Is a Law Degree a Liability for Nonlaw Job Seekers?

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Is a Law Degree a Liability for Nonlaw Job Seekers?

Posted Nov 21, 2008, 01:05 pm CST
By Debra Cassens Weiss

The conventional wisdom is that a law degree opens a world of job possibilities, from public relations to sales to human resources. But is it true?

Not according to Stephen Sickler, managing director in the Boston office of legal recruiting firm BCG Search. He claims the idea is a myth, the National Law Journal reports.

“Go to law school if you want to be a lawyer,” Seckler writes for the blog Penelope Trunk’s Brazen Careerist. “But don't go if you believe it will ‘open doors’ for you. It won't. By the end of law school you may still have no idea what you ‘want’ from your career; only now you are likely limited by huge law school debt.”

Finding a nonlaw job is even more difficult for lawyers who have practiced law, Seckler told the NLJ. "The longer you've been practicing, the harder it is for people to picture you in some other role," he said. And legal training could be a negative in business because it teaches caution rather than risk-taking.

“If you want to be successful, you have to think more like an optimist," he told the legal newspaper. "There is a change in thinking that has to go on.”

Recent Ohio State law grad Dina Allam told the newspaper she thinks her joint JD/MBA made the job search more difficult. "People don't see the value in the joint degree. They think I'm confused," she said.

Now a client engagement manager with Wipro Technologies, Allam thinks her business education got her more interviews than the law degree. The job search took months, and she has $85,000 in student debt. Looking back, she told the NLJ, she wishes she hadn’t gone to law school.

The publication sums up the problem this way: “With student loan debt at an all-time high and law schools churning out about 44,000 degrees each year, graduates looking for nonlawyer jobs are finding that they often are priced out, overqualified and undervalued.”

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Posted by B. McLeod - 1 month, 2 weeks, 2 days, 21 hours, 24 minutes ago

Let’s test this reasoning. Who is doing better right now, those businesses that have invested cautiously, or your high-rolling “risk-takers”?
Posted by Neil Gillespie - 1 month, 2 weeks, 2 days, 12 hours, 30 minutes ago

Behind every crazy Wall Street scheme that has blown up, there were lawyers in the background giving it the thumbs up.
Posted by cjt - 1 month, 2 weeks, 2 days, 9 hours, 28 minutes ago

If you don’t want to be a lawyer do not go to law school. Honestly it’s amazing to me why so many idiots with no interest in a legal career go to law school for the hell of it.
Posted by Cathy Goodwin - 1 month, 2 weeks, 2 days, 36 minutes ago

I’ve met dozens of lawyers who changed careers successfully. It wasn’t easy but they networked, zig zagged and persisted.
Posted by Robert Forman - 1 month, 2 weeks, 5 hours, 29 minutes ago

I find the risk taker v cautionary approach analysis that the different routes take you very interesting. Acting for lawyers in the UK facing investigation by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, I often find that those whose careers are under threat, very pessimistic about the prospects of switching careers, often feeling institutionalised by their work in the legal profession and this being so notwithstanding the great number of transferable skills that a lawyer employs in his working life. I think as the last blogger states, it is possible to change, but there are barriers, created both by non-lawyers (cautionary approach unattractive, fear/suspicion of lawyers influence & control) and from lawyers themselves (institutionalised, exhausted to the extent feel not have energy to retrain/network, reliant on level of income).
Posted by Maddie - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 21 hours, 27 minutes ago

It’s true that law school will not help you get many non-law jobs. It won’t help you become an astronaut or a pharmacist. But there are tons of jobs out there where having a JD makes sense. The 2 most obvious one are probably lobbyist and politician. Neither require a law degree, but JDs are looked upon very favorably.

