Law School - A Long-Term Investment

“I’m a law dean, and I’m proud.  And I think it’s time to stop the nonsense.  After two years of almost relentless attacks on law schools, a bit of perspective would be nice.”
   
That is what Dean Lawrence E. Mitchell of Case Western Reserve University’s Law School states in his article for the NY Times titled “Law School Is Worth the Money.”  Dean Mitchell goes on to explain his position by arguing that law school is an investment for a lifelong career, not just a first job.  He points out:

•    It is true that it is a difficult market to find a first attorney job.  However, the 2011 statistics reflect that law firm employment for graduates showed only a 9% decline from the most recent previous “bad” legal market in 1998.  And the good news is that the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth in lawyers’ jobs over the span of 2010-2020 – about as fast as the average for all occupations. 

•    A law school education prepares graduates to find fulfilling employment whether it is at a law firm or not.  If you are intimidated by the current law firm job market, don’t immediately discount the value of a law school education.  Law schools teach students to be leaders and creative problem solvers, and these are always traits that are in demand.  Moreover, careers in the legal field are not only fulfilling, they also provide economic security.  The 2011 economic statistics show that while the median starting salary for attorney’s was $61,500, the mean salary for all practicing lawyers was $130,490, showing that salaries rise significantly over time, and this mean salary number includes lawyers that graduated into really bad job markets. 

•    Opportunities for new lawyers are opening up even in this bad market.  As baby-boomer lawyers approach retirement, jobs are becoming available for new lawyers even without the growth of business.  In addition, changes in the delivery of legal services create opportunities as well as challenges. What this means is that the legal market is in a state of transition, and that can be a very good thing for new lawyers who capitalize on their innovation and creativity.

Click here to read Dean Mitchell’s full article.

Like always, if you would like help with your job search, you can contact Jan Nussbaum at jnussbaum@ggu.edu.

Note: LCS, and all of GGU will be closed from December 22nd until January 2, 2013 due to work by PG&E. Phones and email will be off line for part of this time.