Volunteering at the LSAC Law School Forum
On Saturday, October 5, 2024, I volunteered at the Law School Admission Council’s (LSAC) Law School Forum in Los Angeles at their “Ask A Lawyer” booth. While the forum was primarily an opportunity for pre-law students to gather information from dozens of law schools and speak to admissions counselors, it also offered sessions on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in law school. Pre-law students could consult with advisors and chat with practicing attorneys about our work.
It was my first time participating in the event, and I had a lot of fun! I met many pre-law students interested in various areas of law, from estate planning and tax to water rights, immigration, and education. I was especially excited to meet pre-law candidates passionate about public interest law, which is meaningful to me as I practice education law and policy.
During the day, several common questions came up in conversations. Here are key themes that many of you might also be thinking about:
- How do I plan out my legal career?
- How much money do lawyers earn?
- Do I need a law degree to work in my area of interest?
- Can I still be a lawyer if I’m shy or introverted?
- As a first-generation college student, how do I balance my desire for financial stability with my passion for public interest law?
- What is private public interest?
- What should I do in law school to figure out the type of lawyer I want to be?
For those I met at the Forum and anyone else wondering about these questions, I’m sharing some insights here to help guide your journey.
How Do I Plan Out My Legal Career?
There is no definitive way of figuring out what your legal career will be. It’s hard to plan because there are so many factors that will impact what opportunities become available to you, including the availability of internship and employment opportunities at the time when you’re ready to apply.
While it’s challenging to map out every detail, here are some steps to help you explore potential careers:
- Follow Legal Organizations: Start by following the American Bar Association on Instagram. They frequently host webinars on various practice areas, giving you insights into different fields.
- Research Law Firms: Spend time reading through law firms’ websites. Many publish blogs or articles on industry trends.
- Engage on Professional Platforms: Follow law firms and bar associations on LinkedIn. If you’re not on LinkedIn yet, check out my blog post on why you should start one in college.
- Explore Job Postings: Use LinkedIn or other job search engines to look up opportunities for lawyers. Search terms like “attorney,” “lawyer,” and specific areas of interest can yield informative results.
Understanding Lawyer Salaries
I applaud those pre-law students who are thinking about whether a legal career will help them achieve their financial goals! When I entered law school, I assumed that all lawyers earned high salaries. While some do, the reality varies widely based on factors like employer type, location, and experience.
For instance, a June 2024 article in the ABA Journey notes that 2023 salaries for first-year lawyers in “big law” firms ranged from $85,000 to $235,000. At a large nonprofit legal organization in California, salaries can range from $80,000 for a first-year attorney to $150,000 for a 20+-year attorney.
If you’re curious about earnings in your desired field, research current job postings in your target location for both new attorneys and more seasoned attorneys. In states like California, employers are required to disclose salary ranges, making your research easier. This type of transparency in pay didn’t exist a few years ago and it’s a game changer. Knowing these ranges can help you set informed financial expectations as you start your legal career.
Do I Need a Law Degree to Work in My Area of Interest?
This question often comes up for those passionate about specific issues. While having a law degree opens many doors, you might find that various roles in social justice, advocacy, and policy work don’t require one. Consider exploring positions like policy advocate, government affairs consultant, or policy analyst in areas that interest you. Informational interviews with professionals in your desired field can help you decide whether a law degree is essential. Also, this is another area where searching for job posts may be helpful. If you find that you are attracted to certain roles and those roles do not require a law degree, you may want to explore that avenue. I’ve known people who were interested in going to law school, did their research, and found that they didn’t need a law degree to find fulfilling jobs.
Can Introverts Succeed in Law?
Absolutely! Many successful lawyers identify as introverts. While the legal profession does involve public speaking and courtroom appearances if you’re a litigator, there are also plenty of roles that focus on research, writing, and analysis—areas where introverts often shine. Your unique qualities can be strengths in the legal field. Again, do your research and find jobs that allow you to focus on your strengths.
Balancing Financial Goals with Public Interest Aspirations
As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, you might feel torn between the need for financial stability and your desire to serve your community through public interest law. This balancing act can be tough.
I encourage you to work on a budget for your future life. If you need some guidance, I encourage you to read my blog post on planning your target salary. I find it to be very important to design what you want your life to be, and what it needs to be to meet your financial obligations, and make sure that a legal career will help you meet those goals. A legal career is stressful on its own and I hope you do not add financial stress to that. It’s tough.
Also, many law schools offer substantial scholarships and loan forgiveness programs for graduates pursuing public interest careers. Look for schools that prioritize financial wellness and social justice; they often have resources to support your dual goals. But note that these resources can sometimes dry up. Currently, my alma mater has cut significant financial support for those pursuing public interest fellowships and internships. It’s hard to plan around. The same is true for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. It is hard to plan around a program riddled with defects and legal challenges. You can read more about issues with PSLF in these Forbes articles: here and here.
Understanding Private Public Interest
Private public interest law firms may sound like an oxymoron, but for some, they offer a compelling career path. While each firm is unique, many share some common features. Typically, these firms have a social impact mission similar to that of a nonprofit organization, but they operate within the private sector. That means they generate revenue like a traditional law firm, and the profits go to the firm’s owner(s). If you want to learn more, check out my blog post, Exploring Public Interest Law Careers in the Private Sector – Bright New Beginnings.
Discovering Your Legal Path in Law School
Law school is an excellent time to explore various legal disciplines. During your studies, look for internships and externships in different practice areas. Attend workshops, join student organizations, and connect with professors to learn about various legal careers.
Take time for self-reflection to understand what excites you the most. Use exercises like vision boards to visualize your future and clarify your goals. This proactive approach will help you navigate the landscape of law and figure out which path is right for you.
I hope these insights help you on your journey toward a fulfilling legal career. Remember, it’s perfectly okay not to have everything figured out right now. Embrace the exploration process, and trust that each step brings you closer to your goals. If you have questions or want to connect, feel free to reach out through my blog or on LinkedIn!
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