Legal Careers

Government Law

Government lawyers are an extension of the Judicial Branch to the United States Government. Whether it be federal, state, or local, they adhere to some Constitutional requirements when representing clients. Typically, government lawyers begin as clerks in a more local office, before rising in rank to federal prosecutor or public defender. The fifth amendment, in particular, establishes that anyone criminally charged may have an attorney provided for them if money is an issue. This attorney is a government lawyer. When outside parties sue the United States government, lawyers work to defend the government as if it were any other client. Attorneys working for the government also act as mediators to settle disputes, advisors when drafting legislation, and enforces of ordinances. Pay is usually not as high as private practice, but still a very fulfilling job.

Corporate Law

Corporate lawyers are expected to have a general understanding of economic activities. This allows them to advise companies and interpret legality/highlight fraud. A lot of the time corporate lawyers work in teams, so the work itself is not as solo as private practice. Corporate lawyers might work as mediators to ease acquisition tensions, sales, and bankruptcies. They work within the private practice field, yet are more specialized than a general lawyer. Lawyers should expect cyclically demanding hours, with times of economic prosperity resulting in less strenuous work. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic recession resulted in widespread bankruptcies across America. A corporate lawyer’s specialty is their greatest asset. Firms want to hire specific lawyers to tackle specific problems, and this is where corporate lawyers make their money.

Family Law

Family lawyers specialize in legal matters that affect families, such as adoption, divorce, and child custody. Their work often includes drafting custody arrangements, wills, and prenuptial agreements, as well as representing clients in court or leading mediation sessions to resolve conflicts peacefully. Because they guide people through some of life’s most emotional moments, empathy and communication are essential skills in this field.To become a family lawyer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school, and admission to the state bar. Most positions also require a few years of experience in family law. As of October 2025, the average family law attorney in Madison, Wisconsin earns about $104,553 per year.

Immigration Law

Immigration lawyers regulate the flow of individuals seeking to enter and stay in the United States either temporarily or permanently for a variety of reasons, including employment opportunities, family reunification, and fear of persecution. Immigration lawyers practice in the private sector working for firms of all sizes. Some lawyers specialize in remove defense, which primarily concerns deportation proceedings, and other lawyers specialize in family and employment immigration law, which is representing individual clients seeking to obtain visas for family members. A solid foundation in immigration law begins with courses in Constitutional and Administrative Law. A career in immigration law requires high-level capabilities in reading and writing, as well as the ability to advocate for the rights of your client. To seek hands-on experience, interning at a immigration specialized law firm as well as volunteering with advocacy non-profits a strong knowledge base for a future career in immigration law. As of November 2025, the averahe immigration attorney salary in Madison, Wisconsin is $90,925 per year.

Private Practice

Private practice law involves clients paying lawyers directly for their services, unlike in-house counsel and government lawyers that are paid by the company/gov. This is the most typical kind of law firm, as anyone can create their own private practice (so long as they have a JD degree). Difficulties include finding a client base, as there is no company/larger entity to supply them. Associates should expect salaries to take the form of “billables”, meaning hours that count towards client time and must be logged each day. Certain firms require a certain amount of hours per week. Once an associate is bumped up to partner, they invest equity stake in the firm and then are paid a higher salary. Typically, lawyers with their own book of business can do very well in private practice firms. This means they have clients that follow them from firm to firm. Larger private practice firms tend to favor lawyers who can bring business, thus making money for everyone. Thus, it is important to have an extensive social/business network when going into private practice (it amplifies hiring chances). Also, salaries and clientele vary based on firm size and location.

Public Interest

Practicing law in “public interest” at its core involves protecting marginalized citizens’ Constitutional rights. The de jure American legal code states that “all men are created equal”, with various additions to the Constitution that protect people of different backgrounds. However, citizens still face de facto scrutiny based on their racial, sexual, religious, or cultural orientation. Public interest lawyers come into play here, representing oppressed peoples who may not have found a good lawyer otherwise. A perfect example of this is the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), which works to protect Constitutional rights for people who have been wronged. ACLU lawyers also work to lobby politicians towards updating public policy (which then can extend protections of civil liberties for underrepresented peoples). Oftentimes, these attorney jobs are not the highest paying (as clients do not possess resources of heavyweight corporations). The work itself is very fulfilling though, as one legal victory can completely change the trajectory of an individual’s, family’s, or greater group’s life. 

Academia

Reading, writing, preparing, lecturing, and advising. These are common requirements of people working in legal academia. Professors have the normal teaching responsibility of preparing material for their class (grading too). Lots of legal professors are former lawyers who wanted a career change, and it can be very fulfilling to train the next generation of attorneys. Depending on connections, legal professors can be contacted about giving op-eds on certain current events. They might also advise politicians when drafting legislation. Professors have the careful responsibility of teaching their students in a way that maintains Constitutionality, but allows students to apply these guidelines individually. The law is a tricky topic, and eliminating a legal student’s voice early on can destroy their potential career from the start. For this, and many other reasons, legal professors truly are responsible for the continuation of the attorney position. Without them, students might look elsewhere for a career. 

Paralegals/Legal Assistants

Paralegals and legal assistants play essential roles in supporting lawyers and the legal process. Their responsibilities may include conducting legal research, organizing case files, drafting legal documents, and more. While their duties often overlap, there are key distinctions between the two professions. Paralegals, also called paraprofessionals, perform more substantive legal work under the supervision of licensed attorneys. They are often more deeply involved in legal research and case preparation. Legal assistants, on the other hand, handle more administrative responsibilities, such as transcribing documents, managing schedules, and communicating with clients. Most paralegals and legal assistants work full time in law firms or government agencies. Typically, these positions require an associate degree or a certificate in legal studies, though some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Neither role requires a Juris Doctor (JD) or law-related master’s degree.As of October 2025, the average paralegal salary in Madison, Wisconsin, is $60,186 per year, while the average legal assistant salary is $48,666 per year, both at the entry level.

Court Reporter

Court reporters play an important role in the justice system. They are sworn officers of the court who capture every word spoken during court hearings, depositions, and other legal proceedings. Afterward, they prepare official transcripts that serve as an accurate record of what was said—essential for appeals or case reviews. Today’s court reporters use both skill and technology to provide real-time access to what’s happening in a courtroom or deposition. They typically receive training through reporter programs, universities, or specialized schools. There are three main types of court reporters: Stenographers: Use a stenography machine and a shorthand writing system based on syllables instead of letters. Digital Court Reporters: Record proceedings using digital audio equipment while taking detailed notes. Voice Writers: Speak into a steno-mask device that converts their speech into text. To succeed in this career, court reporters need speed, accuracy, focus, clear communication, and integrity, since they often have only one chance to capture every word correctly. As of October 2025, the average court reporter salary in Wisconsin is $81,304 per year.

Lobbyist

A lobbyist is a professional advocate who works to influence political decisions and government action on behalf of individuals, organizations, and industries. Their efforts often help shape new legislation or modify existing laws and regulations. Lobbyists may work full-time, part-time, or on a volunteer basis, and can register in categories such as employee, contract, volunteer, unsalaried, intern, or self-employed lobbyists. Major industries that rely on lobbying include business associations, defense, education, international affairs, insurance, energy and the environment, and nonprofits. The primary role of a lobbyist is to promote a client’s interests by securing legislative support to propose, pass, amend, or block policies. Most lobbyists enter the field by earning a bachelor’s degree—commonly in political science, communications, or journalism—completing an internship to gain practical experience, registering with the appropriate state or federal body, and building a strong professional network with policymakers. As of November 2025, the average lobbyist salary in Madison, Wisconsin is $51,138 per year.