Deciding on a Career in Law

A J.D., Juris Doctor, can lead to a wide range of law-related careers and can open doors to careers in government, business, higher education, communications, and numerous other fields.  There is little doubt that the study and practice of law can be intellectually stimulating; the most basic functions of the legal profession call daily upon reasoning, analytical, and communication skills.  The possibility of effecting social change, setting legal precedent, and defending basic human rights attracts many who are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of people they serve. And, an expectation of prestige and high salaries is also a consideration in deciding on a legal career.

The realities of working in the legal profession, however, should be fully explored before reaching a decision.  Hours can be very long and often include weekends.  Legal work can require spending considerable time in tedious, painstaking research and repetitive administrative tasks.  Depending on the type of law practiced and the location, salaries may not meet expectations.  Therefore, it is essential to evaluate both advantages and disadvantages in making this important decision.

Exploring Your Interest

 Before beginning the application process, then, consider carefully if a law degree is right for you.  Your decision should not be made by default because you are not sure what else to do.  There are a number of ways you can explore the field of law:

• Register to receive e-mails about law-related programs and opportunities by completing a brief Career Interest Profile at career.cornell.edu (the Student page).
• Talk with a career counselor and take some interest assessment tests at Cornell Career Services (CCS) in 103 Barnes Hall, or 61 Goldwin Smith if you are an Arts and Sciences student to determine if your personality, values, and interests are aligned with what is required in the legal profession.
• Conduct research on legal careers using resources at Career Services in Barnes Hall.
• Investigate resources on the Internet that provide information on legal careers, law schools, and other law-related topics through the Cornell Career Services Web site.
• Participate in Cornell's Extern Program to shadow Cornell alumni in their workplaces over winter break, and in a similar program for first-year students, FRESH, that takes place during spring break. 
• Intern with a law firm or law-related organization to gain exposure to the field and to experience the work environment.
• Conduct information interviews to learn about the legal profession.  Talk with lawyers who are family members, family friends, or Cornell alumni.  The Career Contact Network, accessible through the CCS home page at career.cornell.edu, is an online resource that puts you in touch with alumni and others who volunteer to answer questions and provide career advice to students via e-mail.  Inquire about:  
                     

  * what lawyers do on a daily basis and typical work day 

  * personal attributes needed to be successful in a legal career 

  * satisfactions and dissatisfactions of the field

  * impact of a legal career on personal lives 
  

• Speak with lawyers who became dissatisfied and left the field.

• Discuss the law school experience with current law students and sit in on a class or two.  You can arrange to visit Cornell Law School by calling the Admissions Office at 255-5141.

• Take a position as a paralegal or legal assistant in a law firm or work in a law-related organization before applying to law school to confirm your interest in the field.  No special training is required, and Cornell Career Services can assist you in your job search.  Many Cornellians who eventually go to law school take time off first.

Realities of a Legal Career

 An important step in making a decision is to note the differences between commonly held expectations and the reality of legal practice.  For example, significant social changes will most likely occur through politics or the nation's lower courts, processes which require a great deal of time, patience, and persistence.  Though the overall employment rate for seven of the last nine years increased, the market for new lawyers is competitive for those seeking positions in cities and firms that are in high demand. Employment statistics for the class of 2002 law graduates, based on responses from 35,295 (91.5% of all graduates) reveal the following:

• The average starting salary was $72,308; the median salary was $60,000. 
• About 22% of salaries reported were at or below $40,000. 
• Salaries of more than $75,000 accounted for about 38% of salaries reported. 
• Approximately 58% of the class chose private practice in law firms.
• About 27% took positions in public service, including judicial clerkships, government agencies, and public interest organizations.
• Graduates entering business accounted for just under 11%.
• Approximately 30% of graduates were employed in positions for which bar passage is not required. 

While a corporate lawyer may earn $125,000 the first year in a private firm, he/she may also work twelve hours a day, six or seven days a week.  Most of those interested in public interest law can expect a starting salary below $40,000.  Although there is certainly personal satisfaction to be derived from representing underprivileged clients, the debt most law students accumulate may significantly influence an eventual choice of specialization.

If after careful consideration of the realities of a law career you are committed to the prospect of a career that will require you to think logically, critically, and creatively; to address some of the major social issues that confront our times; and to play a part in shaping legal institutions and codes that influence the future, then becoming a lawyer may very well prove to be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for you.

National Association for Law Placement's Jobs & J.D.S: Employment and Salaries of New Law Graduate—Class of 2002.