20 Law Degree Jobs (Non Bar Passers & Bar Passers) + Salary

Law schools – intense, rewarding, and full of opportunities. But what if the traditional lawyer route isn't quite what you pictured? Or perhaps you haven’t thought past passing the bar exam. Whatever the reason, the good news is you can still find law degree jobs in different fields. 

However, knowing what options are available to you can be challenging. To help you with this, we will break down 20 different career paths you can pursue with your law degree, whether you are a bar exam pass or not. Of course, we will give you ideas on salary ranges along the way.

9 law degree jobs you can do without a bar license

If you haven't passed the bar exams or prefer non-traditional legal roles, these 9 options could be what you are looking for.

1. Judge's associate

Judge's associates provide important support in courtrooms. In this role, you will assist judges with tasks before, during, and after trials. The work can be demanding, but it is a great chance to learn from experienced legal minds. Here's what your day-to-day will look like:

• Draft court orders based on the judge's instructions.
• Conduct legal research on cases assigned to the judge.
• Interview parties involved in cases and gather information.
• Schedule the judge's calendar and manage their caseload.
• Prepare summaries of legal arguments presented by attorneys.
• Communicate with attorneys and court staff about ongoing cases.

Average annual salary

• $75,000

2. Legal research assistant

In this role, you will conduct in-depth research on legal issues and analyse summaries of relevant cases and laws. You can work in law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments. Your responsibilities include:

• Assist lawyers with preparing for trials or hearings.
• Prepare comprehensive reports summarising research findings.
• Draft legal memoranda outlining key legal issues and arguments.
• Conduct legal research using online databases and legal resources.
• Analyse case law and legal precedents to identify relevant information.

Average annual salary

• $65,000

3. Mediator

As a mediator, you will help people resolve disputes outside of court. Your job is to guide them to reach a mutually agreeable solution. You can work independently or for mediation firms and community organisations. Here's what you will do:

• Maintain confidentiality throughout the mediation process.
• Conduct mediation sessions with parties involved in a dispute.
• Stay neutral and impartial throughout the mediation process.
• Guide them towards finding common ground and mutually agreeable solutions.
• Draft and finalise settlement agreements if a resolution is reached.

Average annual salary

• $95,464

4. Legal policy advisor

Legal policy advisors use their legal knowledge to influence policy decisions. In this role, you will analyse legal issues and advise policymakers. This can be in government agencies, non-profit organisations, or advocacy groups. Your work will include:

• Monitor and assess the impact of existing laws and policies.
• Analyse proposed laws and regulations for their legal implications.
• Prepare presentations and briefings for policymakers and stakeholders.
• Advocate for policy changes based on legal expertise and research findings.
• Research and write reports on specific legal topics about your organisation.

Average annual salary

• $113,410

5. Legal compliance officer

Legal compliance officers work in different sectors, like corporations, banks, or healthcare institutions. Your job is to ensure the organisation follows all applicable laws and regulations. Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop and implement compliance policies and procedures.
• Monitor company activities and identify potential legal risks.
• Train employees on legal regulations and company compliance policies.
• Research and analyse laws and regulations relevant to the company's industry.
• Advise management on legal compliance issues and recommend corrective actions.

Average annual salary

• $80,000

6. Paralegal

Law firms and corporate legal departments rely heavily on paralegals. These legal professionals work directly with attorneys to provide support in different legal matters. In this role, you could work for law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies. Here’s what you will do:

• Assist lawyers with preparing for trials and hearings.
• Organise and manage case files and legal documents.
• Draft legal documents like pleadings, motions, and contracts.
• Interview clients and witnesses to gather information for cases.
• Assist during trials and hearings, including preparing exhibits and taking notes.

Average annual salary

• $67,500

7. Legal academic

Legal academics work at universities where they teach law school graduates. You need a strong understanding of legal theory and excellent communication skills for this role. Here's what you will do:

• Serve on committees within the academic institution.
• Supervise law students' research projects and theses.
• Develop and deliver law courses on various legal topics.
• Stay up-to-date on current legal trends and developments.
• Conduct legal research and write scholarly articles for academic journals.

