This paper presents comparative career profiles of two professions: lawyer and private investigator. It examines each career's educational requirements, work environment, salary ranges, advancement opportunities, and key challenges. Drawing on Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2002, the paper outlines the qualifications needed to enter each field, the day-to-day realities of each role, and the personal attributes required for success. The paper concludes with a personal reflection comparing the two careers, ultimately favoring law for its higher earning potential, intellectual demands, and opportunities for independent practice.
Choosing a career is one of the most significant decisions a person can make. This paper presents comparative profiles of two distinct professions — lawyer and private investigator — examining each in terms of requirements, working conditions, salary, and advancement opportunities, before offering a personal assessment of the two options.
Because the law is such a profound aspect of life in Western society, being a lawyer can be a very interesting pursuit. This is confirmed by the fact that lawyers may specialize in a great variety of fields and directions. The trial attorneys so often featured in television shows, for example, represent only one aspect of the profession. Lawyers may also specialize in fields such as intellectual property, business finance, and even environmental law. The latter is particularly interesting in light of the current social directive toward environmental protection.
A lawyer specializing in environmental issues, for example, may represent environmental groups or companies wishing to apply for rights to construction in a particular environment. To a greater or lesser extent, law is a field in which the professional might make a meaningful difference for those he or she serves.
There is no single set of requirements for practicing law; each jurisdiction has its own rules governed by the courts of that particular area. It is, however, required to pass a written bar examination in any state where the lawyer wishes to practice. Some states also require an ethics examination before granting the right to practice. In order to sit these tests, the aspiring lawyer must graduate from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved law school and hold a college degree.
One of the qualities a lawyer needs to succeed is logical reasoning along with an ability to think quickly and speak well. This is particularly important for trial attorneys. My own existing attributes for the job include an ability to reason, a love for research, and strong public speaking skills. I also hold a college degree in political science and am well versed in research methods.
"Office conditions, workload, and salary data"
"Training, skills, salary, and challenges"
"Personal preference based on pay and excitement"
You’re 35% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 3 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.