Lawyer

When most people think of legal careers, they think of lawyers. And, while there is much more to having a legal career than being a lawyer, it is clear that this is one of the most high profile law professions. Here are some lawyer blogs that can help you learn about developing a career as a lawyer:

1. Legal Careers: About.com has a great blog devoted to what’s going on the world of law, including for lawyers.
2. Lawyerist: See quick snippets of what’s going on in the world of legal careers, especially for aspiring lawyers.
3. Jobless Lawyer: This lawyer used his own situation to create a blog to help other lawyers search for careers.
4. Ms. JD: This is a collection of helpful career information aimed at women who want to be lawyers.
5. Law21: Analyzes trends and looks for indications of what’s really happening with legal careers, especially for lawyers.
6. The Shark: Covering law schools and looking at the career path followed by a lawyer from the trenches.
7. Law Career Blog: This blog is no longer being updated regularly, but there is a good collection of archived posts that are helpful for lawyers.
8. Legal Profession Blog: Helpful information on pursuing a career in a legal profession.

Paralegal

You don’t have to be a lawyer to be involved with a legal career. A paralegal does many of the same things a lawyer does, but without the JD. A paralegal is also sometimes called legal assistants, and they gather facts, interview witnesses, collect documents and do a number of legal jobs.

9. New York Paralegal Blog: Get the latest news and information on being a paralegal, and get good tips on making the most of your career.
10. Practical Paralegalism: Get an inside look at what is going on in the trenches of a paralegal career.
11. ParalegalGatway’s Weblog: Insightful advice and information on being a paralegal.
12. The Estrin Report: A place for professional paralegals to go to find support, information and career trends.
13. USLegal Paralegals: Information on developing your career as a paralegal.
14. Paralegal Programs Blog: Covers interesting news and trends related to the paralegal career.
15. A Paralegal’s Blog: This offering from BlogHer provides insight into how you can improve your career.

Practice Specific

There are a number of legal blogs devoted to different aspects of the law. Here are some of the best blogs related to specific areas of practice.

16. TheCorporateCounsel.net Blog: Get an inside look at what’s happening in the world of corporate law, and what it takes to do a good job.
17. Copyrights & Campaigns: A law-based look at copyright law and political campaigns.
18. Election Law: Learn about the laws that govern elections.
19. Drug and Device Law: Find out about what’s it’s like to be involved in drug law, and the processes that devices and drugs go through before being approved.
20. HealthBlawg: Learn about the ins and outs of being a health care legal consultant.
21. Counterfeit Chic: An interesting blog that combines designer fashion with law.
22. IPWatchdog.com Blog: Learn about patent law, and keep up to date on the latest goings-on at the U.S. patent office.
23. Green Building Law Blog: Learn about the issues surrounding green building.
24. Citizen Media Law Project: Keep tabs on media law and learn about being a better legal professional.
25. The Pop Tort: This is all about civil law — and has an unabashed pro-plaintiff slant.
26. Taxgirl: Learn about tax law and get savvy, interesting insight.

Judge

Being a judge is a legal career, too. Here are some great blogs that allow you insight into what it’s like to be a judge.

27. SCOTUSblog: The ultimate judge blog: This is a blog that follows the U.S. Supreme Court.
28. The Becker-Posner Blog: These two guys have been judges, and now they’re law professors. Interesting insight about legal issues.
29. Say What?!: This is a humorous blog offers insight from the late judge Jerry Buchmeyer.

Court Reporter

You can help courts document testimony and proceedings as a court reporter. This is a legal career that is in high demand, and requires a high level of skill. There are even court videographers now.

30. Kramm Court Reporting Blog: Learn helpful tips and information about court reporting.
31. CSRnation: A helpful site and blog aimed at helping court reporters and others in legal careers similar to that.
32. Court Reporters Court Reporting Nationwide: Tools, tips and more related to court reporting.
33. Association of Video Professionals Blog: While not aimed specifically at court reporting, this is a useful blog with information about being a better videographer, which can be helpful for those who are interested in being court videographers.
34. New York Court Reporters Blog: Includes information on court reporting jobs and tips for professional development.
35. Sassy Mama Says…: Follow the exploits of this court reporter who has done a number of jobs related to the legal profession.

