Thinking about studying Law or Teaching?
Law and Teaching are two totally different career paths.
When deciding on a professional path, take into account the demand for positions, your skills, salaries, and, most significantly, your interests.
In this article, we’ll help explain their differences and career path options.
Lawyer Vs Teacher, Which One Is Better?
In short, Law is thought to be better to Teaching since it pays more, has a higher earning potential, and is more prestigious.
Law school is more challenging and time-consuming than teaching school, but the income potential is greater. Teaching is for those who wish to help others grow, whereas law is about giving clients legal advice in one or more areas of law.
You should consider becoming a Teacher if you like working with children and are passionate about mentoring, teaching and nurturing them through education. You should consider becoming a Lawyer if want to aid individuals, groups, and organizations with their legal issues while helping public good.
Teachers engage pupils in learning on a daily basis at all levels of the school.
Teachers provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed both inside and beyond the classroom.
A Teaching qualification you can typically look forward to careers paths kindergarten, elementary, high school and college
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers usually must have at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition, public school teachers must have a state-issued certification or license.
For postsecondary teachers, academic requirements differ depending on the subject and the type of educational institution. A PhD is usually required of postsecondary teachers.
A master’s degree may be sufficient for certain community college postsecondary teachers, while others may require employment experience in their field of specialisation.
A bachelor’s degree is usually required of high school teachers. Furthermore, public school teachers must hold a state-issued certification or licence, which may need a background in the subject(s) they will be certified to teach.
So, let’s talk about becoming a Lawyer
A law degree is not easy to obtain.
The bar has been raised, and great academic achievement is expected.
Law school is a true intellectual challenge.
Many courses allow students to combine law with business or accountancy, as well as law with a variety of non-law degrees.
Law graduates are sought after in a variety of professions, including media and law, academia, trade and industry, social work, politics, and more.
It is a difficult job, but those who preserve justice are deserving of our admiration.
You will discover that law school can take you almost anywhere.
Many law graduates have found success in a variety of fields, while some have gone on to become well-respected international leaders.
Obtaining a legal degree does not guarantee instant success or a significant sum of money, but it comes close.
When compared to individuals who do not have this professional certification, you will have more work stability and higher compensation.
A typical day for a lawyer consists of reviewing and negotiating contracts, researching legal concerns, drafting persuasive arguments, preparing for and taking depositions, preparing for trial, and negotiating settlements in various amounts
So now we have answered the main question let’s further explore Teaching and Law.
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Teachers, what do they do at work?
The workday for many teachers begins early and finishes late. Job responsibilities differ depending on the subject and grade level, among other considerations. However, teaching often entails class preparation, instructional time, and after-school responsibilities.
Teaching roles typically comprise of the following
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers prepare young children for middle school by teaching them fundamental topics such as arithmetic and reading.
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers work in public and private schools. They generally work during school hours when students are present and use nights and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers. Most kindergarten and elementary school teachers do not work during the summer.
High school teachers assist pupils in preparing for life following graduation. They provide academic teachings as well as numerous skills that pupils will need to attend college or enter the workforce.
High school teachers work in schools. They work during school hours but may also work evenings and weekends to prepare lessons and grade papers. Most do not teach during the summer.
Postsecondary teachers teach a wide range of academic courses to students who have completed high school. They may also do research and write scholarly articles and books.
Most postsecondary teachers work in public and private colleges and universities, professional schools, and junior or community colleges. Most work full time, although part-time work is common.
Typical teacher duties typically include the following:
- Plan lessons and instruct their students in the subject they teach
- Assess students’ abilities, strengths, and weaknesses
- Adapt lessons to changes in class size
- Grade students’ assignments and exams
- Communicate with parents about students’ progress
- Work with individual students to challenge them and to improve their abilities
- Prepare students for standardized tests required by the state
- Develop and enforce classroom rules and administrative policies
- Supervise students outside of the classroom—for example, during lunchtime or detention
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Lawyers, what do they do at work?
Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.
Duties
Lawyers typically do the following:
- Advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters
- Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case
- Conduct research and analysis of legal problems
- Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses
- Present facts in writing and verbally to their clients or others, and argue on behalf of their clients
- Prepare and file legal documents, such as lawsuits, appeals, wills, contracts, and deeds
The employment of lawyers is projected to grow 4 per cent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Competition for jobs over the next 10 years is expected to be strong because more students graduate from law school each year than there are jobs available.
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Lawyers or Teachers, who earns more?
Lawyers earn more than teachers, with a Lawyers median income of roughly $126,930 vs a Teachers wage ranging from $28,570 to $56,130 each year.
According to BLS, the median annual wage for lawyers was $126,930 in May 2020.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
The lowest 10 per cent earned less than $61,490, and the highest 10 per cent earned more than $208,000.
The wages discussed are median wages and should be taken as a rough guide.
The reason I say this is that wages vary depending on whether you work for a private or public organisation, your geographic region, the size of your business, and your industry (some pay more than others).
| Occupation | Employment, 2014 | Employment growth, projected 2014–24 (per cent) | Job openings, projected 2014–24 | Median annual wage, May 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary school teachers | 1,358,000 | 6% | 378,700 | $54,890 |
| Secondary school teachers | 961,600 | 6% | 284,000 | $57,200 |
| Middle school teachers | 627,500 | 6% | 175,500 | $55,860 |
| Preschool teachers | $441,000 | 7% | 158,700 | $28,570 |
| Kindergarten teachers | 159,400 | 6% | 56,100 | $51,640 |
| Career/technical education teachers, secondary school | 79,600 | 0% | 19,200 | $56,130 |
| Career/technical education teachers, middle school | 13,700 | 6% | 3,900 | $55,190 |
| Note: Job openings are from growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program and Occupational Employment Statistics survey (wages). |
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So when it comes to who is in demand, Lawyer or Teacher? The employment of Teachers and Lawyers is projected to grow between 7-9 per cent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Final Thoughts
Law school is more challenging and time-consuming than teaching school, but the payoff is greater. Teaching is for those who desire to help others learn, whereas law is about giving clients legal advice in one or more areas of the law.
Deciding on what to study is an important one.
Speak with trusted friends and family, even consult with a career consultant for advice.
Consider your strengths and weakness, likes and dislikes before deciding on the career path to study.
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References
- Teaching for a living: Career Outlook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- Lawyers: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
