The emergency management field can be both challenging and rewarding. Those in emergency management are on the front lines in both preventing and responding to disasters. Practicing law in any field will require that you become an attorney first, and each state has its own guidelines for the education and certification of attorneys by the Bar of that state. Check the requirements for the state in which you intend to practice before seeking employment or formal training.
What is Emergency Management?
Emergency management, also known as disaster management, is a discipline that deals with avoiding natural and man-made disasters. Professionals in this field are engaged in disaster preparedness, response and recovery with the goal of lessening the impact of these disasters.
Legal Positions in Emergency Management
Legal positions in this field are as varied as the agencies and organizations involved. Attorneys in emergency management work in all levels of government from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Homeland Security, to state Emergency Service Departments and local community preparedness offices. There are also opportunities in the private sector working for organizations like the Red Cross. These attorneys are instrumental in creating policies that serve to protect people and organizations from the consequences of disasters, wars and even acts of terrorism.
Those who desire to work on a larger domestic or international scale would do well to seek employment within the federal government, either through agency-specific websites like www.fema.gov/careers or large employment search engines like usajobs.gov. Attorneys at the federal level are instrumental in creating policy and dealing with foreign governments and other entities regarding disaster preparedness and relief. The additional benefit of working for the federal government is that jobs are usually available nationwide.
For those with a desire to stay close to home, there are still options within state and local emergency management agencies and private business. As with the federal government, attorneys in these areas provide essential services including threat assessment, evaluating emergency response procedures and establishing guidelines for providing disaster relief in accordance with state law.
Certifications
Certain achievements and credentials can strengthen your profile when seeking a legal position in emergency management. Undergraduate degrees in emergency management or public policy prior to law school are beneficial as they demonstrate specialized training particular to this area. Those with prior military service as well as previous employment within law enforcement, firefighting or emergency medical services are also attractive prospects for potential employers. Additional professional certifications such as Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) or Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) are often desired as is membership in organizations like the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA). NEMA has additional information on its website regarding career opportunites, training and resources in the emergency management field.
Emergency management professionals are the calm during the storm. They provide essential services before, during and after disasters. Legal careers in this area are varied and increasing. The challenge is to bring into the profession those with a strong desire to serve, protect and improve the conditions of people facing life-altering catastrophes.