Question by twmoney_31: Are jobs in the legal profession drying up?
I saw a few things on here saying that legal jobs are drying up because of all of the new schools and so forth. Is this true because a lot of schools in books about schools say they are above 80 placement or something after several months.
Best answer:
Answer by ibu guru
The legal field has been glutted for about 3 decades and it has gotten really bad the past 8-10 years. About half of new paralegal jobs are now being filled by law school grads who cannot find a job. That probably accounts for quite a few of those “80 placement” claims. Low-paid clerkships will account for some more, but those generally only last up to one year. Unless you graduate in the Top 10 (not top 10%) from a highly respected school, you are highly unlikely to get any offer in 6 figures upon graduation. And if you are not in the top 25% of your class at a really good school, don’t even count on finding a paralegal job at present.
I know a part-time para position in one state received over 600 applications within 24 hours of posting the opening. There aren’t that many paras in the entire state. Over half the applicants were law school grads, even attorneys with several years experience, and most applicants were from out-of-state despite the ad stipulating that experience in that particular state’s law required.
Friend’s son, superstar 2009 grad of one of the most respected law schools, tells me the Top 10 all got offers by graduation. It’s nearly a year after graduation now, and most of the Top 10% have jobs. Now down to just over 400 (of 480) classmates who still cannot find a job. Yes, he’s one of about 5-6 who got salary offers over 6 figures.
If you are in it for the money, the money is, for the most part, gone. Unless, of course, you’re at least a star, better a superstar.
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October 31st, 2011 
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