We began this year with a look back into what makes a lawyer/staff person a good candidate for your office. The following statistics emphasize the point that, should you choose law as a career, you must have a goal and well thought-out plan to get there.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported statistics on hiring law school graduates. The signs are good for those graduating in the class of 2014 who were summer associates at law firms. According to figures released by the National Association for Law Placement, 92% of law students who worked as summer associates last year received job offers. Of course, finding full time work as a lawyer remains a challenge for good number of graduates. According to NALP, only 64.4% of the 2012 law graduates got a job requiring bar passage, while just over 50% of the 2012 graduates found work in private practice.
This is particularly alarming for those who decide to undertake the cost of a three year law school education without a clear idea of where they will be practicing. Tying into the mentoring theme of our January blog, once in law school, they must make every attempt to become summer associates (law clerks) for firms in which they would like to work post-graduation. Hiring partners are most comfortable with those candidates they are most familiar with – making their selection of young associates a less risky proposition.
The old adage holds true: you will most likely practice law in the area you attend law school. So, choose wisely if and when you apply to prospective law schools.