Ok, so I know for sure I want to be a lawyer when I grow up, but I'm not sure what kind I should be. I want to make a lot of money, but I also really want to go to court, but I also know I really don't want to be a defense attorney. I thought I wanted to be a prosecutor, but apparently they don't make all that much money, which presents a problem. So what should I do?
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What kind of lawyer should I be?
- Thread starter C.C
- Start date
The law job market is terrible in terms of pay, oportunities, and stability. You most likely will not get to pick what interesting law you do, you take what you can get. Too many lawyers, too many law schools. It is very possible that you could go through all the debt, law school, bar exam and end up with no job, a temp job, or some low paying dead-end job. The law schools will be glad to take your money.
This could be you after law school. From a recent Boston Craigslist Post:
"Recently admitted attorney seeking work assisting criminal defense attorneys in any capacity. I have worked with indigent defendants in clinical settings and interned for several excellent defense attorneys and a federal judge, but am finding few opportunities for entry level work in the field. I am proficient (though not fluent) in Spanish, have strong research and writing skills, am passionate about indigent defense, and am an extremely quick learner. I will research, draft motions, conduct interviews, even answer phones, for a low fee of $10 an hour in exchange for the opportunity to observe, and perhaps participate in, actual litigation. References and writing samples available."
Or From a recent Boston Globe Article:
Paul Semenza practiced law for 25 years, including work as a defense attorney in personal injury cases. So the Wakefield lawyer figured it would take only a few months to find work after losing his law firm job a year ago. But the economy steadily worsened, and no offers came. Now Semenza, 51, has been forced to find a different way to earn a paycheck - by selling sofas and mattresses at a local furniture chain.
Or, From a recent Yahoo Post:
"Small general practice law firm located near Columbus, OH. Started at $40K 1.5 years ago after first receiving law license. After 3 months pay was raised to $43K. Had annual review and was told although I had a stellar performance and deserved a raise the office couldn't afford to give me 1. When started was told I should be paid more than they were paying me but they couldn't afford to pay me more. Have several years of paralegal experience. Graduated in top 20% of class. Did internships and clinics during law school. Didn't need much training when started. Feel like starting pay was too low and current pay should be much higher. Can't find much info. on small firm salaries though."
or from another Yahoo Post:
"My bf just took the bar exam to become an attorney. He has posted resumes on yahoo, monster, craigs list, newspapers, etc. and just can't seem to find any work. Finally he decided to just apply for jobs like bank assistants etc. Interviewers would say he's too qualified for "rookie" positions, and he's "not qualified" enough for a lawyer position. Is there hope? Thanks."
Or ways to save money after law school:
"When she moved to Chicago from New York after graduating from law school last year, Lauri Apple, who is still looking for the job of her dreams, knew of at least one good way to save money.
If she needs something to wear, she takes a look in the local trash. A practice she started as a starving college student a decade ago has now evolved into something of an avocation, reports the Chicago Tribune."
Or alternative uses for a law degree when you can't find a job:
"Law Grad Turns to Cupcake Truck as Economy Sputters"
I went to a top twenty law school and had friends selling shoes and working as waiters as survival jobs because they could not find law jobs after graduation. Lawyer is the most over-rated, over-romaticized, and over-hyped profession. If you are going into debt and investing time in school, health care is the way to go, pharmacist, doctor, dentist, etc.
A deluge of law schools
As many as 10 are in the works — but are they needed?
Leigh Jones / Staff reporter
June 2, 2008
As many as 10 new law schools
This could be you after law school. From a recent Boston Craigslist Post:
"Recently admitted attorney seeking work assisting criminal defense attorneys in any capacity. I have worked with indigent defendants in clinical settings and interned for several excellent defense attorneys and a federal judge, but am finding few opportunities for entry level work in the field. I am proficient (though not fluent) in Spanish, have strong research and writing skills, am passionate about indigent defense, and am an extremely quick learner. I will research, draft motions, conduct interviews, even answer phones, for a low fee of $10 an hour in exchange for the opportunity to observe, and perhaps participate in, actual litigation. References and writing samples available."
Or From a recent Boston Globe Article:
Paul Semenza practiced law for 25 years, including work as a defense attorney in personal injury cases. So the Wakefield lawyer figured it would take only a few months to find work after losing his law firm job a year ago. But the economy steadily worsened, and no offers came. Now Semenza, 51, has been forced to find a different way to earn a paycheck - by selling sofas and mattresses at a local furniture chain.
Or, From a recent Yahoo Post:
"Small general practice law firm located near Columbus, OH. Started at $40K 1.5 years ago after first receiving law license. After 3 months pay was raised to $43K. Had annual review and was told although I had a stellar performance and deserved a raise the office couldn't afford to give me 1. When started was told I should be paid more than they were paying me but they couldn't afford to pay me more. Have several years of paralegal experience. Graduated in top 20% of class. Did internships and clinics during law school. Didn't need much training when started. Feel like starting pay was too low and current pay should be much higher. Can't find much info. on small firm salaries though."
or from another Yahoo Post:
"My bf just took the bar exam to become an attorney. He has posted resumes on yahoo, monster, craigs list, newspapers, etc. and just can't seem to find any work. Finally he decided to just apply for jobs like bank assistants etc. Interviewers would say he's too qualified for "rookie" positions, and he's "not qualified" enough for a lawyer position. Is there hope? Thanks."
Or ways to save money after law school:
"When she moved to Chicago from New York after graduating from law school last year, Lauri Apple, who is still looking for the job of her dreams, knew of at least one good way to save money.
If she needs something to wear, she takes a look in the local trash. A practice she started as a starving college student a decade ago has now evolved into something of an avocation, reports the Chicago Tribune."
Or alternative uses for a law degree when you can't find a job:
"Law Grad Turns to Cupcake Truck as Economy Sputters"
I went to a top twenty law school and had friends selling shoes and working as waiters as survival jobs because they could not find law jobs after graduation. Lawyer is the most over-rated, over-romaticized, and over-hyped profession. If you are going into debt and investing time in school, health care is the way to go, pharmacist, doctor, dentist, etc.
A deluge of law schools
As many as 10 are in the works — but are they needed?
Leigh Jones / Staff reporter
June 2, 2008
As many as 10 new law schools