Average annual salary

• $90,000

8. Claims adjuster

As a claims adjuster, you evaluate insurance claims to decide if they are valid and how much the insurer should pay. Your role will include:

• Prepare reports and recommendations for insurance companies.
• Inspect property damage or assess injuries in personal injury claims.
• Investigate insurance claims by interviewing policyholders and witnesses.
• Review insurance policies and determine coverage based on the policy terms.
• Negotiate settlements with policyholders based on their coverage and the investigation findings.

Average annual salary

• $65,000

9. Legal project manager

A legal project manager reviews legal projects in law firms or corporate legal departments. Your job will be planning, coordinating, and managing legal projects. You need to understand legal processes and know project management techniques for this role. Here’s what you will do:

• Develop and manage project plans for legal matters, including tasks, timelines, and budgets.
• Monitor project progress and identify risks or delays.
• Communicate with lawyers and other team members.
• Manage budgets and resources allocated to each legal project.
• Prepare reports and presentations to keep clients informed about their case’s progress.

Average annual salary

• $69,000

11 exciting law degree jobs that require a bar licence

If you pass the bar exams, these 11 opportunities could be perfect for you. 

10. Barrister

A barrister represents clients in court. In this role, you will provide specialist legal advice and advocate for your clients during trials. Barristers work on more complex cases that need extensive preparation and legal knowledge. Here's what barristers typically do:

• Negotiate settlements on behalf of their clients.
• Research legal issues and analyse complex laws.
• Draft legal documents like submissions and motions.
• Meet with clients (often alongside a solicitor) to understand their case.
• Present arguments in court, examine witnesses and deliver closing statements.

Average annual salary

• $100,891

11. In-house counsel

As an in-house counsel, you will work in a corporation or organisation. You will provide legal advice directly to your employer and handle legal matters about the business operations. You also have to ensure the company complies with laws and regulations. Your major responsibilities are:

• Negotiate deals and represent the company.
• Manage legal risks and identify potential problems before they arise.
• Review and draft contracts to ensure they protect the company's interests.
• Advise on legal compliance issues, like employment law or environmental regulations.

Average annual salary

• $157,000

12. Public prosecutor

In this role, you will work for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and represent the state in criminal cases. You will present evidence in court to prove that the accused committed the crime. You need strong legal writing skills and should think quickly during trials. Here's what public prosecutors typically do:

• Investigate cases and analyse police reports to determine if charges are correct.
• Research laws and legal precedents to build a strong case.
• Examine witnesses and deliver powerful opening and closing statements.
• Present evidence in court, examining witnesses, and arguing for a conviction.
• Negotiate plea bargains with defence lawyers.

Average annual salary

• $92,000

13. Government lawyer

A government lawyer provides legal expertise to government departments and agencies. You will work with many government offices, like the Attorney-General's Department or other specialised agencies. Your job is to make sure that government actions comply with the law. Your tasks will include:

• Research legal issues and analyse potential risks.
• Represent the government in legal disputes or inquiries.
• Provide legal advice on government policies and programs.
• Liaise with other government agencies and external stakeholders on legal matters.
• Draft and review legislation to ensure it is effective and complies with the Constitution.

Average annual salary

• $90,000

14. Criminal defence lawyer

Criminal defence lawyers are the foundation of a fair legal system as they stand up for the rights of people accused of crimes. In this role, you will ensure they get a fair trial and protect their interests throughout the legal process. You will work in law firms specialising in criminal law or operate independently.

Here are the key responsibilities:

• Consult with clients to understand the charges and gather details about their cases.
• Investigate the case, interview witnesses and collect evidence.
• Research relevant laws and legal precedents to build a strong defence strategy.
• Draft legal documents like motions and appeals.
• Represent clients in court, argue their cases, and negotiate plea bargains if possible.