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

Get an insight into criminal justice and law enforcement with these blogs, and learn how to make it in a criminal justice legal career.

36. Crime & Consequences: A look at the basics of crime — and its legal consequences.
37. Defending People: An interesting look about what it’s like being a criminal defense lawyer.
38. TalkLeft: The Politics of Crime: A look at crime, and how it is sometimes related to politics.
39. Sentencing Law and Policy: Learn about how sentencing works, and different aspects of related policy.
40. The Policeman’s Blog: Learn about what it’s like to be a cop — from the source.
41. Cop in the Hood: An interesting take on being a cop from a sociologist who became a policeman in a rough Baltimore neighborhood.
42. Forensic News Blog: Get the latest in what going on in forensic science.
43. Psychology and Crime News: Forensic psychology and information on performing better as a forensic scientist.

Legal Theory

Keep up on the latest ideas of law. Understanding legal theory and trends is paramount to advancing your legal career.

44. IdeoBlog: Ideas about law, specifically business law.
45. A Failure of Capitalism: An interesting look at economics and law.
46. Empirical Legal Studies: This blog is devoted to looking at the numbers and facts behind legal theory.
47. Concurring Opinions: Follows different ideas of law, and how it impacts society.
48. Legal Ethics Forum: Attacks issues related to ethics and law.
49. Mirror of Justice: This takes a religious look at legal theory, from a Catholic point of view.
50. Volokh Conspiracy: Viewpoints from a number of legal wonks and experts about what is happening in law today.

Jury Duty Myth #1: If You Don’t Vote, You Can’t Serve on a Jury

This is untrue. While it is true that you are entered into the jury duty pool when you register to vote, failure to vote does not disqualify you for jury duty. Indeed, other ways that you enter the jury duty pool include paying taxes, buying a home and getting a drivers license. So, as you can see, you even if you don’t exercise your civic duty to vote, you may still be called upon to perform your civic duty as a member of a jury.

Jury Duty Myth #2: You Have to Swear on the Bible

Many people envision days of yore when people were required to swear on the Bible. However, when you report for jury duty, you may not have to swear on the Bible. Most courts, recognizing the plurality of religious, as well as agnosticism and atheism, no longer expect such a proof of trustworthiness. In most places, you will simply be asked to raise your right hand and promise to tell the truth and make accurate statements to the best of your ability.

Jury Duty Myth #3: Jury Duty Notices Can Come Over the Phone or Email

Some believe that jury duty notices might come over the phone or through email. This is very dangerous, since this is becoming a more common scam. In this jury duty scam, someone calls or emails you and tells you that you either need to report for jury duty, or that you failed to show up for jury duty. The only way to verify who are and fix the problem (avoiding arrest) is to reveal personal information, such as a Social Security Number, or pay a fine using a credit card. Clearly, the scammers are looking for your information and threatening you with fear tactics. Realize that jury duty summons will only come through the postal service. If you have questions, stop contact with the caller or emailer, and look in your phone book for the local courthouse phone number. Then contact that courthouse.

Jury Duty Myth #4: You Will Have to Serve on a Jury If You Are Called In

Many people think that if they are called in for jury duty, they will have to serve on a jury. However, this is not the case. Jury duty is a way for a large number of people to be called in and screened to serve on a jury. Not everyone will serve on a jury. Most of the people called in on a certain date will actually be dismissed from serving on a jury for a particular trial. Attorneys are looking for specific things when it comes to serving on a jury, and not everyone will be asked to come back. You may be asked to be an alternate, however.

Jury Duty Myth #5: Attorneys Have to Explain Why They Don’t Choose You

It is a common misconception that attorneys have to have a good reason to ask for you not to serve on a jury. This is not the case, however. In most cases, you are simply told that you will not be needed, and no reason will be given for the fact that your services will not be required. Lawyers can decide to challenge certain jurors for different reasons — or no reason at all. And you may never find out for sure why it was that you were not chosen to serve. In the grand scheme of things, though, not being chosen for one jury will not change your chances for serving down the road.

