The qualifications to get a job in law vary considerably. To work in law enforcement, you typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate and need to complete academy training. Advancement comes with years of experience or by returning to study criminal justice or a closely related field. Lawyers, law professors, and legal scholars need to complete law school, and scholars often have a Ph.D. in history or law as well. It is common for lawmakers to have a law degree, but many legislators come from different backgrounds, such as medicine, business, public policy, or community advocacy. Important skills include strong analytical thinking and interpersonal communication.