There's A Job For Every Tier

Just received explicit permission to disregard the boilerplate. I think I summed it up well but to make sure I didn't get any of it wrong, or place anything out of context, here's the email I received.

Wayne,

I saw your blog discussing your school and job prospects, and I thought I'd just send you a quick email. I was quoted in the NY Times article regarding "leading a lucrative and satisfying life" in Los Angeles, but I think the reporter didn't use my words in the proper context.

90% of my comments was actually regarding the inability of law students to see their career as successful unless they work for the really huge law firms. I speak with law students and attorneys constantly, and very few of the attorneys who practice at the largest, national firms actually enjoy their work. However, the attorneys who see smaller firms (anywhere from 2-25 attorneys or so) as good possibilities will be happier in the long run, and perfectly successful. You may not make $150K your first year out, but you make decent money and have a life outside the firm. I know plenty of grads from 3rd and 4th tier law schools who have great careers.

I don't know when you graduate (or if you just did), but what I would suggest is this: put all your effort towards the Bar Exam, and once you get your positive results, look for a job then. It will save you frustration and depression, because it is hard for many law firms to hire grads until they're immediately useful (e.g., after you're admitted or at least after you've passed).

At any rate, if you have any career questions, I'd be happy to answer them - feel free to send me an email.

Regards,

Adam Heath Avitable