Graduating from law school is not the guaranteed money-maker it once was. Many new lawyers are finding that the triumph of passing the bar is rather bittersweet without a paycheck to accompany it. The good news is that a lawyer's first paycheck is the most difficult to earn. Here are some tips on earning that first paycheck, geared especially toward those that feel like they have exhausted the "traditional" avenues.
Do Not Be Idle!
Recent law school graduates and bar exam takers may feel like they are entitled to a little down time after three years of moderate stress (law school) and three months of unbelievable stress (studying for the bar). Let me be blunt: if you do not have a job lined up, you are NOT entitled to down time. In fact, a better way to look at the situation is that you DO have a job, and that is to find a job. Work a regular nine to five work day, Monday through Friday, until that steady paycheck becomes a reality. As detailed further in this article, your time should be spent not only actively searching for a job, but also gaining experience.
Get Into a Courtroom
With the exception of many family courts, courtrooms are open to the public. Although you may not be interested in a litigation career, use some of your time to get into a courtroom and see how the process works. In most areas of legal practice, the courtroom is where issues are ultimately resolved. Whether your career will be spent helping clients avoid the courtroom, preparing them for court, or litigating their case, a fundamental knowledge of how a courtroom works is invaluable. Moreover, many young lawyers never get the time to be a fly on the wall in a courtroom. Just by observing court in session, you will gain valuable insight that your peers (employed or unemployed) do not possess.
Volunteer or Take Pro Bono Cases
With a little courtroom observation under your belt, you will feel more comfortable practicing law! Every metropolitan area has legal aid clinics that are often starving for attorneys. Even if you can't get in the door at a legal aid clinic, you probably know someone with a legal problem. Nothing plays better at an entry-level interview than a candidate who has real-world experience handling clients, dealing with opposing counsel, and navigating the everyday aspects of legal practice. However, if you can't afford malpractice insurance, make sure you're confident either in your abilities or that your client won't sue you!
Consider Public Sector Employment
Many new lawyers are set in the idea that they want to work for a law firm or as in-house counsel for a major corporation. These are great options, but they are also some of the most difficult positions to get in a tough economy. Consider public sector employment. The quintessential public legal job is that of a prosecutor, but lawyers are employed in virtually every agency of every level (Federal, state, and local) of government in the United States. There may not be as many digits in your paycheck as you were expecting when you went to law school, but the work can be rewarding and the non-salary benefits (particularly the possibility of pension) can be impressive. Additionally, if you owe a lot in student loans, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 can lead to significant savings.
Consider Non-Legal Employment
Many employers value workers with a legal education even in positions not traditionally held by lawyers. Particularly in business, healthcare management, and securities exchange, legally trained employees tend to be adept at spotting possible problems and solving them before they require legal attention. Candidates with significant prior work experience in a non-legal field may be particularly good candidates for non-legal employment. However, be aware that a lengthy period of non-legal employment after law school may make it difficult to obtain a traditional legal job down the road.
Do Not Be Idle!
It's already been said, but it's worth repeating. If you have graduated from law school and passed the bar, you are among the most educated members of society. The skills you have are already valued, and you are probably more capable than most at learning new skills. Get out there, gain some experience, keep pounding the pavement, and you'll be earning a paycheck in no time!
Seth Bauer - Seth Bauer is an attorney. He practices law, and is a critical thinker in areas such as leadership, work-life balance, and ...
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