Law

Here is a sample list of applied areas in this industry: 

Government, Policy,  and Intelligence

Students interested in law may find rewarding careers in government, policy, and intelligence, where legal reasoning, analytical skills, and an understanding of public institutions are essential. Opportunities exist in agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, State Department, Central Intelligence Agency, and international organizations like the United Nations. Roles may involve legal analysis, national security, policy development, and intelligence gathering. These positions can be highly competitive and involve lengthy security clearance processes. It’s important to begin researching and preparing applications well in advance, often 9-12 months before your intended start date. 

Corporate and Business Law

This field of law governs the formation, operation, and regulation of companies, as well as commercial transactions. It includes areas such as mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, antitrust, capital markets, corporate finance, private equity, and many more. Corporate lawyers advise businesses on their legal rights and obligations, help structure deals, and navigate regulatory landscapes both in the U.S. and internationally. This field blends legal analysis with strategic business thinking and may be especially interesting for students who enjoy economics, finance, and entrepreneurship.

Criminal Law

Criminal law addresses conduct that breaks laws — whether on the local, state, federal, or international level. It involves prosecution and defense of persons or entities accused of such conduct. Criminal lawyers must be familiar with a wide range of topics, including criminal procedure, evidence, and constitutional protections. Lawyers in this field may work as prosecutors, defense attorneys, public defenders, or in policy. Criminal law offers opportunities to engage directly with issues of justice, civil liberties, and the impact on people and communities.

Immigration Law

Immigration law deals with the rules and processes related to visas, naturalization, asylum, deportation, and refugee status. Lawyers in this field represent individuals, families, and employers and may work for private law firms, in solo practice, for nonprofits and NGOs, in government agencies, or as in-house counsel for corporations.  Immigration law can intersect with human rights, constitutional law, and other legal areas. This field can be compelling for students interested in international affairs, civil rights, languages, or serving immigrant communities

Intellectual Property Law

Intellectual property (IP) law governs the legal rights associated with creations of the mind, including inventions, artistic works, brand names, and proprietary information. The key areas in IP law are: patent law (protecting inventions), copyright law (protecting creative works), and trademark law (protecting brand identity). IP lawyers help individuals and organizations safeguard their innovations, navigate licensing agreements, and resolve disputes over ownership and infringement. This field is increasingly important in technology, entertainment, biotech, and academic research settings, making it well suited for students with a background in science, engineering, media, or the arts.

International Law

International law governs the legal relationships between nations, international organizations, and individuals across borders. It encompasses a wide range of issues, including international trade, environmental law, human rights, diplomatic relations, and jurisdiction issues. Practitioners in this field may work in global institutions such as the United Nations or the World Bank, in government foreign service, at NGOs, or in multinational corporations. This practice combines legal knowledge with a deep understanding of international politics and economics. International law may appeal to students interested in global affairs, languages, diplomacy, and cross-cultural problem solving.

Public Interest Law

Public interest law is dedicated to advancing justice and the public good, often by representing individuals and communities who are underserved or marginalized. This broad field includes legal work in civil rights, environmental justice, education, housing, healthcare, disability advocacy, criminal justice reform, and more. Public interest lawyers may work for nonprofits,  advocacy groups, or in government, where they work to drive systemic change and protect fundamental rights. This is a mission-driven field that can be rewarding for students committed to social impact, policy reform, and community empowerment.

Smaller and midsized firms, as well as many non-profits, tend to hire on an as-needed basis. This means they often seek candidates who can work immediately. As in most industries, networking is key to securing a position. It is also important to conduct thorough research to identify firms, organizations, and agencies that align with your interests and goals. 

• The Office of Preprofessional Advising helps Columbia College and Columbia Engineering students and alumni identify and refine their interests in professional school, including law. The office hosts a listserv with information and opportunities as well as online resources.
• LionSHARE — Under the job search tab, try keyword searching the words ‘law’ or ‘legal’ or select ‘law,’ ‘legal services,’ or ‘government’ in the employer industry menu. Examples of organizations that have recruited through LionSHARE for legal positions include Lawyers Alliance for New York, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, and the British Embassy.  
• CCE Career Fairs and Networking Events — Highlights of past participants include: Kobre & Kim LLP, Ropes & Gray, The United Nations, US Department of State, New York District Attorney, and Legal Momentum.
• Student organizations including the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review, the Columbia Pre-Law Society, and the Black Pre-Law Society.
• The Division of Government Affairs serves as a liaison between Columbia and government at the federal, state, and city levels. As a service to Columbia and Barnard students, the Columbia University Office of Government and Community Affairs provides assistance to undergraduates interested in spending the summer interning in either the local or Washington, DC office of a United States Congressperson.
• Vault (formerly Firsthand) is an excellent career resource to explore industries and organizations. Vault Law has guides on the top 100 law firms, best firms by practice area, as well as informative Q&As with lawyers in various fields.
• If you’re considering attending law school, review our resources on graduate school. 

Job Boards         

• FindLaw
• Idealist.org
• Internships in International Law
• The National Association for Law Placement, Inc.
• USA Jobs — Students and Graduates
• US Department of State Careers  

Associations

• Women in Government Relations
• Columbia University Undergraduate Law Society
• American Bar Association
• New York State Bar Association
• New York City Bar Association
• New York County Lawyers Association