NinetoNext

← Career directory · Law

Lawyers

Advises and represents people, businesses and governments on the law.

Typical education to startDoctoral or professional degree
Job outlook2025–2035: +5%
Median pay$159,670 a year (2025)
Interest codeECI Enterprising, Conventional, Investigative

Read the full guide

Lawyers research the law, write contracts and arguments, negotiate, and represent clients in court. Many never go to trial; they advise businesses, families or the government.

Open the lawyer guide

The guide checks the courses against your plan, with things to try each year. Free account needed.

High school courses that build toward it

Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.

Lawyers on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.