Why Do Many Students Choose a Career as a Litigator after Law School?

We asked five attorneys the following question: "After graduating from law school, why do many students choose a career as a litigator?" We hope law students will find their answers beneficial before they prepare to take their bar exams. We hope you enjoy their opinions.

Not every student does. This 22 year old entrepreneur walked out of
 the LSAT to create http://www.OneDayDecisions.com precisely because 
he felt resolving disputes was more efficient, more constructive and more affordable for the public.



-Rob Frankel



Branding Expert

http://www.RobFrankel.com


I believe what is seen in the movies and TV drama shows make life as a 
litigator appear to be very exciting and intriguing (or at least that’s
 what did it for me). After graduating from law school, I worked at the
 Prosecutor’s Office and gained invaluable courtroom experience. I soon 
realized that everything can’t be taught in law school. Rather, experience 
is the best teacher. As a prosecutor, I was in the courtroom almost every
day. During that time, I interviewed hundreds of witnesses and had over 30 
trials. Now, as a solo practitioner, that sense of confidence and
 comfortability in the courtroom is second nature even when I appear before a
 new judge for the first time or when I’m litigating a new subject matter.
 Some attorneys absolutely hate going to court, however, my true passion is 
litigation.



-Markeisha Washington



I think that many law students who graduate law school consider careers in litigation because it is exciting. Many young lawyers picture ‘law’ in the form of litigation. Also, many litigation firms have formal recruiting practices that involve hiring interns and young attorneys right out of law school. I went straight into litigation after graduating and it was a great basis for me to understand the practice of law – law and motion, courtroom experience as well as working with clients. I think it is a great starting point for attorneys, even those who do not plan on remaining in the litigation field over the long haul. I was able to work on a number of intellectual property litigation matters, which led me to form a love of intellectual property and ultimately to transition into transactional intellectual property. Litigation often exposes young lawyers to many areas of the law, so it can be a great place to start out of law school.


-Deborah Sweeney, CEO



This tends to occur for two reasons: 1) the thrill and 2) the experience. 
Getting in front of a jury and delivering your opening argument is either 
the scariest thing you will ever do or the most fun thing you will ever do.
 Whether it is scary or fun, it is thrilling. For that reason, people want to
 do it...especially young people. In my opinion, litigating a case also gives 
you the experience you need to be a successful attorney. You have to think
 on your feet and be very alert. These are skills that will be tremendously 
helpful in anything you do in the future.

-Josh Turim 


http://www.workinjuryfirm.com

· It pays well. Lawyers working as litigators after law school are known to be among the highest paid legal professionals in the industry and are typically well compensated. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level litigators can make anywhere from $60,000-$110,000 after passing the bar exam. Additionally, many firms provide bonuses to high achieving attorneys in this area of law.




· Versatility. Litigators have multiple career paths open to them and can work in many different areas of practice.




· It’s recession-proof. Reports such as the National Center for State Courts show that while recessions and economic hardships still occur, litigation is an area of law that actually sees increase in activity during those times. This is because when individuals and companies are losing money, they are more likely to seek compensation through the courts. If recent grads across any discipline are concerned after the recession of 2008, it’s job security, and litigation offers it.

· It offers transferable career skills. The skills litigators learn can pay off long term in young attorneys’ careers. For example, skills such as communications, problem solving, critical thinking, human relations, and organizational skills are in demand in nearly any line of work. In addition, litigators learn to prioritize, manage cases and workload, and reason in or out of the courtroom. Being able to practice these skills in intense situations can make litigators attractive in the workforce.

- Gordon Shock, a Regional Vice President for Special Counsel, the legal staffing arm of Adecco.