I work in a job that does not require a law degree, and they couldn’t give a crap whether I’m a member of the bar. Most people around here either have 15+ years of experience in government, or a JD. I would never have gotten this job without my JD.
Posted by pkelly - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 4 hours, 4 minutes ago

I have found many of my most successful business clients to be lawyers, or formerly practicing lawyers, using their JD and experience to cut to the point and make a buck. Too often non-JD admin HR weenies fail to see the value of a law degree as an analytical problem solving/prevention background and think all lawyers come from the set of Boston Legal. I went to law school after 10 years in the “business world” because I needed to understand contracts and public policy. This has proved invaluable to both my law practice and my construction company. I agree with #4 Cathy Goodwin- who says it isn’t easy, but it is possible.
Posted by BC - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 3 hours, 34 minutes ago

This problem is not entirely accurate. People looking for non-law jobs are having trouble, not because of their JD, but because the economy is in the toilet right now. This transcends the non-law market, and people who even want to be lawyers are having difficulty. I think at the end of the day, a JD will help you and put you in a better position than you were in before you had it, regardless of what you want to do with your life.

That being said, I agree with #3. I can’t even count how many women went to my law school for no other purpose than to meet a man, and get married. I know some people reading this will think that I am exagerating, but this is what they actually have told me, and every other person who they befriended. Apparently it worked for some of them though becuase most of the ones who I am friends with are married/event now to a fellow law school classmate, or married/engaged to a lawyer they met at a networking event.
Posted by Leonard M. Grandsart - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 3 hours, 24 minutes ago

As an accountant in the real estate industry slowing climbing up the corporate ladder, I learned the business of development and management from a fiscal perspective. Becoming a CPA was admittedly, a requirement, though it vastly expanded my skill set.
I observed that running the business combined negotiation, contracts and decision making.
I wanted to help run a successful company and felt that law school would provide me with an enhanced analytical perspective.
My employers were all very positive about the benefits of a law degree for me as well as the firm. I went to law school after 13 years in the business world.
We make business decisions that include my legal and business perspectives.
Now, I do admit I miss the challenges and rewards that would have come from working in a law firm. As accounting mentors helped me progress and learn, I will always wish I had a couple of legal mentors to also help me develop a keener legal mind. But, for me, and for some others, a combination of the law with another profession does offer a rewarding professional career. While the cost of my legal education was significant and by choice will take me 25 years to pay off, upon graduation my salary increased sufficient to recover the full debt in three years.
Posted by Peter - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 3 hours, 11 minutes ago

I am lawyer and have practiced corporate lawyer for two decades. Last year I won a green card and moved back to the US. I quit my job and now busy setting up my own small small business in the music industry, composing and producing music for film and TV (I also graduated from conservatory of music, concurrently with law school). It’s a really tough business to break into, and the pay is nowhere near that in the legal biz, but I love every second of it. Ocasionally my legal training and background helps, e.g. in understanding copyright or business issues - or reading through huge and complex software manuals.
Posted by RJP - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 3 hours, 10 minutes ago

It depends on the industry or sector of the economy. 1/2 or more of the folks working in the commercial real estate industry as developers or corporate development representatives are “reformed” lawyers. It’s probably one of the easier transitions from law practice & a legal background is certainly perceived as an advantage, or perhaps even a near requisite background considering everyone you’re dealing with is probably a lawyer.

That said, I’m not sure the commercial real estate industry could be fairly characterized as a realm for the risk-averse. So perhaps that’s where the lawyers who do not wish to practice & with a bit more stomach for risk tend to gravitate. From my experience & observations, it is definitely an advantage to have built-in legal perspectives & understandings in the real estate business. If they are heeded, along with some basic good business sense, they can protect you from a parade of horribles during good times & bad. Not all lawyers are deal-killers ... some are deal-makers!
Posted by PRay - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 3 hours, 4 minutes ago

Once again the ABA pushes “the only thing you can do with a JD is be a lawyer.” All business is governed by law so this concept makes no sense. It’s all about how you present yourself - multidisciplinary.
Posted by eliz - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 2 hours, 54 minutes ago

