquiries.
Requirements
To become a Civil or Federal Police Delegate, one must have a higher education degree in Law and pass a public examination. The requirement regarding experience in legal practice is at the discretion of each state.
After approval, the candidate for Police Delegate goes through other evaluation stages, such as a physical fitness test, medical evaluation, oral exam, evaluation of qualifications, social investigation, and training course. Registration with the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) is not mandatory to become a Delegate.
5- Prosecutor's Office
A public prosecutor is a member of the Public Prosecutor's Office and, in a legal proceeding, acts in the interests of society and the State, prosecuting or defending on various issues, such as: defense of public assets, crimes against the State, the environment, among others.
Requirements
To become a prosecutor, one must pass a competitive public examination. Thousands of candidates typically register for these career-oriented exams, seeking the prestige and stability offered by the position.
In addition to the objective tests in the first phase, and the essay and written tests in the second, candidates for the public prosecutor position must also undergo an oral exam, a background check, examinations to certify their physical and mental health, and a review of their qualifications.
6- Attorney General's Office
A public prosecutor is responsible for representing public bodies and institutions. Their duties vary greatly depending on the body they represent, but generally include legal advice, judicial representation, litigation, and so on.
A prosecutor can work in different bodies and at different levels, such as municipal, state, and federal, or even in the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office, the Labor Public Prosecutor's Office, or the Federal Court of Accounts.
Requirements
Entry into the career of prosecutor is through a competitive public examination. Furthermore, the requirements of the exam and the selection process may vary according to each state. For example, some exams may require experience in legal activities, while others may not.
After the objective test, the candidate faces other selection stages. Among them is the evaluation of qualifications, which, as a rule, is used for ranking purposes.
7- Public Defender's Office
Working at either the state or federal level, public defenders play a fundamental role in society. They defend people who cannot afford a private lawyer.
Requirements
To enter the career of public defender, it is necessary to pass a public examination. The position is intended for law graduates who are registered with the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) and have legal experience (the time varies with each announcement, but is generally three years).
In addition to passing all phases outlined in the public notice for the selection process, such as the written and oral exams, candidates for prosecutor must be up-to-date with their electoral obligations. Furthermore, they cannot have a criminal record.
How to plan your career path within the legal field?
It takes a lot of discipline and study to pursue any legal career. Know that preparation for your career begins much earlier than you might imagine: even while you are still in law school.
If you don't want to pursue a career as a lawyer, during your undergraduate studies, try enrolling in the institution's extension courses and narrow down your areas of interest within the legal field.
Since entry into most of the fields mentioned above is through competitive public examinations, maintaining a study routine is undoubtedly essential if the goal is one of the careers previously described. Continuing an academic career is an option that can be a major advantage in this journey.
How can a postgraduate degree (stricto sensu) impact careers in Law?
Pursuing a postgraduate degree (stricto sensu) can be a major differentiator for you, regardless of the legal career path you choose. Don't stop your resume at undergraduate level!
Whether you're looking to teach classes at law institutions or pursue a public service position that requires passing a competitive examination, you can secure a prominent position through a postgraduate specialization (stricto sensu).
What is a stricto sensu postgraduate program?
The first step is to understand the difference between lato sensu and stricto sensu postgraduate programs.
Postgraduate specialization programs (lato sensu) encompass specialization programs and include courses designated as MBA (Master of Business Administration). Upon completion of the course, the student receives a certificate, not a diploma.
Postgraduate programs (stricto sensu) refer to master's and doctoral programs open to candidates who have graduated from undergraduate courses and who meet the requirements of the educational institutions and the student selection process. At the end of the course, the student will receive a diploma.
Next, we will show two advantages that a postgraduate degree (stricto sensu) can bring to your legal career.
1- Professional and academic recognition
One of the goals of a stricto sensu postgraduate program is to deepen knowledge in a specific area, which gives the student an important advantage in their career, whether academic or professional.
Professionals with this level of specialization gain prestige in the job market, are able to obtain better positions, and expand their network and recognition.
2- Preparation for the competition
Maintaining a study routine geared towards a public service exam is not easy. Pursuing a master's or doctoral degree can combine the useful with the enjoyable. In addition to enhancing the bachelor's degree holder's skills and updating their academic status, a postgraduate degree (stricto sensu) is a great ally in preparing for the exam.
Take advantage of this specialization period to focus on topics that are highlighted in the syllabus you are aiming for. The exchange between students and professors is another important factor at this stage and can yield a great deal of knowledge during your preparation for a competitive exam.
3- Evaluation of qualifications
If your focus is on public service positions, we've seen that in competitive exams, one of the qualifying stages is the so-called evaluation of qualifications. This phase consists of an analysis of the candidate's career path in... Law.
In this part of the selection process, usually one of the last, the candidate must submit diplomas and certificates that can prove their educational background.
Specialization earns points that, once tallied, are added to the score previously obtained in the competition. Your postgraduate degree will make all the difference!
And you, law graduate, have you decided which career path you intend to follow? Did you like our tips? Keep following our blog and the... our social networks To stay up-to-date on the most important legal topics!
