Many retail stores and businesses employ security guards to prevent theft and vandalism. Police officers and deputy sheriffs prevent crime and arrest offenders. Prosecuting attorneys work for the government, while defense attorneys work as public defenders or for private firms.
Judges preside over trials, and sentence convicted criminals.
Many clerical workers, such as paralegals and title searchers, support the legal system. Due to the nature of the clientele served by legal and protective services, the stress level is high. Although most workers expect to work 40-hour weeks, emergencies can happen any time, anywhere. Judges in smaller jurisdictions may serve only part-time. Competition among lawyers is tough.