So… You Want to be a Lawyer?

Who Makes a Good Lawyer? Just about anyone, but… You like helping people solve problems You’re generally a curious individual who asks questions, not satisfied with “no” You like to read and write… a lot

Law Degree and Practicing Law: What It Is and What It’s Not Versatile degree with many applications Noble profession with people dedicated to serving others Problem solving Criminal Justice Business Military Politics It’s not Law & Order LA Law Legally Blonde My Cousin Vinny

What It Takes Bachelors Degree (4-5 years) Pick an undergraduate school that has a high acceptance rate into law school History, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, English, Logic, Philosophy Law School Admission Test (LSAT not LSATs) Law School (3 years) Specialties Patent or Tax Law Combined JD/MBA Programs Bar Exam Lifetime of Learning – “Practicing Law”

Law School Teaches you law principles and sets a foundation of learning Generally, do not “specialize” in an area until after school Prepares you for your state’s bar exam 2-3 day brain dump of everything you learned in 3 years

Jobs: The World’s the Limit Public Sector Judge Government and Military Lawyer, Prosecutor Law Clerk Private Sector Law Firm (Civil, Criminal, Business) In-House Counsel Other roles Contract Management Compliance Project Management Business Leader

Show Me the Money Short answer – it depends Field Years of experience Grades Location, location, location Salary Guides Robert Half Legal - https://www.roberthalf.com/legal/legal-salary-guide Special Counsel - http://www.specialcounsel.com/resources-legal/legal-salary-guide/

Questions???