OP, you might be better off leaving DC and going to a smaller market. I left DC for a medium sized city in CA and have been crazy successful here compared to DC. DC is too cut-throat competitive. The best of the best from Harvard, Yale are all in the same town. You must leave it to get a good legal job.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:above PP -- I have asked and they do not have it in the budget... sadly. I know a few lobbyist - should I try for a non JD lobby position? Then hope my JD comes in useful later on?

Yes. The law school experience, ability to write and understanding of the law and the legislative process will all come in handy even in a lobbying position that isn't with a law firm.

It is rare to be able to jump in as a lobbyist without having experience on the Hill or perhaps as a political appointee in a federal agency. And even if you're able to get a lobbying job based on your JD, it won't be a great job and it won't have much upward potential since the valued aspect of being a lobbyist isn't necessarily knowledge of the legislative process, but having connections with key lawmakers and staffers. Anyone can learn the process; it's much tougher to cultivate relationships.

I highly, highly advise you to move away from the D.C. area and the East Coast. There are so many graduates from top schools in this area that the competition is so stiff. If you move to the mid-West or South (a major city like Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Miami, perhaps even Denver), you'll have a lot more options. I know so many people who are graduates of state universities, then 3rd (or even 4th) tier law schools who are now partners at AmLaw 100 firms in cities like these. They never would have gotten a foot in the door at the same firm here in D.C.

I also graduated cum laude from AU (back when it was in the top 50). I worked in a fed agency (not a popular or sexy one) for a few years after graduating, then left the area. I had opportunities I never would have dreamed of in D.C. (I'm not even sure I could have found another legal job in D.C.). My best friend in law school couldn't find a job in D.C. after graduating, so she moved back home where she immediately got a job with a respected regional firm and is now very successful.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I would pursue a teaching degree, like special education. You are likely not going to find a job that will service your debt. You are, basically, screwed. PSLF via teaching is your best bet to avoid a life that is a mess finance wise. You need to move quick on this though because if you don't enter into it soon, you may not be able to participate.

School districts are hiring and you can do a fast track program. I would seriously consider cutting your losses. The legal profession has an extreme wash out rate that people don't advertise. I am 10 years out. Only 20 percent of my class are still in the game.

I am sorry things didn't work out, OP. But you need to cut your losses.

Curious why you would, in the same post, tell OP that s/he can't pay their existing student loans but advise them to go get more for a teaching degree??

Not the PP, but the PSLF means public service loan forgiveness. So, loans would be eventually forgiven.

Special education has lots of burnout too.

Get involved with some of the emerging leaders programs associated at nonprofits like the United Way. That networking is better. I am a reformed lawyer. I'm not sure networking at ABA events is all that helpful. Volunteer and try to find internships.

Also, look at nonprofits. They are hiring like crazy. They will like having a lawyer on staff.

Do you have to practice?

OP, have you even graduated yet? Seems early to give up on the whole profession. Talk to your career services office. Apply to a lot of jobs. The tip about clerking for a new judge is a good one. Post graduation, study for the bar hardcore. After you're barred, look for contract work and/or pro bono work. Keep applying to jobs. GL.

"network" seems (to me, anyway) the worst advice, if PPs mean you should go to bar events and talk to people. chances are, you will annoy the shit out of people at these events, who are constantly hit up by unemployed JDs looking for work.

get a job at a small firm and hope for the best. turn down doc review over a small firm job, even though the former probably pays more. i feel for you; i was in your position in 2006 but landed on my feet and am now at a good firm.

if you have to do doc review, only do it for several months or a year, and then leave this profession entirely because your career is likely over before it started at that point.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I would pursue a teaching degree, like special education. You are likely not going to find a job that will service your debt. You are, basically, screwed. PSLF via teaching is your best bet to avoid a life that is a mess finance wise. You need to move quick on this though because if you don't enter into it soon, you may not be able to participate.

School districts are hiring and you can do a fast track program. I would seriously consider cutting your losses. The legal profession has an extreme wash out rate that people don't advertise. I am 10 years out. Only 20 percent of my class are still in the game.

I am sorry things didn't work out, OP. But you need to cut your losses.

Curious why you would, in the same post, tell OP that s/he can't pay their existing student loans but advise them to go get more for a teaching degree??

Not the PP, but the PSLF means public service loan forgiveness. So, loans would be eventually forgiven.

Anonymous wrote:OP, I would pursue a teaching degree, like special education. You are likely not going to find a job that will service your debt. You are, basically, screwed. PSLF via teaching is your best bet to avoid a life that is a mess finance wise. You need to move quick on this though because if you don't enter into it soon, you may not be able to participate.

School districts are hiring and you can do a fast track program. I would seriously consider cutting your losses. The legal profession has an extreme wash out rate that people don't advertise. I am 10 years out. Only 20 percent of my class are still in the game.

I am sorry things didn't work out, OP. But you need to cut your losses.

Curious why you would, in the same post, tell OP that s/he can't pay their existing student loans but advise them to go get more for a teaching degree??

Probably too late for most clerkships, but you could keep an eye on newly appointed judges (DC, Maryland, Virginia - state judges need clerks immediately after being appointed) and apply ASAP after appointments are announced.

Document review. Get out of this area. Network.

OP, I would pursue a teaching degree, like special education. You are likely not going to find a job that will service your debt. You are, basically, screwed. PSLF via teaching is your best bet to avoid a life that is a mess finance wise. You need to move quick on this though because if you don't enter into it soon, you may not be able to participate.

School districts are hiring and you can do a fast track program. I would seriously consider cutting your losses. The legal profession has an extreme wash out rate that people don't advertise. I am 10 years out. Only 20 percent of my class are still in the game.

I am sorry things didn't work out, OP. But you need to cut your losses.