Careers in Public Policy vs. Law: What You Can Do With Each Degree
Both public policy and law offer exciting career opportunities in government, advocacy, and public service—but the paths they lead to are very different.
If you’re considering a Juris Doctor (JD) or a Master’s in Public Policy (MPP/MPA), it’s important to understand the types of careers each degree opens up.
This guide breaks down the best career paths for law and public policy graduates, salary expectations, and which degree makes the most sense for your goals.
1. The Key Differences Between Law and Public Policy Careers
🚀 Pro Tip: If you want to argue cases, advise clients, or become a judge, get a JD. If you want to shape laws, design policies, or lead organizations, an MPP/MPA is a better fit.
2. What Can You Do With a Law Degree (JD)?
A JD is essential if you want to practice law—but it also opens up opportunities in policy, government, and consulting.
✅ Traditional Legal Careers:
Attorney (Corporate, Criminal, Civil, Public Interest)
Judge or Judicial Clerk
Prosecutor or Public Defender
Regulatory or Compliance Lawyer
Human Rights or Civil Rights Lawyer
✅ Non-Traditional Careers for JD Graduates:
Policy Advisor (Advises lawmakers on legal issues)
Lobbyist (Represents companies or advocacy groups in government)
Political Strategist (Works on campaigns and legal aspects of elections)
Government Attorney (Works in state or federal agencies on legal policy)
💡 Best for: People who want to work directly with the law, represent clients, or specialize in regulatory, corporate, or public interest law.
3. What Can You Do With a Public Policy Degree (MPP/MPA)?
An MPP or MPA degree is ideal for careers in government, nonprofit management, and policy research.
✅ Careers in Public Policy (MPP)
Policy Analyst (Researches and evaluates government policies)
Legislative Aide (Advises elected officials on policy issues)
Economic or Social Policy Consultant (Works for think tanks or research firms)
Urban Planner or Transportation Policy Expert (Works in city/state agencies)
Public Affairs Specialist (Communicates policies to the public)
✅ Careers in Public Administration (MPA)
City Manager or Local Government Official (Oversees municipal operations)
Nonprofit Executive Director (Leads a nonprofit organization)
Public Finance Manager (Handles budgets and grants for public programs)
Healthcare Policy Director (Works in hospital systems or public health agencies)
💡 Best for: People who want to shape policies, manage programs, and lead public organizations.
🚀 Pro Tip: If you love data analysis, statistics, and policy evaluation, get an MPP. If you prefer government leadership, budgeting, and management, get an MPA.
4. Which Degree Leads to Higher Salaries?
Salaries vary depending on location, experience, and sector. In general, lawyers earn more than public policy professionals, but MPP/MPA grads have greater access to government leadership positions.
💡 Key Takeaways:
Corporate lawyers have the highest earning potential but work long hours in high-stress environments.
Government attorneys and public interest lawyers earn less but have more stability and public service opportunities.
Policy analysts and government officials can reach six-figure salaries with experience.
MPA graduates in leadership roles (City Managers, Nonprofit Directors) earn highly competitive salaries.
🚀 Pro Tip: If salary is your main concern, a JD in corporate law is the most lucrative. If you want impactful work with job security, an MPP/MPA in government or nonprofits can be a smart investment.
5. Which Degree Offers the Best Job Security?
✅ Lawyers:
The demand for attorneys fluctuates based on the economy.
Corporate law, regulatory compliance, and government legal work offer stable jobs.
Public interest law has strong job security but lower pay.
✅ Public Policy & Administration Professionals:
Government and nonprofit jobs offer high job security with steady funding.
Policy analysts and researchers are in demand during election cycles and major policy reforms.
MPA grads in government leadership roles often have long-term career stability.
🚀 Pro Tip: If you want long-term stability, an MPA or MPP leading to a government job is a safer bet than private sector law firms.
6. Final Verdict: Should You Get a JD or MPP/MPA?
✅ Choose a JD if:
You want to become a lawyer, judge, or legal consultant.
You enjoy legal writing, argumentation, and case law.
You want to work in corporate, criminal, regulatory, or human rights law.
✅ Choose an MPP if:
You want to analyze and influence policies at a think tank, government agency, or research institute.
You enjoy working with data, statistics, and policy evaluations.
You are interested in advocacy, lobbying, or legislative policy work.
✅ Choose an MPA if:
You want to lead a government agency, nonprofit, or public administration office.
You enjoy budgeting, program management, and policy implementation.
You want a stable career in public service leadership.
🚀 Still unsure? Connect with Kappa Alpha Pi mentors or professionals in law and public policy for advice!
Final Thoughts: Law vs. Public Policy Careers
Law (JD) is better for legal practice, corporate law, and courtroom careers.
Public Policy (MPP) is better for government research, policy advising, and lobbying.
Public Administration (MPA) is best for government leadership, city management, and nonprofit work.
💡 Your career goals should determine your choice! If you want to practice law, get a JD. If you want to shape laws and manage policies, go for an MPP/MPA.
🚀 Kappa Alpha Pi can help you navigate law and policy careers—join today!
