Attorneys - tell me about your job...?

[laughlaugh18]

Xeney,

Government always has had a higher proportion of women and I'm sure that's why you've seen fewer issues in that setting.

Even back in the ancient 80s, I had few problems as a young female attorney. However, as I got further in my career, around the time I started getting put in charge of things and competing with the boys for the perks of the job (partnership, etc), I started to see much more overt and covert discrimination. Compensation differences, expectation differences, etc. For myself, as well as for other female friends (who have way worse stories than I do). What makes it more difficult is that as gender equality became more publically expected, the gender inequities became more insidious and under the surface. Too often, the boys have the power and they don't want to share (whether they consciously realize it or not).

Some things have gotten better over time. Amazingly, I even see some law firms allowing women to have babies and still come back to be equity partners. There are many, many truly gender equal men out there (like our Mr. Silver); I just don't see it across the board and I'd hate to see young women lulled into a false sense of security that all the problems are gone and they'll always be treated equally on merit.

[EBD]

I am in my third year of law school, and I'm going to buck the trend and say - I really like law school! I wonder if law school has changed some - especially for women - since some of the posters were law students. It's still competitive, but most professors are much mellower than the Paper Chase haranguing that used to go on (so I hear). (I attend a medium-sized well-regarded state school). Also, I am the type who is good at school - always have been - and am fairly easygoing, so that helps. I don't mind being graded and compared to my peers. In a sick way, I like it - compared to the way you are evaluated in the real world, which in my previous work experience was totally mushy and secretive and involved office politics and all that. In school, you always know where you stand. Also, a graduate student has no boss but herself, a flexible schedule, and is surrounded by intelligent peers with similar goals. Mostly, in my previous jobs (which, to be fair, were entry-level), I was bored A LOT. In law school, and the tastes of law practice that I've had, I am constantly intellectually challenged. That's why I love it.

Before I came to law school, I worked at a legal nonprofit in NYC. I attended attorney-client meetings, and I really loved the way attorneys take people by the hand - usually people who are in some crisis situation - and make complicated things clearer. I felt it was akin to a physician's bedside manner. Attorneys take complex worries off peoples' shoulders, allowing them to get on with their lives and avert crisis. I want to do that, and that's why I came to law school.

Of course one thing I learned in law school is that many attorneys rarely or never interact with clients in the way I describe. As others have pointed out, there are lots of ways to be a lawyer. I did summer internships with some large corporate firms, and was offered over 6 figures to start out of law school. In those firms, I met some great lawyers and did intellectually challenging work, but I never even saw a client. I turned down that offer to work in a small firm in a very specialized practice - representing public school districts. It's sort of a mix of private practice and public interest, in that my clients will be public agencies. I absolutely love this area of the law, and it is definitely something new every day. I have also worked at our state Attorney General's office, representing public universities and other state agencies, which was also fascinating - and government jobs offer very predictable and do-able hours, for a lower but still reasonable salary. There are other specialties in which you learn to do one thing and get very good at it, and do it every day (generally transactional law). In others, it's something new every day - generally litigation - but as others have noted, in litigation you often trade predictability for more of a rollercoaster work schedule.

In short, if you can afford to go to law school, I think it opens many doors - not just the traditional paths. And I like the security of knowing I will always have my law degree to fall back on - while finding the perfect job is always a challenge, if I find myself in a situation where I need to make money, I will be able to do that. I highly recommend public law schools if you live near a good one - they are more connected to different types of jobs in the community, and while a "big name" is worth something, I'm not sure it's worth $100k in tuition.

[xeney]

Oh, I don't work for the government, I work for a small (20 attorneys) firm. When I worked for the government, the sexism was rampant and overt.

[Southside Sally]

I graduated law school in 1995, after having become an RN in 1982. I went into law for more autonomy, and started my own practice after graduation.

I love the law. I love the analysis and the logic involved. I love the fact that it is never static, and there is generally no "black and white" answer. This last thing most find infinitely frustrating!

That being said, I was a litigator for 10 years. Being someone's paid pitbull got old. I grew tired of the constant conflict and the stress was incredible. I was good at it, but didn't enjoy it after awhile. I have recently returned to nursing full time, although I keep my law license active and do some work for my husband's business. Once my children are grown and out of the house, I may return to the practice of law. Who knows?

Best of luck to you!

Southside Sally

[Meaux]

I have worked in a mid-sized real estate law firm for over 3 years now, and I can honestly say that it's pretty fun! I'm a legal assistant, but I do a lot of work for the lawyers in preparation. I don't think I want to be an attorney, but I usually enjoy my work. The attorneys work a lot of CRAZY hours. One of the partners is up at the firm EVERY day, no days off. Both of the partners we have are women, so that's pretty fun. I spoke with one of the partners and she told me that there is still a lot of sexism and that she has to sometimes put up with a lot from judges and other (male) attorneys. Sad but true. Good luck in your law school adventures!!!!

[LBTC]

Once again I am amazed and humbled at the depth of talent and skill on this board! You ladies are fantastic!

And here I am, at 39, trying to take my first ever correspondence course, having never been to university, and I'm struggling with the most introductory Business Law course! I can't imagine making it through law school!!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[farrellcollie]

I have been practicing law for 21 years and I teach research and writing full time at a law school. I teach mostly in the night program so most of my students are not fresh out of college - but I have also taught in the regular program-I have seen many people drop out because law school is not what they thought it would be. IF possible - can you go sit in on some first year classes (at our school we often have visitors). I clerked for a federal judge (great job), worked in private civil firm (horrible - billable hours, stupid cases, I thought civil discovery/litigation was the most boring thing on the planet, annoying clients, etc) was an appellate public defender (great job for me - reading and writing). If you have specific questions - feel free to pm me.

[stella]

Hello, just noticed this thread and decided to write. when the thread was started I was preparing for Trial Team competition (yep...that really exists!).

I changed careers so, I am an older student. I was a therapist before specializing in treating folks with addiction and trauma issues.

I really enjoy law school! I plan on practicing in SE NE when I graduate. It has been intellectually stimulating, very difficult at times (not so much the course load as the time it takes to understand what I am reading). It has also been tough on my family and my cycling but worth it. I have found that my "people skills" have been put to good use. I do plan on going into litigation--as a criminal attorney. The school I attended offered a prosecutor's clinic, from that--I was in arraignments 1x per week arguing bail PLUS I had a Motion to Suppress and a trial. It was a ton of work but--it is true: being able to think on one's feet and arguing are key.

The actual attorneys on this board have given you a wealth of info. Take mine for what it is worth: a third year law student w/minimal "real life" lawyering experience.

With four weeks left of classes before I graduate...the bottom line: law school has been challenging, frustrating, fun...I don't think I'll be saying the same thing about the bar exam.