The popular perception of lawyers as courtroom litigators and judges is representative of only one branch of the profession. Lawyers are also found in planning and policy-making roles in both the private and public sectors, in large corporations, at all levels of government, and in international practice. Lawyers work as managers and administrators in many different fields. Many serve the community as prosecutors and public defenders. Because of their training, lawyers are often called upon to represent the broad interests of their communities.
Salaries vary by the type of work that the attorney chooses.
Students are encouraged to pursue a course of study that will enable them to think critically, to analyze written materials with care, and to communicate effectively in both verbal and written form. Traditional majors followed by potential law students include English, history, political science, and business. However, students with degrees in areas as diverse as agriculture, engineering, philosophy, and music have done well in law school. The options are numerous, and students are encouraged to choose a major that personally interests them. It is not so much a matter of the major chosen but rather selecting courses within, or outside, the major that really challenge students and push them to use their research, writing, and analytical skills.