Hm…here’s an idea! Maybe the ABA should *STOP accrediting so many law schools. Did anyone ever think of that??!
Posted by cs - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 2 hours, 43 minutes ago

What do you mean, you can’t find another job with a JD? I worked construction in between document review projects.
Posted by Mel Lieberman - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 2 hours, 25 minutes ago

The article is only one perspective and certainly doesn’t imply truth, without more. It has achieved its intended purpose,however: to garner these thoughtful responses. A law degree, in my opinion, is always helpful simply because the process of obtaining it teaches one another method on “How to Think.” And, thought can never be a bad thing; or can it? I suppose if it paralyzes one from taking action, it is not good. But, that’s for another discussion.
Posted by true - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 2 hours ago

I agree with #2. Lawyers were the ones who blessed the risky mortgages, commericial paper, bundling of fraudulent assets, etc.

Don’t put the blame solely on wall street. Big Law was out to make $$$ and they let the crooks do their dirty deeds.
Posted by Eugene - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 1 hour, 47 minutes ago

I have a JD and a license from another state (I reside in the Atlanta area). I have never practiced law. Education is an option if you reside in Georgia or your state. You can obtain a teaching certificate online and your JD qualifies you to receive a specialist certification in Georgia (your state may have the same options for this who have a JD). In the Atlanta area, with a clear and renewable specialist certification in education you will make about 50K—you will work about 191 annually, but you are paid all twelve months. In many school districts, you are off nine weeks in the summer (the students are off 10 weeks in the summer), two weeks for Christmas, the whole week of Thanksgiving in some school districts and one week for spring break (usually in April). Special eduation, math, science and foreign language teachers are in very high demand throughout the U.S. If I decide to start a law practice, a fully certified substitute teacher makes $150 daily with the Atlanta City schools (uncertified substitute teacher makes about $90 daily).
Posted by Nick - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 1 hour, 26 minutes ago

I’m in this situation right now in NYC. I just graduated from law school, but I decided probably a year ago that I had no interest in actually practicing law. Even though I have my undergraduate degree from a good school—the University of Michigan—I’m finding it hard to fall back on it.

The bottom line is that most people simply refuse to believe that I secretly don’t want to practice law. They think I’m going to leave after six months to be a lawyer.

Frustrating. Five months of unemployment.
Posted by Steve - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 1 hour, 21 minutes ago

I had a discussion with a group of first-years at my law school (I’m a biglaw associate) recently on this subject. I think that author is correct, the general view is that a JD will open doors for you. I find the opposite to be the case. In fact, I find that the higher level of education in any field, the less options one has. The reason is that people have certain expectations for educated people. If you are an unemployed nuclear physicist PhD, what skills do you have to get in the ground floor of a art design? Some also might think you’re overqualified to work as a tax driver, a small business owner or a research assistant. Still others might think that you aren’t able to compete in the world of nuclear physicists as you’re unemployed and they might not want to touch you. The same problem happens in the legal industry as well as many business circles.

With regard to #8’s snarky comment on women looking for men in law school, I can’t tell you how many guys I went to school with thought they were going to be millionaire lawyers and ended up working at dead end firms in an area of law that they had no intention of practicing.
Posted by randy - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days, 1 hour, 8 minutes ago

the consulting market also provides a lucrative market for attorneys. I work with one of the public litigation/financial consulting firms and there are many attorneys here.

the law degree probably was not required but certainly helped selling my skill set.

randy
Posted by anonymous - 1 month, 1 week, 6 days ago

As a lawyer licensed in one state who has moved to another, and is deciding whether or not to pursue active practice in said second state, it is IMPOSSIBLE to get people to believe you’d be happy as a paralegal. Really? For the same money I can work approximately a 40-50 hour week, and you’ll appreciate it when I work harder? And I don’t have to be competitive and aggressive and combative? Why would I not want to do that?

