Starting a career in law is no small feat—and it’s anything but boring. You’ll be stepping into a world where you help people navigate complicated legal issues and find practical solutions to serious problems. Among the many paths you could take, litigation tends to stand out for those drawn to courtroom drama, strategy, and high-stakes problem-solving. If you’ve ever wondered what litigators actually do, this guide might help you decide if that road is worth walking.
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Litigators are lawyers who roll up their sleeves and represent clients in disputes that go to court. That might be a civil lawsuit, a contract battle, or a workplace discrimination claim—just to name a few. Many litigators focus on specific practice areas like business law, medical malpractice, or criminal defense. Some work in private firms, others represent the government or nonprofits. What unites them is their deep involvement in legal arguments, court procedures, and seeing cases through from start to finish.
All litigators are lawyers, but not every lawyer chooses the litigation route. That’s because not every legal job involves court appearances. For example, a mergers and acquisitions attorney might spend months reviewing contracts and negotiating deals—without ever entering a courtroom. Meanwhile, litigators are built for action. They’re in hearings, filing motions, prepping for trial, and sometimes even appealing decisions. If you enjoy building a case and making your point in front of a judge or jury, litigation might be your thing.
Litigators guide clients through every phase of a lawsuit, from the very first paperwork to final decisions—or even appeals. Here’s a breakdown of what their day-to-day might look like:
Thinking about this career path? It’s definitely a journey, but here’s a general roadmap to get you there:
Your foundation starts here. Courses like debate, government, and English can help sharpen critical thinking, argumentation, and writing—skills you’ll rely on later.
You don’t need to major in “pre-law” to go to law school. Political science, philosophy, and even sociology or history are common choices. The key is developing strong analytical and communication skills. Bonus points if you join a mock trial team or student legal group.
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a crucial step—it’s your ticket into law school. It’s not about memorization; it’s about logic, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning. A high score can open more doors.
Law school typically takes three years and includes coursework in constitutional law, contracts, criminal procedure, and more. This is also your time to intern, clerk, and build connections in the legal world.
Each U.S. state has its own version of the bar exam, which tests your legal knowledge and readiness to practice. Passing it means you’re officially licensed to practice law in that state.
Once you’re licensed, it’s time to find your first job in litigation. Focus your resume on any relevant internships, law clinic work, or even mock trial experience. Show that you’re comfortable in high-pressure situations and have strong research and writing chops.
Litigation isn’t just about standing in court and making speeches. You’ll need a toolbox of soft and hard skills that make you effective at every step of a case:
On average, litigators in the U.S. earn around $119,000 per year—but that number varies widely depending on the region, firm size, and years of experience. In cities like New York or San Francisco, top litigators can make significantly more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for all lawyers is expected to grow roughly 10% through 2031—suggesting a healthy demand for legal professionals in the years to come.
Quick disclaimer: This content is intended to inform and guide. It’s not legal advice or a substitute for career counseling.
The biggest difference lies in the courtroom. Litigators are trained to handle lawsuits from start to finish, often appearing in court. Other lawyers, like corporate or tax attorneys, might focus more on paperwork and advisory roles without ever stepping into a courtroom.
The typical path involves several steps: high school diploma, bachelor’s degree, a solid LSAT score, completing law school to earn your J.D., and passing the bar exam. After that, it’s about building experience and confidence in the courtroom.
Being persuasive, observant, and a sharp communicator are all key. Add to that a thick skin, mental flexibility, and a love for research, and you’ve got the makings of a strong litigator.
Yes—law as a whole continues to grow, and litigation remains a vital piece of the puzzle. With a projected 10% increase in lawyer employment by 2031, opportunities in litigation should remain strong, especially in areas like healthcare, labor law, and civil rights.
