From the Single Mom's Law School Experience, then "Almost Attorney" to FINALLY an Esquire!: Job Market is Abysmal

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Job Market is Abysmal

If you are reading this because you want to go to law school, be AWARE, the job market is abysmal. There is very little out there for recent graduates. Know this. Be aware. And know that one has to think creatively. The law is traditional. Very slow to turn. And that means with the economy as well. Conservatism in hiring and turning things around.

I am finding that most of my classmates hung their own shingle. Very few secured firm jobs or government jobs either. Firms downsized and so those lawyers with less experience were let go and those attorney's filled the market that is usually open for newer attorney's. Networking only goes so far.

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FAQ

Lots of people ask me: how do you do it? How do you attend law school and raise a child alone? My answer is simply that you prioritize. You approach school as an 8 to 5 job. I take Friday evenings and Saturday's off. Study a bit on Sundays. For me this works. It means not being a part of the "social" things at school, and that time between your classes is in the library studying. But that's okay. You will have different goals then the students who are single with no children.

How do you afford it? Student loans........yes, you heard me. My reasoning is that my earning capacity will double, but likely triple, which means that I can afford to take on the debt to pay for a better future for my daughter and I.

Does you daughter resent you studying? No. Sometimes she gets frustrated, but she really does understand the bigger picture. She is my biggest supporter. I have learned to include her by taking her to class with me when I can, by having her help me study with flash cards, and by taking her to appropriate events at school. In fact, I did an incoming student panel one year, and the administration of the school had her speak as well. We are a team, and that includes this journey.