I agree with 18—the bottom line is that most people simply refuse to believe that I don’t secretly want to practice law. I practiced for two years. I didn’t get any better! And I didn’t like it more. I was happier as a secretary. And let’s stop telling happy secretaries that they should go to law school—now no one will hire me as their secretary, and I don’t want to be a lawyer. <sigh>
Posted by brian - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 23 hours, 56 minutes ago

I do not think it helps or hurts, it is just a factor. You still need to sell yourself on your ability, training and experience. Blaming having a law degree for not gettgin a job is an excuse and not a reason. I’ve interviewed a number of lawyers for non-law jobs and they failed the 1st cut, not b/c of the degree but they did not interview well. Also, if the job is not law related, then many times you need to take a step down and backwards as you may be competing with someone with a more relevant undergrad degree and experience.

As for not gogin to law school is you do not want to be a lawyer, I think that is wrong. Our society is based on the law and more persons should be aware of what it is and the impacts it has in society in general and in everyday life. I look back and wonder how I benefited from the education even at a personal level. Practicing lawyers tend to lose sight that they relate in and to society in a manner different from the average citizen b/c of the education.
Posted by doug - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 23 hours, 40 minutes ago

Be prepared to explain why you don’t practice, The world is fun of employers who think that a law degree is a ticket to an income far greater than what they are offering and who just don’t understand the nature of a legal education. Be wary of employers who think that you will be difficult to suprevise as you “know your rights” and can’t wait to sue your employer if things don’t go perfectly.
Posted by Jeannie - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 23 hours, 22 minutes ago

I completely agree with this article. When you have a JD, people tend to pigeonhole you and it is difficult to break into another field because people can’t understand why you would leave such a lucrative field - thank you, Boston Legal for that perception! Those of you posting about how easy it is because you were able to start your own business or the JD helped you in the field in which you were already employed have missed the point. If your worth is being assessed by another, a non-JD, you are more apt to be judged in a negative way.
Posted by JB - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 22 hours, 41 minutes ago

This is the first true assessment of what law school means I have ever seen and mirrors what I’ve told many of you when you’ve asked for advice. It counters everything you will hear from your law school recruiters who tell you that the $250,000 per year job you will get after your JD will more than pay for your loans and that a “law degree opens doors in many other areas”.
I have tried for YEARS to get out of this most miserable of professions, but even when I can get an interview I’ve been asked directly why I would go to law school if I don’t want to be a lawyer. It has made getting back into business (where I was prior to law school) 100 times more difficult.
Posted by 4E Student - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 22 hours, 14 minutes ago

Randy: Right now I’m a graduating evening student, working full time with one of the larger management consulting firms. How hard would it be to make that transition to your sector of the industry? That’s actually my preference upon graduation.
Posted by 3L with an MBA - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 21 hours, 38 minutes ago

I have an MBA and worked in financial services for 15 years before attending law school. Many lawyers weork in the Trust business and are highly valued. I was a manager and could have used better knowledge of employment law. I will bdefinitely be a better manager in the future. Moreover, I work in high tech legal right now. It is the intersection of business and law, especially antitrust. However, contracts, esecially technology licensing is very multi discilinary. As a woman, I will suggest that all credentials will assist women managers and job seekers with credibitlity , landing jobs and gaining respect from coworkers. I do not see how anyone could write and article disparaging a legal education. Which resume would you select? Job seekers persist!!! It is a matter of FINDING a need and filling it!
Posted by Janie - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 19 hours, 53 minutes ago

I find myself competing for legal technology positions against candidates with law degrees. Twice I have been a final candidate up against a lawyer. Twice the law firm chose the lawyer.
Posted by Julia - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 19 hours, 29 minutes ago

I think the girl in the article’s problem was not that she went to law school, but that she went to Ohio State. There are no jobs in Ohio. None for lawyers, none for nonlawyers. Outside of Ohio, a JD from OSU doesn’t mean much.
Posted by Johny Ballgame - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes ago

YES, a law degree is a HUGE liability.

