Now that you’ve seen a sample of the types of legal specializations, you should take some time to decide what you want to do with your legal education and career. Do some serious thinking and review. Law school is expensive and time-consuming and the practice of law will take much of the rest of your life.
What are Your Passions and Priorities?
Law school will take about three years to complete. Once you pass the bar, you can expect to work 50-60 hours a week in your office or law firm, building up experience and developing a client base. You may work even longer hours if you decide to start your own practice.
It’s important to pursue a field that excites you. If you like litigation, you should rule out contract or tax law. If you want to make money right away and get your student loans paid off, consider spending a few years as an associate in a personal injury firm.
If you went into law to make a difference and don’t mind making less money, pursue the nonprofit sector. The important thing to keep in mind is your mental health and personal satisfaction. Burnout among new attorneys is distressingly high, due in part to the hourly grind and the feeling of being in the wrong career.
Consider Your Pay Requirements
It can be a mistake to pick your career solely based on potential market demand. Lawyers in general have a positive career outlook over the next five years (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, nobody can predict what kind of attorneys will be needed in any area. As an attorney, you will always be in demand.
Top-tier corporate and trial attorneys average $120,000 per year, but budding attorneys should keep in mind these are senior partners with many years of practice in their portfolios. Location plays an important part in your salary, with attorneys in North Carolina averaging two-thirds of what their counterparts in Los Angeles make.
Think About Your Academic Abilities
As much as you enjoy playing the latest computer games, you may not be tech-savvy enough to be an IP lawyer. Surprisingly, some specializations like IP require attorneys to be equally knowledgeable in the field they represent.
Some kinds of law, like bankruptcy, medical malpractice, and tax law, need lawyers who can comprehend accounting and finance. If you’re not skilled in these areas, you may need to reconsider your legal career plans.