Many people with law degrees have gone on to work in areas such as human resources, technology, entertainment, and health care, to name a few. With emerging industries such as cannabis or the ever-evolving sports world, and the need for diversity and inclusion, many companies benefit from having someone with a legal education on the team. Finding the right law school that opens the doors to these many avenues is vital because a solid foundation is key to building a successful career.
Here are five reasons to consider getting a legal education:
Lawyers are transformational change agents and frontline soldiers for the justice system. They represent individuals who need access to the justice system, as well as corporate clients. The district attorneys for East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, East Feliciana, and West Feliciana parishes are Southern University Law Center alumni.
Lawyers are well-paid professionals with specialized knowledge that gives them the ability to earn compensation that exceeds the average salaries of non-lawyers. The average salary of lawyers in the U.S. is $144,230 and the average Louisiana lawyer salary is $105,490.
Legal education provides opportunities for law students to learn transferable skills and gain career opportunities in non-traditional areas such as: compliance and ethics; corporate governance and responsibility; data privacy and security; cybersecurity; government affairs and government relations; HR management; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; employee benefits; insurance and risk management; intellectual property, technology, and licensing; regulatory affairs, and many others.
Lawyers are leaders in society. They become judges, legislators, corporate leaders, and community leaders. Many alumni of the Southern University Law Center become lawyer leaders.
Legal education is abroad and comprehensive educational and intellectual experience. Law school exposes students to varying viewpoints, strategic thinking, and externships or legal clinics that provide practical experiential educational opportunities. Seventy-one of the 213 state district court judges in Louisiana graduated from the Southern University Law Center.
The Southern University Law Center is one of several great law schools in Baton Rouge and the surrounding area. For the past 75 years, it has provided access and opportunities to a diverse group of students from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups to obtain a high-quality legal education. SULC students leave the Law Center with the skills necessary for the practice of law and for positions of leadership in society.
2 Roosevelt Steptoe St. • Baton Rouge, LA 70813 • 225.465.5700 • jpierre@sulc.edu
Chancellor John Pierre
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John K. Pierre has devoted his career to molding lawyer leaders and being a champion of innovation. He serves as a transformational change agent and inspiration to legal professionals and thought leaders around the globe. He has earned numerous awards for his leadership, innovative strategy, and tireless efforts within the legal and professional realm. Hampton University, the Baton Rouge Bar Association, and the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus are just a few of the organizations that have bestowed honors upon Pierre throughout his career.
