Interesting Career Paths in the Justice System

Working within the justice system can be a fantastic way to contribute to society in a meaningful way. While you may assume working as a lawyer is the best way to involve yourself in this field, there are actually a number of noteworthy positions worth considering. There are many reasons to think about going to law school to become an attorney, but you may not have the time to dedicate to this commitment to education at the moment. If you’re looking to find your own path in the justice system, consider these job options.

Law Enforcement

Though lawyers are some of the more common figures in the justice system, law enforcement officers also play a significant role. The laws determined by the people are to be upheld by officers of the law, whether they are members of the police or state troopers. By considering this career path, you are putting yourself in the field where you can make an actual difference. Work with the people you’re sworn to protect in a very close capacity and develop a deep sense of pride in the community you patrol.

Court Reporter

Some players in the world of justice are less noticeable than others. In a courtroom setting, the lawyers and witnesses may hold a lot of the spotlight, but someone has to be in charge of documenting the entire affair. Stenographers are tasked with recording everything happening during the duration of a trial so that it can be referred to in an unbiased manner. Working as court reporters Seattle can put you in the middle of the excitement without having to hold the attention of the public. Fast typists and exceptional listeners should consider this career opportunity.

Paralegal

While not always as involved in a case as a lawyer, a paralegal still plays a vital role in the justice process. Common responsibilities of a paralegal include conducting legal research, interviewing and speaking with clients on various matters, and writing up legal documents and other important paperwork associated with a case. In most states, a paralegal only needs to obtain an Associate’s Degree in order to qualify for this position. Lawyers often entrust paralegals with a number of important tasks that are not suited for standard administrative employees, making them a huge asset to any team.

Investigator

There are also plenty of exciting freelance opportunities available within the justice system. Police officers and other law enforcement specialists are not always available to help citizens with specific matters. In these cases, a person may visit with a private investigator or detective. These are individuals for hire who typically have a background in some form of investigative work. Common jobs these professionals take on include researching a particular individual’s background and putting together evidence on a particular case involving parties that the investigator is charged with observing and documenting.

Administrative Positions

There are also ways to get involved in the justice system that require a bit less knowledge on the law itself. Administrative positions that involve basic clerical duties can be great for students or anyone who is looking to get into the industry without much experience. By working in the field on administrative responsibilities, you are giving yourself a base of knowledge that will help you understand more and more about how the legal system operates. Legal secretary responsibilities will range from firm to firm, but often are not too far from other office tasks.

There are a number of reasons to think about working within the justice system. Perhaps you are interested in making a difference in the world. Maybe a family member worked in law enforcement and you are looking to carry on the tradition. No matter the specifics, there are a number of different paths to think about following in order to get involved. Explore the options that are available to you. Soon, you will have a better idea of how to get started and experience all that a career in this field can bring your future.