Jury Duty Myth #6: Jury Duty is Only for Criminal Trials

When we think of jury duty, we often think of criminal trials. We assume that juries are only used for criminal trials, and that civil trials are mainly held before a judge. This is not the case, though. It is possible to have a jury for a civil trial. The terms are a little different, though. Only six jurors are required, and the case does not have to be proved “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Instead, the standard is “more true than not.” Additionally, the verdict is often required to be unanimous, unless the parties have agreed that something else will suffice.

Jury Duty Myth #7: If You Serve on a County Jury, You Don’t Have to Serve Again Anytime Soon

There is an idea that if you serve jury duty once, you are “safe” for at least a couple of years. This is a myth. If you serve on a county jury, you can still be called in for federal jury duty. Federal jury duty does not except local jury duty as an excuse for not serving. Due to the often time-consuming nature of a federal trial, though, you can be excused if you have served on a federal jury in the past two years.

Jury Duty Myth #8: You Can’t Postpone Jury Duty

Some feel that they will have to report for jury selection, no matter what. The good news is that this is not the case. There are special cases in which you can postpone your jury service, or be excused from it. In order to postpone your date to show up, you will need to request a change of date. You will need to contact your courthouse to learn the process followed by your jurisdiction. Each jurisdiction has specific excuses that are acceptable when it comes to avoiding jury duty, or postponing it.

Jury Duty Myth #9: You Can Lose Your Job While on Jury Duty

Many people worry about the safety of their jobs when they go on jury duty. After all, there is the potential to miss a lot of work. However, federal law prohibits your employer from firing you due to jury duty. Other adverse actions cannot be taken against you as a result of your jury duty. Additionally, you receive a stipend from the courts to help compensate you. Unfortunately, your employer does not have to pay you for the time you are on jury duty, so you may actually lose income.

Jury Duty Myth #10: If You Don’t Show Up for Jury Selection, Nothing Serious Will Happen

While it is possible to postpone your jury selection date, you must arrange for it in advance. Simply failing to show up can have serious consequences. It can result in an arrest warrant, a fine or other penalties. Make sure that you show up on the indicated day, or arrange for a postponement through the proper channels.

Life at Work

You need to figure out how to be happier at work. Or at least appear to be happier at work. Even if you are looking for a new job, you still want to make things smooth at your current workplace. After all, you don’t want to burn any bridges.

1. All Things Workplace provides insight into everyday workings and relationships. This blog is written by Steve Roesler, the CEO Roesler Consulting Group.
2. 8 hours & a lunch is written by Deb Owen. She provides helpful insight into building relationships with those you work with. She also has great tips for coping with hard times.
3. Bob Sutton, a Stanford professor, writes on his blog about dealing with the people you can’t stand at work. A great blog for getting through the workday.
4. Gruntled Employees is a great blog for people who are managers or who deal with others. Jay Shepherd, a lawyer, offers great advice on the law end of dealing with others in the workplace.
5. Work Happy Now deals with trying to find your best self in the workplace. Includes helpful hints on stress relief and ways to enjoy yourself more at work.
6. Chief Happiness Officer provides insightful information on loving your job and being happier. Alexander Kjerulf is a consultant who coaches people in the power of positivity.
7. Fortify Your Oasis is a blog at which consultant Rowan Manahan provides helpful insight and encouragement for dealing with the workplace.

Career Development

You need to be able to figure out how to best manage your career and develop it in a way that will help you reach your career goals. These blogs can help you with career and personal development in a way that can benefit you for years to come.

8. Penelope Trunk’s Brazen Careerist addresses issues in the workplace and provides helpful advice that can get you ahead.
9. Punk Rock Human Resources provides an HR perspective that can help you improve your career. Career development with an attitude.
10. Four Hour Work Week is written by pioneering “lifestyle designer” Tim Ferriss. Figure out how to live the life you want, and do the work you want.
11. JibberJobber Blog offers advice and information on numerous aspects of job and career management.
12. JobMob is a great blog for helping you learn career management skills, interact with others and even look for a job.
13. The Career Encouragement Blog helps you focus on creating a career that is satisfying and successful.
14. Career Hub offers free advice from a number of career experts — including advice on managing your identity online.
15. Seth Godin’s Blog provides interesting insight on personal development, career development and marketing.

