Law and Society | Career Centre

Are you thinking of pursuing a career in the legal field or do you want to know how the legal system affects real world situations? A degree in Law and Society will expose you to different perspectives on law using interdisciplinary approaches as well as international and comparative perspectives, introducing critical skills for socio-legal study and research. Whether you want to go on to law school and become a lawyer, be a journalist or work in a non-profit organization and create direct change, a degree in Law and Society can lead you towards a great number of future opportunities.

Career Options in Law and Society

This list is not exhaustive but it provides a solid idea of what fellow graduates have gone on to do and what potential careers a Law and Society degree can offer. Some options are more directly associated with specific areas of Law and Society than others.

Archivist
Business Administrator
Career Counsellor
Child Welfare Worker
Community Worker
Editor/Publisher
Fundraiser
Government Administrator
Journalist
Judge
Labour Relations Specialist
Law Clerk
Lawyer
Legal Aid Worker
Legislative Aid

Lobbyist
Marriage/Family Counsellor
Media Correspondent
Mediator
Non-Profit Administrator
Paralegal
Policy Researcher
Politician
Public Affairs Consultant
Public Relations Specialist
Social Policy Researcher
Social Worker
Speech Writer
Victims' Advocate
Youth Worker

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Law and Society Degree

A background in Law and Society ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core Law and Society Skills

An understanding of the law in its broader social cultural context
The ability to analyze issues from a variety of perspectives
An understanding of social issues and their linkage to contemporary legal questions

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound decisions while considering different sides of an argument
The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas
The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work

Management and Teamwork

The capacity to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing an industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.