Careers in Compliance

By: Kandice Thorn

Compliance has always been considered an "alternative" career for lawyers.  Indeed, compliance positions generally do not require a law degree, however, because of the complex laws and regulations involved, a law degree is extremely helpful and many compliance professionals do have law degrees and law practice experience.

Because compliance is a field that is growing rapidly, even as the number of "lawyer" positions in the U.S. have decreased, compliance is quickly becoming a very attractive career for lawyers.  Additionally, unlike most legal department positions, which are filled almost exclusively with lawyers coming from large law firm practice, compliance department positions hire from a broader spectrum, and even hire for junior and entry level positions (also unlike legal department positions, which tend to begin at a more senior level).