Lawyer
Overview:
A career as a lawyer involves advising and representing individuals, businesses, or government agencies in legal matters. Lawyers research laws, draft legal documents, negotiate settlements, and argue cases in court. They may specialize in areas such as criminal law, corporate law, family law, or environmental law. The job requires interpreting complex legal issues, advocating for clients’ rights, and ensuring compliance with the law. Lawyers must be skilled in communication, critical thinking, and analysis, and often work long hours under pressure to prepare cases and meet deadlines.
On a day-to-day basis, a lawyer’s work often includes meeting with clients to discuss legal issues, researching laws and previous case rulings, drafting legal documents such as contracts or pleadings, and preparing for court appearances or negotiations. Depending on their specialty, they may spend time in court representing clients, reviewing evidence, or arguing motions. Lawyers also communicate regularly with other attorneys, judges, and legal professionals, and must stay organized to manage multiple cases and deadlines. Much of their day is spent reading, writing, analyzing information, and solving complex legal problems.
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Salary Expectations and Employment and Outlook:
In Oklahoma, the average annual income for a(n) “Lawyer “ is “$127,010 “ (from OKCS). Obviously, the income range for Lawyers is based on several factors. For more specific information about this in Oklahoma, please visit OKcollegestart
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Watch a Video (link from OKCS) about a career as a “Lawyer “
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Is a Career as a “Lawyer “ Right for YOU? What are the:
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
Lawyers typically work in office settings such as law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments, but they may also spend time in courtrooms or meeting with clients. The job often involves long hours, especially when preparing for trials, handling complex cases, or meeting tight deadlines. It can be high-pressure and mentally demanding, requiring intense focus, attention to detail, and the ability to manage stress. While the physical demands are minimal, the workload and responsibility can be significant, especially in competitive or high-stakes areas of law.
Specific Skills Needed:
To be a successful lawyer, strong analytical and critical thinking skills are essential for interpreting laws and building legal arguments. Excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—are needed to draft clear legal documents and persuasively present cases in court. Lawyers must also have strong research skills to find relevant legal precedents and facts. Attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills are crucial for managing complex cases and meeting strict deadlines. In addition, negotiation, problem-solving, and ethical judgment are key for effectively advocating for clients and upholding the law.
Education Requirements:
While in HS: To prepare for a career as a lawyer while in high school, students should focus on developing strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills by taking challenging courses in English, history, government, and speech or debate. Participating in extracurricular activities like mock trial, student government, or debate team can help build public speaking and argumentation skills. Volunteering or interning with local law offices, courts, or civic organizations can provide valuable exposure to the legal field. Building strong study habits, staying informed about current events, and practicing clear communication are also important early steps toward a successful legal career. You might also consider taking college courses (concurrent enrollment) while in high school to save time and money. Ask your High School Counselor or a Vista Member for more information.
College or Tech Training:
To become a lawyer, students must first earn a bachelor’s degree in any field, though majors like political science, history, English, or criminal justice are common choices. After completing their undergraduate studies, they must attend law school, which typically takes three years and leads to a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. Admission to law school requires taking the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), a standardized exam that assesses reading, analytical, and logical reasoning skills. After graduating from law school, aspiring lawyers must pass the bar exam in their state to become licensed to practice law.
Connors State College as well as Carl Albert State College offer excellent associate level programs. Both of these programs dovetail nicely into a bachelor's degree program.
A Note About Transferring
Oklahoma provides for many seamless pathways from local community colleges to regional and state universities which allows you to take advantage of a more cost effective way for you to earn credits at a reduced rate with guaranteed transferability. You can possibly stay closer to home and save money and still reach your academic and career goals. Ask your High School Counselor or a Vista Member for more information.
Other Requirements or Recommendations:
In addition to completing law school and passing the bar exam, aspiring lawyers must also pass a character and fitness evaluation, which reviews their background for any issues related to honesty, conduct, or criminal history. Many states require continuing legal education (CLE) to maintain a law license and stay current with changes in the law. Gaining practical experience through internships, clerkships, or volunteer legal work during law school is highly recommended and often essential for job placement. Strong networking, joining legal associations, and building a professional reputation for ethics and reliability can also greatly enhance career opportunities in the legal field.
There are also many “Lawyer “ Career opportunities in the military. Click Military for more information.
Check out OKcollegestart for more resources related to What To Learn
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