Many prospective law students and recent law school graduates eventually ask: "What can I do with a law degree?" While the traditional path involves earning your Juris Doctor (JD), passing the bar exam, and building a legal career as a partner in a prestigious law firm, that's far from the only choice.

In today's evolving legal field, a law degree opens the door to diverse, high-paying, and fulfilling career opportunities—many of which go beyond the courtroom. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, legal education provides critical skills in problem-solving, legal analysis, and advocacy that are valuable across numerous industries, from real estate and healthcare to corporate law and non-profit advocacy.

Not Every Law Graduate Becomes (or Stays) a Practicing Lawyer

The American Bar Association (ABA) Post-Graduate Employment Data shows fewer than 80% of 2022 law graduates were in traditional legal practice within 10 months of graduation. Nearly 10% accepted JD Advantage legal jobs—positions in law-related fields that don't require bar passage, such as compliance officer roles, legal services in healthcare organizations, or leadership positions in non-profit entities.

Even seasoned attorneys often transition into alternative careers later in life, applying their legal expertise in areas like civil litigation, civil rights, tax law, or estate planning. The legal process and skill set acquired through years of training—whether from a JD, LLM, or even legal studies at the undergraduate level—remain valuable in countless contexts.

If you're considering a move, here are 10 exciting alternative careers for law graduates that combine professional growth with meaningful impact. (And if you're still licensed, don't forget to meet your CLE requirements to stay active in your jurisdiction!)

Top 10 Alternative Careers for Law Degree Holders

1. Business Consultant

For legal professionals with business insight, consulting is a natural fit. Your legal education equips you to advise on:

• Corporate law and commercial contracts

• Industry-specific regulations, from real estate to healthcare

• Risk management and compliance across multiple jurisdictions

• Tax law, intellectual property, and labor issues

Every organization faces legal issues that require problem-solving and an understanding of the law-related impacts on business strategy.

2. Entrepreneur

Launching a business lets you apply your legal expertise to create value from the ground up. Entrepreneurs with legal training excel at:

• Drafting legal documents like operating agreements, contracts, and NDAs

• Structuring ventures to comply with corporate law and tax regulations

• Navigating licensing and permits in specialized areas of law

• Protecting intellectual property and managing compliance officer duties internally

Many law schools now offer entrepreneurial clinics or JD/MBA tracks, preparing you for innovation with a strong legal foundation.

3. Legal Journalist

As a legal journalist, you can combine your critical thinking and advocacy skills with writing to inform the public about:

• Landmark cases in civil litigation and civil rights

• Updates in healthcare law, probate, or estate planning

• Changes in the legal process across different jurisdictions

• Law enforcement policies and human rights concerns

Your ability to translate complex areas of law into accessible content is valuable for both mainstream media and specialized legal publications.

4. Legal Marketer & Content Writer

Law firms need targeted marketing and legal research to attract clients and communicate their legal services effectively. A background in legal studies allows you to:

• Write authoritative blog posts on corporate law, tax law, or estate planning

• Develop client guides for navigating probate or real estate transactions

• Create SEO-optimized content that aligns with legal practice ethics

Small firms especially benefit from having someone who understands both digital marketing and the nuances of the legal field.

5. Law Professor or Educator

If you're drawn to academia, you can teach in law schools, undergraduate legal studies programs, or professional training settings. Full-time professors and instructors often:

• Prepare students for the LSAT or advanced study in an LLM program

• Teach areas of law like corporate law, tax law, or human rights

• Publish scholarly articles that influence the future of legal practice

This career allows you to shape the next generation of lawyers, paralegals, and compliance officers.

6. Arbitrator or Mediator

Alternative dispute resolution roles let you resolve legal issues without full-scale civil litigation. As an arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator, you:

• Interpret legal documents and assess evidence

• Apply relevant laws to help parties settle disputes privately

• Work in corporate law, probate, real estate, or law enforcement-related disputes

This path suits legal professionals who want to help others navigate conflict efficiently and cost-effectively.

7. Human Resources Leader

Lawyers make excellent Human Resources leaders thanks to their legal expertise in employment law and workplace compliance. In HR, you might:

• Resolve employee disputes internally, avoiding civil litigation

• Serve as an internal compliance officer to ensure adherence to labor laws

• Create and enforce policies that address human rights and workplace equity

Your skills in negotiation, policy drafting, and problem-solving are invaluable in this role.

8. Project Manager

Legal project management focuses on optimizing the delivery of legal services. In this role, you'll:

• Oversee case timelines for law firms or in-house legal departments

• Improve workflow in civil litigation or corporate law matters

• Coordinate with paralegals, compliance officers, and law firm administrators

The same organizational skills that help lawyers succeed in court translate perfectly to managing complex projects.

9. Legal Technology Specialist

Technology now plays a crucial role in every legal practice. Legal tech specialists:

• Implement e-discovery systems for civil litigation and probate cases

• Train law firm staff and paralegals on practice management tools

• Help in-house teams streamline document review and compliance tracking

If you understand both the legal process and the tools that make it faster, you'll be in high demand.

10. Public Relations Professional for Law Firms

Legal PR combines branding with advocacy to shape public perception. In this role, you might:

• Craft press releases on civil rights victories or corporate law achievements

• Manage social media for a law firm or non-profit legal advocacy group

• Highlight legal services in healthcare, real estate, or estate planning

It's an ideal option for legal professionals who enjoy storytelling and strategic communication.

Final Thoughts

A law degree—whether followed by a JD, LLM, or continued work in legal studies—is one of the most versatile credentials you can earn. From paralegal work and compliance officer roles to leadership in non-profit advocacy, law enforcement, or academia, the career possibilities are nearly endless.

The legal field offers opportunities to practice law across countless jurisdictions and industries, allowing you to use your legal expertise in ways that fit your passions. By exploring alternative legal jobs, with your experience to date in the legal system - you can find a career path that offers fulfillment, stability, and impact—both inside and outside traditional legal practice.

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Michael T. Flannery is the Judge George Howard, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law. He served as Associate Dean for Faculty Development from 2014 to 2016, and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 2018 to 2020. He teaches Family Law, Decedents' Estates and Trusts, The Prudent Investing of Trusts, The Sexual Exploitation of Children, Animal Law, and Sports Law. He served as a Special Judge for the 20th Judicial District of the State of Arkansas between 2008 and 2011. He also serves as a Legislative Expert Liaison for the Arkansas Bar Association’s Legislative Committee on Family Law. He was featured on National Public Radio as an "Agent of Change." Professor Flannery has published numerous case books and law review articles. His research has been cited by courts throughout the country. He speaks regularly on various panel symposia and is a member of numerous bar associations and legal organizations.

This post was written by a guest blogger. Although this article was thoroughly reviewed by NBI staff, the views, opinions and positions expressed within the post are those of the author alone and do not represent those of NBI. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within the post are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations.