I'm interested in shifting away from my non-practice academic job into something (anything!) and am thinking about real estate, family law, of estate planning. I know I need to do some pro bono to sharpen my skills/credentials, and if ultimately like to land in a small firm. I have little kids
And need a fair amount of flexibility. Thoughts on marketable practice areas?

It needs to be something where you don't bill by the hour.

What about general business?

Real estate?

Anonymous wrote:I don't think personal injury is where money is at. Plaintiff stuff is sparse if you're trying to make a living and windfalls are few and far between.

I agree with immigration.

There is a great need for immigration attorneys, but clients who need you the most can't pay high rates. But if you're willing to start out with a reasonable fee structure, you could build a practice. The demand for your services are there -- especially if you're fluent in, say, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, etc.

Also, criminal lawyers who get on the CJA panel cases (i.e., taking cases in lieu of a public defender, in situations where the PD's office has a conflict or something) make a living and can build that experience into a larger criminal law practice.

From reading the parenting forums, it seems like good and aggressive divorce attorneys are always in need.

solo law practice is a horrible business. you are selling your time, so your potential revenue stream is severely limited, unless your practice really booms and you hire profitable associates (fat chance with the legal market the way it is).

you can't just come up with a product people like and make more of it.

Anonymous wrote:I don't think personal injury is where money is at. Plaintiff stuff is sparse if you're trying to make a living and windfalls are few and far between.

I agree with immigration.

Immigration law is the most complex area of law outside of tax. It's not something that you can just "pick up," so if you do decide to open an immigration practice, please be prepared to learn a lot and find lots of mentors.

I don't think personal injury is where money is at. Plaintiff stuff is sparse if you're trying to make a living and windfalls are few and far between.

I agree with immigration.

How about estate planning?

[quote=Anonymous]I'm in Big Law and I'm always getting requests for recommendations for immigration lawyers. There don't seem to be a lot of reputable ones. Unfortunately, I don't think there's a lot of money in it.[/quote]

Which types of immigration cases?

Anonymous wrote:I'm in Big Law and I'm always getting requests for recommendations for immigration lawyers. There don't seem to be a lot of reputable ones. Unfortunately, I don't think there's a lot of money in it.

In DC, Benach Ragland is the gold standard. VA, Calderon Derwin is excellent.

I'm in Big Law and I'm always getting requests for recommendations for immigration lawyers. There don't seem to be a lot of reputable ones. Unfortunately, I don't think there's a lot of money in it.

There is a market for nearly every practice area, but the major problem is the oversupply of lawyers.

I would imagine immigration/family law/personal injury stuff would be a solo's best bet. Of course, there are 9 million other lawyers doing that kind of stuff with whom you are competing.

What practice areas is there a market for in the District?