Becoming a firefighter or police officer after obtaining a law degree Forum

[Anonymous User]

I've been struggling to pass my bar exam for a bit and hoping this is the last sitting and I finally will get the job done. My only alternative is my sports connection (which is subjective and only up to him if I will ever get my professional sports team opportunity). I'm getting older and missing enough life to make me want to pursue another track if I can't get the job done this time. I just wanted to hear from those who become a police officer or firefighter afterwards and if you receive any additional compensation for being a lawyer and having a J.D. - Thank you!

[foregetaboutdre]

Some larger depts give you like a meager 500-1k annual bonuses for a BA and maybe more for an advanced degree.

Try to be the union rep and during the collective bargaining process push for a degree bonus.

[encore1101]

It'd depend on the department, but I've never seen a bonus for anything beyond a B.A.

[Anonymous User]

thank you for the replies. I have tried applying to alternative JD careers with federal agencies like DHS on USA jobs and never get responses for interviews. I wonder if connecting directly with people on LinkedIn would be a better option. I just need to be working full-time already and sitting to pass a bar exam is getting exhausting without employment.

[TransferHopeful17]

Have you tried looking into a career as a special agent with a fed agency? A legal background can be a plus when you’re applying.

[Anonymous User]

Have you tried looking into a career as a special agent with a fed agency? A legal background can be a plus when you’re applying.

I only was offered an oppty with one federal law enforcement agency and failed their phase 1 exam so I can't sit for it again. However, I was hoping there would be others like DHS or DOD that I can apply for and have some sort of track with my legal and government experience. Any help would be appreciated, thank you

[cron1834]

You failed the bar multiple times and your phase 1? Do you have a mental block re: testing? That’s something to look into, bc lots of the jobs you’re interested in require testing...

[Subban_Fan]

OP, an advantage of having a JD would probably be more of an advantage later on if you're vying for a promotion. Just a few exmaples, Raymond Kelly, Kathleen O'Toole, James L. Younger have J.D.s

[Anonymous User]

You failed the bar multiple times and your phase 1? Do you have a mental block re: testing? That’s something to look into, bc lots of the jobs you’re interested in require testing...

Mental block from PTSD I suffered from childhood and a car accident. I'm working with a new doctor now and better, I just don't know where to find these BigFed JD programs besides USAjobs (never heard back on any job on USAjobs).