If you want to become a lawyer so you could make a difference in the world, you have several specialties you can choose from. In many roles, lawyers can make an impact on the lives and well-being of individuals and communities. In some cases, the work you do can affect millions of people.
Become an Environmental Lawyer
As the effects of climate change, pollution, and depleting natural resources continue to threaten the lives of humans and wildlife, the demand for environmental lawyers is growing. You may work for a government agency or a nonprofit organization, or you could represent individual clients protecting their land.
Some environmental lawyers advise on the creation of regulations and policies covering waste, emissions, land use, and other issues. Others work in litigation, where they may initiate lawsuits against people and companies who are potentially causing environmental harm affecting people’s interests and health.
Become a Public Defender
Public defenders provide criminal defense to those that can’t afford one. In this way, public defenders play a vital role in upholding the constitutional rights of those accused of crimes and ensuring that all people are treated equally under the law, regardless of their station in life. They work to protect the innocent and keep overly harsh punishments from being meted out against the guilty.
Public defenders will work with the defendant from arraignment to the final disposition of the case. They may need to research applicable laws, investigate the facts of the case, prepare briefs, and present a case to a judge or jury.
Become a Civil Rights Lawyer
Civil rights lawyers defend people whose rights have been violated by the acts of individuals, organizations, or businesses. These may involve factors such as race or ethnicity, gender, religion, immigration status, disability, or due process. Some civil rights attorneys may have areas of focus such as sexual harassment, employment discrimination, or hate crimes.
Some civil rights cases not only affect individuals but also can set precedents that change policies, laws, and practices. In this way, working as a civil rights lawyer can allow you to have a long-lasting impact.
If you want to use your expertise in law to make the world a better place, you might consider a career that helps the most vulnerable in society and promotes a cause such as social justice or environmental health. As a consequence of your work, you may be able to help much more than just your client.
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