Occupation Summary

Lawyers

O*NET 23-1011.00

Description:

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Annual Wages:
$166,616.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 19.29%.
Education Level:
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.. According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
Public Service

  1. Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
  2. Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
  3. Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
  4. Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
  5. Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
  6. Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
  7. Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
  8. Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.
  9. Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
  10. Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
  11. Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
  12. Prepare legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals in state and federal courts of appeal.
  13. Negotiate settlements of civil disputes.
  14. Confer with colleagues with specialties in appropriate areas of legal issue to establish and verify bases for legal proceedings.
  15. Search for and examine public and other legal records to write opinions or establish ownership.
  16. Supervise legal assistants.
  17. Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.
  18. Act as agent, trustee, guardian, or executor for businesses or individuals.
  19. Probate wills and represent and advise executors and administrators of estates.
  20. Help develop federal and state programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, and establish enforcement procedures.
  21. Work in environmental law, representing public interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with state and federal agencies.
  22. Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.

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National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Lawyers employed Annual Growth Rate
Legal services 49.3 1.01


Labor Market Information


2022 Statewide average hourly wage $80.10
2022 National average hourly wage $78.74
2020 National employment 804,200
2020 Texas employment 55,958
Texas projected employment by 2030 66,750
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2030 3,915




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
94.40%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
89.80%
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
77.60%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
66.80%
Personnel and Human Resources
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
65.40%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
62.00%
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
59.00%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
55.80%
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
54.80%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
52.80%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
92.40%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
92.40%
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
87.60%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
85.00%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
82.40%
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
82.40%
Persuasion
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
80.00%
Negotiation
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
80.00%
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
80.00%
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
77.60%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
97.60%
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
90.00%
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
90.00%
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
85.00%
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
82.40%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
80.00%
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
80.00%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
77.60%
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
77.60%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
77.60%


  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
    -- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
    -- Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
    -- Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Other Activities


  • Achievement
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
  • Recognition
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.



Tools

Compact disk players or recorders: Compact disk CD recorders;

Desktop computers: Desktop computers;

Digital video disk players or recorders: Digital video disk DVD recorders;

High capacity removable media drives: Universal serial bus USB flash drives;

Liquid crystal display projector: Liquid crystal display LCD projectors;

Notebook computers: Laptop computers;

Optical character recognition systems: Optical character readers;

Overhead projectors: Overhead projectors;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers: Personal digital assistants PDA;

Photocopiers: Digital photocopiers;

Scanners: Computer data input scanners;


Technology

Accounting software: BQE Software BillQuick; ESI Software ESILAW; Fund accounting software; Genlex CaseAce; LexisNexis Lexis Back Office; LexisNexis PCLaw; SMEsource BillingOrchard; Software Technology Tabs3; TimePro Legal Software TimePro; TimeSolv Legal;

Analytical or scientific software: Direct Hit Systems THREADS; Convex FactLogic;

Calendar and scheduling software: CompuLaw Vision; Compugov DocketView; Levare Center Court;

Content workflow software: I-many Contract Management;

Data base user interface and query software: Argosy Legal Systems Power Closer; HiPerSoft Practice Information Powertool; Gavel & Gown Software Amicus Attorney; Eclipse Legal Systems Proclaim; Economic Analysis Group EAG CaseTrack; Juris; Justice Systems FullCourt Enterprise; LT Online Corporation LAWTRAC; LawLogix Edge; Lawex TrialWorks; Lucid IQ CMP; LexisNexis Lexis Front Office; LegalEdge Law Firm Suite; LexisNexis CaseMap; Computer Sciences Corporation Legal Solutions Suite; Chesapeake Interlink Needles; Client Profiles Case Management; Cobblestone Systems Contract Insight; Corporate Focus Solium Shareworks; Corporatek EnAct Platinum; Creative Data Solutions DuProcess; CrimeCog Technologies E*Justice; Crocodile Consulting Traffic Control; CyberDyne Industries CaseWizard; DPS Software General Litigation; De Novo Systems De Novo CaseMgr; Diarymaster; Advanced Technologies Class Act; AdvantageLaw WinVantage; ADC Legal Systems Perfect Practice; ADERANT Expert Matter Center; Abacus Data Systems AbacusLaw; Bridgeway eCounsel; TopDogLegal; Upside Software UpsideContract; Selectica Contract Performance Management; Thomson Reuters Elite ProLaw; Solution Specialties TRACKER; Synaptec LawBase Case Management; Synergy International Systems Synergy CaseTrack; Tabs3 PracticeMaster; SUSTAIN Justice Edition; Saga Practice Manager; Microsoft Access; Orion Law Management Systems Orion; PerfectLaw All-in-One Suite; Nolo Quicken Legal Business Pro; WebEx WebOffice; Woll2Woll InfoPower Studio; WorthMORE Software CaseWORTH; eLawSoftware;

Data mining software: Google Analytics;

Desktop publishing software: Microsoft Publisher;

Document management software: Microsoft Office SharePoint Server MOSS; Nuance PaperPort Professional; OpenText eDOCS DM; ProDoc; NetDocuments; World Software Corporation Worldox; Technovation Software ImmigrationPro; Thomson West Cowles Estate Practice System; WealthCounsel WealthDocs; IBM Federated Records Management; FTI Ringtail Legal; Immigrant Software Immigrant Professional; Interwoven RecordsManager; Iron Mountain Accutrac records management software; CT Summation iBlaze; CT hCue; Captaris Alchemy; Catalyst Repository Systems CatalystCR; AbacusNext HotDocs; Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat; Anacomp CaseLogistix; Best Case Solutions Best Case Bankruptcy; DATAssimilate Systems DATAssimilator;

Electronic mail software: Catalyst Repository Systems CatalystDR; Catalyst Repository Systems CatalystXE; MicroFocus GroupWise; Microsoft Outlook;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: Microsoft Dynamics; SAP software; ERP software;

Information retrieval or search software: Fastcase legal software; LexisNexis Shepard's Citations Service; LexisNexis; Thomson Reuters Westlaw; Wolters Kluwer Loislaw;

Internet browser software: Web browser software;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software; Corel WordPerfect Office Suite;

Presentation software: IDEA TrialPro; Microsoft PowerPoint; Verdict Systems Sanction; Visionary Legal Technologies Visionary Professional; inData TrialDirector;

Project management software: Virtual Case Management; Microsoft Project; Practice Technology Prevail; Legal Files software; Constellation Justice Systems CourtView; Customer Expressions i-Sight; Canyon Solutions Jcats;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

Tax preparation software: Tax software;

Time accounting software: Sage Timeslips; Equative TimeLedger;

Video conferencing software: LogMeIn GoToMeeting;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word; ProCAT Denoto; Word processing software;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Lawyers include:
  • 23-1021.00 Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
  • 23-1022.00 Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
  • 11-1011.00 Chief Executives
  • 13-1031.00 Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
  • 13-1041.03 Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
  • 13-2099.04 Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
  • 23-1023.00 Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
  • 23-1012.00 Judicial Law Clerks
  • 13-1075.00 Labor Relations Specialists
  • 25-1112.00 Law Teachers, Postsecondary


Sources of Additional Information
  • For more information about law schools and a career in law, visit: American Bar Association
  • National Association for Law Placement
  • For more information about the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and the law school application process, visit: Law School Admission Council
  • For a list of state and jurisdiction admission bar offices, visit: National Conference of Bar Examiners
  • The requirements for admission to the bar in a particular state or other jurisdiction may be obtained at the state capital, from the clerk of the state Supreme Court, or from the administrator of the State Board of Bar Examiners.
  • Lawyers

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.