By Tricia Martin
Do you find yourself settling disputes around who actually ate all the food in the household that was meant to last another 5 days? Have you got a secret talent in negotiating your way out of the annual PE beep test? Do you have zero cares for Google answers and instead seek guidance from Judge Judy reruns? If you answered "YES! PICK ME" to any of these questions as you secretly munch on groceries while your brother is grounded, then maybe it is time to answer the call of law.
So you like legal studies but are not thrilled about a life of suits, codes and courts. We have decided to break beyond the law stereotype to find some careers paths that you will probably love if you are all about the study of…well…legal stuff.
Heads Up: Sadly, replacing Megan Markle on 'Suits' is not included in this list but don't that stop you from living your best life.
1. News Commentator
Yup. If you enjoy law we could switch on the TV and see your beaming face at around 7 every weekday night before the 108th season of 'The Bachelor'. Having legal knowledge is super useful and sort after, especially when people want to listen to an informed opinion. A News Commentator has to possess the ability to assess and analyse situations, examining local and global news and edit accordingly to appeal to particular audiences.
While there is a constant flow of news out there, when you bring a fresh and informed understanding to particular situations, you can give audiences the big picture….which is desperately needed in an era of 'Fake News'.
2. Ediscovery Consultant
Feel like you have a unique talent for Insta "research" (aka stalking)? As an Ediscovery Consultant, you can make your love of tech a full-time gig. If you choose the path of Ediscovery you can find yourself helping law firms to discover, plan, manage and leverage data to make information available for legal inspection. A background in law will help you assess what information is relevant and suitable for attorneys to use and present in court!
3. Script Writer
Ever binge-watch a season of Suits? That is a stupid question… we know you have. In any drama series that aims to capture the reality of a certain industry (think of any Police, Law or Medical TV drama ever) you don't want to be writing scripts that involve completely random situations that would never happen in real life. If you enjoy legal studies you probably enjoy writing and, when mixed with a love for all things legal, you could use your expertise in any law-related show. When you think about it… a courtroom and film set aren't that dissimilar.
4. Advocate
If you love the idea of walking into a courtroom, shouting "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH" to save the life of an innocent victim, you may be a little disappointed. Law can be draining and at times far from saving cute puppies from animal testing (if you haven't seen Legally Blonde 2 then just keep on doing what you're doing). Luckily, your knowledge of legality can really help make a difference at a grassroots level if you jump into 'Public Interest Advocacy'. Use your skills for good, making sure social justice is obtained for disadvantaged groups and individuals.
Tricia Martin is a trained behavioural change facilitator and founder of She Can, a movement to change the game plan for students in equipping them with relevant, future-focused skills. Tricia can be contacted at tricia@shecan.com.au