I have been in this situation for three years. All of my experiences in law school and the legal profession were miserable, so I sought an opportunity elsewhere.

Here’s the best advice ever . . . MAKE LEMONADE!

If you’ve got lemons, make the best lemonade ever.

Further advice: [1] recognize and accept what you cannot control (c’est la vie), [2] control what you can control, and [3] don’t hate the player, hate the game of life.
Posted by confusedesq - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 18 hours, 53 minutes ago

I’ve been a licensed attorney for 2 years, and I have been in my current role as Director of Business Affairs for a small corporation in the entertainment field for the last year. My first year out of law school I worked for a small Plaintiffs’ civil litigation firm, and I was in the courtroom the day after I was sworn in. It was challenging, which I loved, but it was adversarial and required a level of self-righteousness that I didn’t possess. My current job is probably 75% non-legal and 25% legal, and lacks the challenge and stimulation of my previous position. I realize I probably have a pretty good gig here, but I feel undervalued and underutilized, and it is difficult to express that to my boss who is the CEO of the company, and who is not an attorney. I am the only attorney employed here, and I feel that my non-attorney boss not only has difficulty understanding what I have to offer his company as an attorney, but is easily intimidated by the fact that I am an attorney. I see how the JD could be a hindrance to not only getting the non-legal jobs, but feeling satisfied by them. I, for one, formed a number of false expectations before and during law school as to what type of salary, responsibilities, etc. I could command once I was out, whether as a “real” lawyer, or in a non-legal capacity. The JD supposedly provides us with so many opportunities that once one is given any employment opportunity, which can be hard to come by these days, it’s hard to not wonder if you should still be seeking out a different, “better” opportunity. (wow, commenting on these articles is therapeutic!)
Posted by Corey - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 18 hours, 27 minutes ago

Call me crazy but can we really take what a few people believe and call it fact? Just because Ms. Allam believes it worked to a disadvantage for her, doesn’t mean it hasn’t opened doors for other. I think it is ridiculous that this article is even here.
Posted by Poindexter - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 17 hours, 52 minutes ago

I became a lawyer, because as a cop I wanted to prosecute and achieve more. However, I applied for a drug task force job a couple of years ago, but was denied the job, because they thought a lawyer as a cop was a “conflict of interest.” The rookie with a high school diploma got the job instead . . .
Posted by two hats - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 17 hours, 50 minutes ago

Law grads having no prior work experience (i.e. from under grad to law school) and who then cannot land a legal job will find it difficult to find a job in another profession for the same reason that a non-JD has, which is no experience. I spent several years in the corporate world before going for my JD then returned to the corporate world in a dual role (two hats). I direct the real estate operations supervising non-lawyer financial accountants and property managers and my other hat is corporate real estate counsel.
Practicing lawyers can make the transition into any profession just like anyone else changing career paths. For a firm lawyer transitioning to in-house, it takes longer because they lack the practical industry knowledge and experience and to adjust their risk mindset from “legal risk” to “business risk”.
I have never met a JD who said the degree was a detriment. The education and process of thinking learned as a JD is different from that of an MBA. It just depends on which educational route you decide to go.
Posted by J.C - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 17 hours, 29 minutes ago

I have to agree with the article. I obtained a JD in 2001 and when my mother passed away I lost all interest in taking the bar exam. I also have a BSN and an MPA. I have been turned down for numerous positions because “I would be bored”, “I would have to pay you too much” even after giving the reasons why my law degree could benefit them. It is really difficult with the JD on the resume so I have taken it off and am currently getting many more job offers. Very frustrating.
Posted by Joan Delvalle - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 16 hours, 6 minutes ago