Average annual salary

• $70,334

15. Corporate lawyer

These legal careers can be pretty exciting. You will work with law firms or in-house legal departments of corporations. You will focus on providing legal advice and representation to businesses on different corporate matters. Here's an overview of what you will do:

• Conduct due diligence for business transactions to identify potential risks.
• Negotiate deals on behalf of companies and represent them in legal disputes.
• Draft and review contracts for mergers, acquisitions, and other business deals.
• Advise companies on legal compliance issues like corporate governance and securities regulations.

Average annual salary

• $131,500

16. Family lawyer

Family law can be emotionally complex, and family lawyers guide people through these challenges. You will assist with legal issues arising from family breakdowns, like divorce, child custody, and property settlements. Here's what you will do:

• Advise clients on child support and spousal maintenance.
• Negotiate between parties to reach agreements outside of court.
• Represent clients in court proceedings and argue their cases before a judge.
• Draft legal documents like divorce petitions, prenuptial agreements, and parenting plans.
• Offer emotional support and guidance to clients during what can be emotionally challenging times.

Average annual salary

• $89,478

17. Environmental lawyer

Environmental law protects our planet and ensures sustainable practices. As an environmental lawyer, you will practice law to advocate for environmental protection and enforce environmental regulations. The key responsibilities are:

• Draft legal documents like permits and environmental impact assessments.
• Help corporations assess and mitigate environmental risks associated with their operations.
• Lobby for environmental policies and regulations to promote sustainability and conservation efforts.
• Represent clients in environmental litigation cases, like pollution disputes and natural resource management issues.
• Advise businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organisations on compliance with environmental regulations and policies.

Average annual salary

• $168,856

18. Tax lawyer

As a tax lawyer, you will help individuals and businesses comply with tax regulations and minimise their tax burden. Here's what you can expect when you practise law in this field:

• Prepare tax returns for high-net-worth individuals and businesses.
• Advise clients on tax planning strategies to minimise their tax liabilities
• Assist clients with tax audits and disputes with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
• Research complex tax codes and rulings to find the most beneficial solutions for clients
• Advise on tax implications for business transactions, investments, and estate planning.

Average annual salary

• $102,500

19. Immigration lawyer

Australia's diverse population means a constant demand for immigration legal professionals. You will work in an immigration law firm or community legal centre specialising in immigration. In these legal jobs, you will help clients looking to enter or stay in Australia. Here’s what you will do in this role:

• Assist clients with citizenship applications.
• Advise clients on their eligibility for different visa categories.
• Prepare your clients and represent them at the immigration interviews.
• Prepare and submit visa applications to the Department of Home Affairs.
• If a client's visa application is rejected, you will help them in the appeals process.

Average annual salary

• $81,542

20. Intellectual property lawyer

As an intellectual property lawyer, you will work on legal matters about inventions, designs, and artistic works. Your main role is to protect and enforce these intellectual property rights for individuals and businesses. Here's what you'll do:

• Assist clients in managing and commercialising their IP portfolios.
• Conduct due diligence reviews of IP assets in corporate transactions.
• Provide legal advice to clients on registration, licensing, and enforcement of IP rights.
• Draft and file trademark and patent applications and manage the prosecution process.
• Represent clients in intellectual property disputes, like infringement claims, before courts and administrative bodies.

Average annual salary

• $150,797

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Conclusion

With legal education, you have choices. Whether or not you pass the bar exam, you still have many rewarding careers to explore. The decision to pursue the bar exam is important but doesn't define your education’s worth. Think about what really excites you and explore those areas. Trust yourself to find a path that feels right for you.

Now that you have a clearer idea of your options head over to Prosple to start your legal career. We can help you find exciting opportunities in the legal field, regardless of your bar exam status. With a focus on recent graduates and a wide range of listings, you can easily search for jobs that match your interests and qualifications.

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