Also called: Litigator, Trial Lawyer
Represents clients in lawsuits, from gathering evidence to arguing in front of a judge and jury.
Litigators spend most days preparing: interviewing witnesses, taking depositions, and writing motions. A few times a year they go to trial, where they stand up, question witnesses, and try to persuade a jury. The night before a big hearing usually means practicing arguments out loud.
Professional degree (MD, JD, DVM…), about 7 years after high school. Bachelor's in any subject, then a 3-year Juris Doctor (JD) and passing the state bar exam.
Ways in: 4-year college, Professional school. Training cost: Over $150k.
Majors to look at: Political Science, History, English, Philosophy, Economics.
Growing about average (about 4% over 10 years). BLS projection for all lawyers (2024-34).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI sorts evidence and drafts motions, trimming junior research work; questioning witnesses and persuading juries stays human.
Classes: AP English Language, Speech and debate, AP U.S. Government, Theater.
Official data: O*NET occupation 23-1011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.