Emerging Executive Career Opportunities in Law and Social Justice

Emerging Executive Career Opportunities in Law and Social Justice

You no longer must choose between your passion for social justice and your need to pay the bills. More and more nonprofit organisations and public defender offices need passionate people to fight the good fight. This selfless career choice may seem like a sacrifice at first, but it can lead to a high-level, rewarding career.

That’s especially true if you went to law school and earned a Juris Doctor degree. However, you can pursue an exciting, upwardly mobile career in social justice even without a legal background. Follow along as we explore several emerging executive career opportunities in law and social justice.

Build a Career in Social Justice

The spirit of activism is quite strong, but you no longer have to decide between activism and employment. Today, you can find many rewarding jobs with upward mobility focused on helping those who need it most. You can even work your way up to executive roles with several careers that focus on social justice, such as:

Chief Public Defender

For years, public defenders have represented people who otherwise cannot afford and justify spending a fortune on a legal defense. Sadly, that applies to many people who get up in the legal system and have no means to defend themselves without public defenders. Eventually, public defenders can earn the title of “chief”, but it takes a lot of work.

First, you must get a Juris Doctor degree before starting your career as a public defender. From there, you must pass the bar exam and work as a public defender for years. Public defenders are essential to social justice in a world where legal defense is an overpriced privilege.

Working as a chief public defender allows you to oversee and steer the public defender’s office. It’s a great chance to impart wisdom, instill important values, and fight for social justice. You can’t get this position immediately, but it’s worth the journey as it can help you better your community.

Nonprofit Executive Director

There is no shortage of nonprofit organisations that fight for social justice. Working for a nonprofit at any level is rewarding. However, some people aspire to work their way up the ranks and get an executive position within a nonprofit.

A nonprofit executive director has many responsibilities, from overseeing finances and the board to managing the staff. You can also help devise fundraising campaigns and help shape the face of the nonprofit you work for. As a nonprofit executive director, you can make a big difference in your community, or the country as a whole.

Keep in mind that it may take a while to find the right nonprofit for you. Today, you can apply for positions at organisations that advocate for prison reform, fair housing, racial justice, and beyond. Be patient and demonstrate your value, and you can eventually work your way to an executive position.

Chief Forensic Social Worker

You may not think of social work as a field with upward mobility, but it is. Social workers can work their way up through the ranks throughout their careers. Seniority and experience can eventually help you become a chief social worker.

Forensic social workers advocate for victims and social justice throughout communities and the country. They counsel and advocate for victims of domestic crimes, oppression, and injustice. In many cases, forensic social workers also advocate for people who have been wrongfully criminalised and mistreated by the judicial system.

Forensic social workers often get involved in child custody disputes and advocate for child welfare. You can eventually become a chief forensic social worker after years on the job. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to use your degree to push for social justice.

Community Developer

Sadly, many communities throughout the country and the world face injustices and inequality. Hundreds of years of history go into this, and nobody can solve this issue on their own. However, community developers can address many of these issues, empower the people, and advocate for them.

Community developers allocate resources and create programs to improve communities. They must also advocate for the people and push for positive changes, even when the local government puts up a good fight. You will not be viewed kindly as a community developer if you don’t hold social justice principles close to your chest.

That’s especially true in towns and cities with high poverty and crime rates. Naturally, you must start at an entry-level position, but you can eventually earn a leadership role in community development. The ability to better a community through programs, resources, and public outreach is invaluable.

Make a Difference for a Living

Many people understandably balance their careers with activism and social justice in their free time. Today, it’s easier than ever to launch a career based on your drive to better your community and even the world. This is true whether you have a law degree or simply want to get your foot in the door at a nonprofit organisation.

Sure, you can make more money in other fields of law or business. However, the ability to make a positive difference and earn a living simultaneously is hard to beat. There’s no better way to be the change you want to see in the world.