Job Skills

You gots ta have the skillz if you want a good job and a good career. Here are some blogs that can help you polish a number of your skills in order to become a better “catch” at your current workplace — or the desired candidate for a new job.

16. The Human Capitalist offers insight into what makes a person “valuable”, and includes information on technology and its uses.
17. Pongo Resume Blog looks at how you can improve your resume, and offers tips on interviewing.
18. The Career Key Blog provides pointers and other information on developing job skills.
19. 21st Century Job Market looks at a number of skills that are essential in today’s job market.
20. The ICT Job Hunter Blog is written by Todd Bravol and provides insight into personal branding and skills development.
21. Seattle Interview Coach, Lewis Lin, can help you develop the interview skills that can help you land a new job — or get a promotion in your current job.
22. CAREEREALISM focuses on developing skills, online and in the workplace, that can make you a better employee and even leader on the job.
23. Ask a Manager is a helpful look into what you can do get along better with your boss.

Leadership

In order to advance in your career, you need to show leadership skills. Here are some great blogs to help you learn about leadership.

24. Execupundit provides insight on management and leadership in the workplace.
25. The Engaging Brand is about how you can manage your personal brand — and help others in your company (and the company) manage theirs.
26. Leadership Turn offers a different view of leadership, and how you can develop the skills to become a better leader.
27. Great Leadership looks at different issues in leadership, and provides insight into current leadership practices.
28. Three Star Leadership provides an interesting take on becoming a leader in the workplace.
29. Slow Leadership looks at developing leadership skills.
30. HR Thoughts is really about leadership. Don’t be fooled by “HR” in the title. Blog author Lisa plans to change the name of the blog anyway.
31. Cranky Middle Manager is a fun way to look at leadership and management issues.

Recruitment

Learn about how to be recruited. These blogs provide insight into what recruiters and talent scouts are looking for, and how you can make yourself more valuable.

32. The Recruiters Lounge offers insight into the world of recruiters. Helps you know what others are looking for.
33. Six Degrees from Dave is a blog about recruitment and finding out how to connect with others.
34. Cheezhead looks at ways recruiters use technology and other means to find employees.
35. The Talent Buzz is all about what makes desirable talent in a workplace.
36. Compensation Force can help you figure out how much you are worth, and how to earn it.
37. Workplace Learning Today provides insight into how people learn on the job, and how you can become a better candidate.

Human Resources

If you want to know how to advance your career, and learn the ins and outs, it can help to be “in” with human resources. Learn about what others look for in a desirable employee, and learn how you can advance your career by knowing what the people who make the decisions are thinking.

38. About.com Human Resources gives insight into HR, training and other workplace advancement issues.
39. Evil HR Lady provides helpful insight and information on what goes on inide the head of an HR person.
40. HRM Business Practices and Notes offers an inside view of human resources.
41. HR Daily Advisor looks at best practices and how you can get in with the HR deparment.
42. George’s Employment Blawg can be helpful as you navigate human resources and learn what you are entitled to legally.
43. HR Wench is an entertaining look at HR professionals and what they go through.
44. Systematic HR looks at how technology is used in the workplace and for HR purposes.
45. Michael Specht provides a helpful view of career management, technology, human resources and how it all fits together.

Organizations

You should know how organizations operate, and the theory behind the workplace environment. The more you know, the better you’ll do.

46. Spinfluencer is about corporate communications and influence.
47. Flip Chart Fairy Tales focuses on business communication and practice.
48. Orgtheory is a helpful look at the way organizations and businesses are set up, and how you can navigate them.
49. Authentic Organizations provides insight into business organizations and how they function.
50. White Spaces looks at how you can fit yourself into an organization and thrive.

