Individuals who wish to launch careers in the fast-growing legal field may want to participate in research projects that can keep them abreast of recent changes to the law.

A New York-based law school is one institution that gives degree seekers this opportunity, as students and faculty members recently completed an amicus brief on the recently approved immigration law in Arizona, Courthouse News Service reports.

Researchers who worked on the brief - which was presented to a federal court - indicated that the legislation could cause a threat to national security. Police officers may be distracted by learning the ins and outs of the new law, which could deter their focus from issues such as terrorist activities and local crime.

In addition, the writers suggested that professionals who find cause to enforce the law could lose the respect of their communities, which could lead to more crime in the future.

Students who are able to participate in similar projects may prove particularly valuable to current and future employers, which could lead them to higher-paying jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, legal assistants who were working in May 2008 earned an average of $46,120 per year.