People who are considering a career in law should carefully consider their decision. Many students underestimate the huge financial investment that it calls for and also are unaware of the huge burden law school and if you manage to go through it, the pressures the practice of law can put on your time, finances and relationships. Not only do students underestimate all these important matters they also overestimate the earnings and glamour quotient of the profession. They feel that going through law school is a breeze and that the money that will flow in will help them erase all debts and allow them to lead fun-filled tension free lives. Well, to them I can say, that you probably should not be joining law school and the reality could come as a huge disappointment and you will disenchanted sooner than you think.
Prospective students should make informed and well-calculated decisions and to help them they can make these time proven techniques to help them make the vital decision, whether law is a viable career for them.
Understand The Financial Implications:
There are many good and genuine reasons why you should go to law school, but before you do that there is one very big reason why probably you shouldn't and that one thing is, debt. Debt is a mountain that chipping away will not remove; it is the elephant in the room that refuses to budge and will dominate your life more than your career. It is something that has to be understood in tangible dollar terms before you make the move.
Law school will last for at least three years. You will need to arrange for at least $150,000, at the bare minimum. Every year tuition keeps on increasing. It was lesser in 2012; it will further increase in 2014. This hundred and fifty grand comprises of tuition, books and living expenses. Surely loans will account for a major share of the contributors towards your fund. This in reality means that you will start your legal job with 150K already spent and you may also have undergraduate debt.
Imagine, even though the possibilities are remote, you get a starting salary of $150,000 per annum, it may seem a cake walk towards clearing that loan, but sadly it does not work that way. Around 30 percent of the salary would go in taxes and around 15 percent towards loan payments. Almost half your income would simply vanish, even before you got to touch it. In cold terms you will have to struggle for 12 hours a day for ten years to clear that debt. It doesn't sound all that cool anymore, does it?
Visit with a Lawyer Practicing in an Area of Interest to You:
If you know which area of law you would like to practice, make an appointment with a lawyer who practices that specialty; he or she can give you the positives and negatives. There is nothing quite like firsthand advice.
Have your questions written out so you do not take any more of the attorney's time than necessary. You might inquire as to how long he or she has practiced law, the advantages and disadvantages of practicing that specialty, present and future demand for lawyers in that specialty, a law school he or she would recommend that emphasizes that specialty, possible advanced degrees required for that specialty such as an LL.M. (Master of Laws), starting salaries in that locale (if that is where you eventually plan to practice law), and emphasis placed on the law school G.P.A. by that firm. You might even be fortunate enough to be taken on a tour of the firm. At the conclusion of the interview, thank him or her for taking time to visit with you, then later send a thank you card.
Take a Tour Through a Law Firm:
There is much to be learned about a law firm, and a good way to gain understanding is by taking a tour through that firm. Examples of what one can learn include the resources available in the law firm library, computerized legal research databases, decor, number and approximate ages of partners, whether there are any female partners, dress code, coffee breaks (if any), average length of time required to attain partner status, possibilities of ever attaining partner status, amount of client contact initially, time spent on training new associates, perks (such as pension plans, use of company cars, repayment of law school student loans, vacation time, bonuses, and country club memberships), amount of overtime required, billable hours expected, housing, starting salaries in that locale, and turnover rate (how long associates stay with that firm before moving on to other businesses, to start their own firms, or to form partnerships with friends and/or colleagues).
Observe expressions on associates' and legal assistants' faces to determine if they appear distressed and overworked, or friendly and satisfied with their jobs.
If it can be done discreetly, it may be a good idea to visit with personnel from that firm to get the inside track. It's amazing what you can learn from an associate, secretary, or legal assistant. Also, if the firm has hired temporaries in the past, you might check with some of those persons to get their impressions of the firm.
A tour is especially beneficial if you are planning to practice in that locale after graduation. You might even consider touring several firms in that locale. Firms are as unique as individuals-and what better way to determine a firm's personality.
Work as a Paralegal for a Year:
If you truly wish to get an inside track on what goes on in a particular law firm, you could work in that firm as a paralegal for a year. This will accomplish two things: If you do good work for them they may hire you as an associate after graduation from law school, or better yet, finance (or help finance) your legal education. Secondly, you can form your own impression of law firms in general and of that law firm in particular.
After working as a paralegal, you may decide that the practice of law is not for you. If so, you've saved yourself three years and thousands of dollars-probably many headaches as well. On the other hand, if you enjoy what you do. Law school will be even more enjoy-able because you've seen what it's like to practice law firsthand. Upon graduation from law school, you'll know exactly what to expect from your paralegal and can become productive more rapidly. In essence, you have gained a slight competitive edge over those classmates who have never seen the inside of a law firm, let alone how law firms operate. What an excellent initiation into the practice of law!
I am sure that your personal visits to a law firm and working a paralegal will help you dispel all preconceived notions about the profession. Joining it without understanding its pros and cons can become a very expensive and irrevocable mistake to make. Both the negatives and the positives need to be weighed equally, because even though a degree will give you an impressive and prestigious credential, the path to it is littered with many obstacles that you have to decide whether you have it in you to face and overcome.
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published March 01, 2013
By Harrison Barnes, CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search 
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations—from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
- Immigration law
- Workers’ compensation
- Insurance defense
- Family law
- Trusts & estates
- Municipal law
- And many more...
This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
- Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
- Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
- Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
- Growing firms in small and rural markets
He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success – The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm’s unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison’s legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched—see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here.
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials—he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison’s work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
- Finds and creates job openings that aren’t publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.
This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney—no matter their background, law school, or previous experience—has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
- Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
- Senior attorneys who believed they were “too experienced” to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
- Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options—only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
- Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.
For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist—often in places they never expected.
Submit Your Resume Today – Start Your Career Transformation
If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison’s expertise will help you take control of your future.
? Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Alternative Summary
Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison’s writings about attorney careers and placement attract millions of reads each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.
More about Harrison
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