1. Duke Law Center for the Public Domain offers you the chance to browse open course lectures on a number of subjects related to the law. Duke University provides information on the history and theory of law, as well as different areas of the law, from technology to constitutional to international.
2. American University offers a selection of podcasts on a number of different law-related subjects. There is even a very interesting podcast on debt relief and the law.
3. Lewis & Clark Law School also provides a number of podcast from the law school. Subjects include tax law, business law, environmental law and other areas of law. Interesting and insightful lectures on the law.
4. Case Western Reserve University School of Law offers a number of interesting lectures on different law subjects. These lectures are both podcasts and Web casts. You can look ahead to the coming school year, which already has a number of interesting subjects lined up.
5. Harvard Law School provides a number of Web casts of law lectures, symposia, panels and conferences. A great collection of relevant information and insights on how the law interacts with current events.
6. Stanford provides open courseware via iTunes on a variety of law subjects, including the theory of justice, mobile content distribution, gay marriage, judicial review and privacy protection. The tracks are available for free, but you’ll need iTunes. Put the lectures on your iPod or iPhone and listen them anywhere.
7. Criminal Law from the University of Alabama provides an overview of the criminal justice system, including what constitutes a criminal act, justifications, the requirement of evidence and the kinds of crimes that are prosectured under the criminal code.
8. Business Law from MoneyInstructor.com provides a look at a number of basics in business law. Learn how to define crimes under business law. Worksheets and curriculums are available for teachers. Ordinary folks will find them useful as well.
9. Constitutional Law from North Carolina Wesleyan College offers an overview of the U.S. Constitution and the laws springing from it. Online lectures and class notes are included, which can help you develop a strong understanding of the Constitution and how it forms the basis of our laws.
10. International Law from the Professional Educational Organiztion International provides a look at the basis for international law. This course includes some assignments and tests. You will learn about sovereignty, organizations such as the United Nations, international courts and dispute settlement between nations.
11. Law and Society from MIT looks at how law is developed as part of a civil society. This course focuses on how laws govern society, and how society reacts to rule. Offers study materials, lecture notes and even assignments that you can complete on your own.
12. Reading Seminar in Social Science: Race, Crime and Citizenship in American Law is also from MIT, and offers a compelling look at how different factors affect the application of the law. This is an excellent companion course to Law and Society.
13. Introduction to Copyright Law is another great courseware offering from MIT. Learn about copyright, especially as it relates to the Internet. With so many people able to publish, it is important to understand where the lines are being drawn.
14. Law for the Entrepreneur and Manger comes from MIT (again) and offers a look at basic business law. Learn about the laws that govern businesses from start-up to going public. An excellent business law course.
15. Environmental Law & Policy from Energy + Environment OpenCourseWare explores the basics of environmental law. It also looks at environmental policy. Law and policy in the U.S., European Union, India and China are all explored.
16. Economic Analysis of Law from Santa Clara University looks at how laws affect economies. Includes articles, lecture notes, as well as a midterm test, with answers, for study.
17. Information Law and Policy from U.C. Berkeley provides a basis for understanding the flow of information and how it is affected by law. This course emphasizes the changing landscape introduced by the Internet, and addresses licensing, database protection, liability and defective information.
18. Rip, Mix, Burn, Sue is an interesting course from Princeton focusing on the legal issues surrounding digital media and the challenges facing the application of the law in a world where it is easy to share information.
19. Online Media Law from News University provides a course specifically aimed at online publishers, journalists and bloggers. The course explores privacy, defamation and copyright law issues. Instructors come from CUNY. Activities and assessments are provided to help you gauge the success of your learning.
20. Freedom of Information is another offering from News University. The Freedom of Information law is essential to the proper functioning of democracy. This is a great course to help journalists — including citizen journalists — learn about what they are entitled to in terms of information, and how to go about getting it.
21. Law and Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University provides a look at the laws that govern vets. This course also includes information on ethics and values, and how they apply to laws and propery veterinary practice.
22. Theories of Public Policy is another Tufts course that offers insight into the role of government as a law-making body and an enforcer of laws. Includes lectures, quizzes, exams, readings assignments and popular content.
23. Privacy Rights and the Law from The Open University focuses on your rights as a private citizen. This course is U.K.-centric, so it may not always apply to U.S. situations. However, it is an interesting look at privacy and its importance in Western society. Also insightful for U.S. students, since the American justice system is a cousin of the British system.
24. Judges and the Law, also from The Open University, looks at the process of lawmaking, and how judges interpret the law. This course has a special emphasis on the British judicial system.
25. Company Law in Context is another course from The Open University. This one takes a look at business organization, and the laws that govern businesses as entities. As with the Privacy Rights courseware, this is a class that focuses on the British point of view.