Unemployable 4 yearrs after graduation pt. 3
Anerlin: I was solo for the first 5 years after law school. I did mainly family law and "rent law" (anything that walked in the door just to pay the rent). I had tons of clients, never had to advertise (all referrals and word of mouth), billed huge sums every year, but was able to actually collect very little. I even, on occasion, worked on the barter system. I got a lot of dental work done that way. After 5 years, I was just starting to make a little bit of money, but just couldn't take it anymore.

And don't forget, solo's have 2 full-time jobs: practicing law and running a business. Also, you have no benefits, no paid vacation, no sick days, and no one to cover for you when you've been up all night barfing! I just don't think it's worth it.

hamburgerman: being a solo is actually tougher than working biglaw. i've tried both. couldn't hack it either way. are you still solo, anerlin? ever since the immigration debate started heating up, i've been thinking about my days as a solo and how much immigration business i had. i bet its getting really hot these days.

Anerlin: No, I went into public interest. For 11 years. Now I'm trying to transition to private sector, or even government. It's been extremely difficult. I've been type-cast! But I keep trying.

hamburgerman: i figured it would be easier to transition to gov't with public interest experience. but i guess its more about who you know with a govt gig.

Anerlin: Yes, it is. Or who your references know. Which is a good point....make sure you remember to leave off a reference if you know the person who is looking at your resume hates one of your references! I forgot. Ouch!

hamburgerman: big law firms will look at a bunch of public interest experience and wonder why you weren't doing real work. big law will never get it.

Anerlin: Right. And the funny thing is, I've had biglaw attorneys jealous of me because I've actually changed law by appeals I've done! Also, I've had judge's relying on my expertise in certain areas! But, my cuffs are a bit frayed and my pumps are a tad worn and how could I possibly do quality work when I'm handling over 100 cases? Well, it's not easy. You have to become expert at what you do and you have to do things right and do them quickly.

I'm not looking for anything with biglaw anyway. I'm too old to put up with all that crap. I'm trying for small to mid-size. I think I'd fit in better.

hamburgerman: i definitely recommend small-midsize. the only reason to go with biglaw is if you're one of those despicable go-getters that makes everyone around them puke, or if you have student loans up to your neck.