I also agree with the article. I obtained my JD in 1998 and worked as an attorney for 10 years until I relocated to live in California, after a bitter split. And as JC explained, I have been also turned down to numerous positions because of my experience and that I may be “overqualified”. To work as an attorney I have to take the California Bar but in order to do so you have to work to pay for your bills and reviews…. And students loans keep increasing and as a single mother is very frustating because you have to pay your bills… My JD instead of helping met its turning me down.
Posted by Alicia - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 15 hours, 33 minutes ago

ABSOLUTELY A LIABILITY! I have never held an typical attorney position but have great resume for a patent specialist. I could be a patent agent in house. Even former biotech companies that I have worked for prior to law school turn me down. They say, “You’ll get bored because you’re overqualified.”

I have been out of work for over a year. I am really freaked out and currently have that pile of debt waiting for me as deferred debt
Posted by alicia - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 15 hours, 13 minutes ago

After reading the comments I realized that there are two ways of looking at the situation: 1) as an optimist, and 2) as a pessimist. I started out as an optimist and obtained some really great jobs. Now I am a pessimist because THREE recruiters have told me I am over-qualified for anything but an attorney posiiton in the legal field.

I want to make lemonade but it seems there are only rotten lemons around.

The economy is bad, yes. . .but it has been difficult to find a job since 2005.

If you don’t graduate from a top tier school it is very difficult to land an attorney job and then move on to a JD position which requires previous law firm experience.

I am getting loads of solicitations for sales jobs, insurance sales positions. Ah, that is a good one. . .go to law school to become an insurance sales rep.
Posted by Woman - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes ago

Just so #8 knows, I am female and went to law school to become a lawyer. Solely to become a lawyer. Just sayin’.
Posted by Never wanted to practice.... - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes ago

Before I even had one day of law school, I knew I didn’t want to practice. I wanted to know the law, then go work on the Hill—which is exactly what I did. My law degree helped me climb the ladder quickly, even though it wasn’t a requirement for my job. I am so glad I have it and encourage anyone who wants to enter into the world of public policy to obtain their JD. I now have a career I love and I joined my three years of law school a lot more without the pressure of law review or being in the top 10 percent of my class.
Posted by Shakara Smithers - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 1 hour, 31 minutes ago

Hello All,

I totally agree with this article.

While I am happy for the commenters that have been able to easily/successfully utilize their J.D. in non-law capacities, I am appalled by those same commenters who can not seem to comprehend that their experience is not true for a significant amount of others with J.D.‘s pursuing non-law positions.

As some have already asserted, part of the problem is the economy- it’s difficult for many Americans to find jobs right now. Part of the problem is likely lack of experience, as other commenters have asserted- many J.D. holders have went from four years of undergrad to three years of law school with minimal work history during this period (save for the internship or part-time job here or there).

Still, part of the problem- as this article correctly asserts- is the J.D. itself. Just like posters like #18 and several others who have posted about this article, I KNOW that there is blatant and pervasive discrimination against some J.D. holders seeking non-law positions simply because they have a J.D. I was clearly told by a prospective non-law employer recently that they feared that if offered a position, I would leave in six months or so for some cushy law firm job. Even though I tried to allay their fears, they told me that they didn’t want to pour resources into cultivating someone who they considered a temporary hire. Other non-law employers have intimated that they fear that I will be bored/not stimulated by the work, that I am overqualified because of my J.D., and that I will not be content with the salaries they can offer because of the J.D. Even former non-law employers that I had a great working relationship with prior to law school seem to think that my J.D. has priced me out of those old positions!

It’s a jungle out there and it is consistently difficult to acquire a non-law position because of a J.D. Merely because it didn’t happen to some of you doesn’t make the statement less true. Such logic is like saying that merely because I have never won a lottery prize, the lottery doesn’t exist!
Posted by boredatwork - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 1 hour, 17 minutes ago

COO and President of ConocoPhillips is a lawyer. He will also be the next CEO and Chairman in a couple years.

Executive VP for E&P at ConocoPhillips is a lawyer.

