Lawyers and judges aren't the only people who work in the legal profession. Numerous career options exist for those who are interested in the law.

Administrative law judges are normally employed in a civil service position by a public sector agency. An administrative law judge exercises functions, which are somewhat similar to an elected or appointed circuit judge, such as regulating the course of a hearing or ruling on procedural request. However their cases do not make final or binding decisions. Administrative law judges tend to take a much more active role in the case over which they preside.

Many federal and state agencies hire administrative law judges. These agencies require that an administrative law judge possess a law degree from an accredited institution and be a licensed attorney in good standing.

A career as a legal librarian is another option. These professionals work in a variety of legal settings, most commonly in law schools, large private law firms or government libraries. Many have a degree in library science, and most jobs require a Master's degree. There is usually no law degree requirement for those in large law firms, corporations or public, county or governmental law libraries.

Other career options include:

• Sign language interpreter: This person helps court personnel communicate with the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
• Legal secretary: More than just a typist, this person may be asked to complete complicated tax documents or important divorce of child custody papers to be filed in court.
• Law enforcement officer (a police officer or state trooper).
• Legal assistant or paralegal: This person, qualified through education, training or work experience, is employed by a lawyer, law office or other entity, and who performs a legal function under the direct supervision of an attorney.
• Mediator: This person who does not decide cases but rather facilitates decisions between parties to help reach a fair and equitable settlement.
• Court reporter: This person who has the responsibility to record everything said by all of the parties participating in formal trials.
• Court clerk or bailiff: These people administer oaths in courtrooms, take responsibility and custody of physical evidence introduced at a trial, and help in the general administration of a trial.

Other professions that could be considered law-related are a corrections officer, forensic scientist, a high school law/government/political science teacher, a JAG or military lawyer, a legal nurse consultant, a legislator, a lobbyist, a private investigator, a customs officer or a victim advocate. A good resource for law-related careers is www.streetlaw.com/careers.html.

Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.