Career Exploration
Start with Self-Assessment
There are numerous options for employment with a degree from HLS. Before you read about the practice areas and settings in the private sector below, take some time to complete our self-assessment exercises.
Explore by Practice Area
Explore by Practice Area
- Practice Area Podcast Series
- Overview of Legal Practice Areas
- Litigation
- Corporate
- Regulatory
- Intellectual Property
- Other Practice Areas
Practice Area Podcast Series
There are many possible areas of specialization in a law firm. To help you identify what practice area(s) might interest you, listen to these podcasts in which OCS advisors interview leading practitioners in their respective fields. Attorneys provide an overview of the practice, the types of matters they work on and the role of a junior associate.
Overview of Legal Practice Areas
The day-to-day work and skill set can vary greatly among practice areas. Learn about the vast array of common practice areas in law firms and find which ones suit your interests and ambitions.
Litigation
Litigation is the legal process of resolving disputes between parties. These pages will provide you with information on different types of litigation practice.
Corporate
While much of the legal work in the private sector involves corporations, corporate lawyers are those that focus strictly on the transactions that their clients engage in, and the matters that are involved with the running of the business.
Regulatory
Regulatory or administrative law focuses on interactions with governmental institutions and agencies. There are many different types of regulatory work at law firms.
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property involves assets that go beyond bricks and mortar, encompassing processes, ideas, names and inventions. Learn more about the multiple categories of practice in this ever-evolving field.
Other Practice Areas
How do you decide on a practice area? There are many areas of specialization in a law firm and these Other Practice Area pages provide overviews of many different types of practice
Explore by Career Path
Career Exploration Podcasts and Videos
Career Exploration Podcasts and Videos
| Title | Date | Length | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Intro to Big Law: Choosing a Practice Area, Finding Your Place, and Positioning for the FutureStephanie Biderman, Partner, Major, Lindsey & AfricaMichelle Fivel, Partner, Major, Lindsey & Africa |
02/24/2021
|
53:51 | Video | Play |
Ten Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Practice AreaStephanie Biderman, Managing Director, Major, Lindsey & AfricaMichelle Fivel, Partner, Major, Lindsey & Africa |
01/30/2020
|
40:22 | Video | Play |
Thinking About Practice AreasEIP Roadmap Leg 1: Logistics and Planning |
|
15:29 | Audio | Play |