Former CEO of Chevron Phillips is a lawyer.

These are just examples of lawyers turned business folk that I know personally. There are other examples out there.

As with other aspects and areas of life, it is how you handle yourself and the work you put in.

Currently, I’m a tax lawyer for a Fortune 150 company and have had multiple meetings about my career development with senior execs. From those meetings included offers to jump to the business/commercial side. Law school helped with the analytical aspect of working in a challenging and competitive environment, but it is who I am and how I conduct myself that lead to opportunities.

I completely agree with #32.
Posted by stevie B - 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, 48 minutes ago

as an (Electrical) Computer Engineer turned Patent Attorney, now seeking MD First-year Intern/resident job, I find the JD greatly confuses doctors and contributes to a miserable 2% interview rate (and each application requires a $25 fee to AAMC monopolists).
BUT
If I can get the Intern/Resident job—and get some credibility in the medical field, I expect the JD will be a tremendous asset afterward!

At that point I’ll be able to invent some sort of hybrid job combining aspects of all fields.
Posted by martha - 1 month, 1 week, 4 days, 3 hours, 15 minutes ago

I am a burnt out lawyer, practicing for 25 years. I went part time a couple of years ago and then retired. I need to now go back to work because of the downturn in the stock market. Even though I now absolute hate practicing law, the only job I can get is a law job back at my old firm.

I would just a soon shelve library books. I want a boring job. But between age discrimination and “over qualification” discrimination I am stuck.
Posted by Steve R. - 1 month, 1 week, 2 days, 21 hours, 41 minutes ago

I find it quite strange that people can take on the challenges and burdens of pursuing a legal education without an appreciation of how it positions them vis-à-vis career choices and employment opportunities. My experience is in the opposite direction from many of those posting comments here. I started law school in my mid 40’s after noting that every business decision under consideration had legal aspects and that my ability to contribute was hampered by a lack of knowledge. While continuing to work in financial management in the Power Industry, I added legal skills to my base of technical and business/financial knowledge. While it was a decade before the title on the door was that of a corporate in-house counsel, the positions I held and contributions I made between earning my JD and that appointment were very much a product of the full range of what I brought to the table. Employability is a function of the full value of the individual; you need to sell based on the complete range of skills and experience.

During my career, I have worked with several senior executives who were lawyers by training. These were highly capable individuals able to successfully integrate their legal education with well-honed business skills.
Posted by ABA is a racket - 1 month, 1 week, 2 days, 12 hours, 55 minutes ago

cjt (#3): puh-leeze

“Looking back…she wishes she hadn’t gone to law school.”
Comment: Take a number and get in line.

People who *do* want to be lawyers shouldn’t be forced to go to law school—what a useless exercise in cliches, and an overall waste of 3 years of my valuable life. If only I had what it took to endure med school.

BUT, keep perpetuating the myth that a law degree will get you somewhere other than nowhere. It’s what keeps the lights on at law schools everywhere, and pays the salaries of unqualified law professors who think a J.D. means they can teach. lol
Posted by Make-It-Happen - 1 month, 1 week, 1 day, 33 minutes ago

I totally disagree with the article. A JD like any other degree represents the work and determination that an individual invests in their education. It is not the value of the person. In order to get employed you must sell yourself. It should always be a benefit that you had the assertiveness to pursue a JD. The JD should give you a competitive edge when positioned properly.
Posted by Kristen - 1 month, 1 week, 1 hour, 51 minutes ago

I understand that it is hard to change directions and pursue a different career path with a JD after your name. I think the key is finding how the JD can help you in the desired path and being able to show that benefit to a potential employer.

I am fortunate that I have my law degree, practiced for a short time and then moved into a “non-legal” job. I still use my law degree and experience. The most difficult part is explaining to my co-workers and clients how my degree and experience are a benefit and an asset. After three years of law school, being able to express myself articulately and get my point across is not too difficult.

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