2024 Graduate Job Outcomes Report
The 2024 Graduate Job Outcomes report comprehensively analyzes employment trends among U.S. law school graduates, highlighting their long-term, full-time legal employment status. By examining national and school-specific data, this report offers invaluable insights into how well law schools prepare their graduates for successful legal careers and the broader trends shaping the legal job market.
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Long-term, Full-time Legal Jobs (LT, FT Legal): The percentage of graduates who secure permanent, full-time positions requiring a law degree and bar passage.
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JD Advantage Jobs: Roles where a JD is beneficial but bar admission is not required.
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Underemployment: Includes graduates working part-time, in short-term jobs, pursuing further education, or unemployed but seeking work.
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Biglaw Employment: Jobs at law firms with more than 100 attorneys.
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Federal Clerkships: Prestigious roles assisting federal judges.
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School-Funded Jobs: Temporary roles financed by the graduate’s law school.
2023 National Overview
- Total ABA Graduates: 35,215
- Long-term, Full-time Legal Jobs: 79.3% (27,933 graduates)
- Underemployment: 10.5%
- Unknown Employment Status: 0.8%
National Employment Overview:
Total ABA Graduates: 34,970 (a slight decrease from 2023)
Long-term, Full-time Legal Jobs: 80.1% (28,012 graduates)
Underemployment: 10.2%
Unknown Employment Status: 0.7%
Employment Type |
Percentage of Graduates |
Total Graduates |
|---|---|---|
LT, FT Legal |
80.1% |
28,012 |
LT, FT JD Advantage |
6.5% |
2,273 |
Biglaw (>100 Attorneys) |
26.0% |
9,092 |
Federal Clerkships |
3.7% |
1,294 |
School-Funded Jobs |
1.0% |
349 |
School-Specific Insights and Comparisons
LT, FT Legal Job Placement
Percentage Range |
Number of Schools |
< 30% |
1 |
30% - 39.9% |
2 |
40% - 49.9% |
3 |
50% - 59.9% |
7 |
60% - 74.9% |
48 |
75% - 89.9% |
115 |
≥ 90% |
21 |
Biglaw Employment Distribution
Percentage Range |
Number of Schools |
< 5% |
32 |
5% - 9.9% |
36 |
10% - 19.9% |
58 |
20% - 29.9% |
27 |
30% - 39.9% |
13 |
40% - 49.9% |
6 |
50% - 59.9% |
9 |
≥ 60% |
12 |
How the 2024 Data Helps the Legal Market
Prospective Students and Career Planning
The 2024 legal employment data provides invaluable insights for prospective law students, helping them make well-informed decisions about their education and future careers. This report goes beyond traditional rankings by offering comprehensive employment outcomes for each law school, including detailed statistics on job types (such as Biglaw, clerkships, and public interest roles), underemployment rates, and regional placement success. For example, students interested in corporate law can use Biglaw placement rates to identify schools with a strong track record in placing graduates in large firms. Those prioritizing public service careers can analyze data on government and non-profit employment outcomes to find institutions aligned with their goals. Additionally, detailed underemployment figures allow students to gauge the risk of unemployment or non-legal roles after graduation, giving a clearer picture of potential returns on their educational investment.
Tip: When reviewing employment data, students should also consider geographic factors. A law school with high employment rates in its region might offer better local connections even if its national ranking is lower.
Law School Accountability
This comprehensive data is a powerful tool for self-assessment and improvement for law schools. Institutions can use detailed employment trends to identify both strengths and weaknesses in their programs. For instance, a school with a strong showing in judicial clerkship placements might leverage this strength in marketing to prospective students while analyzing areas where employment outcomes lag, such as in private practice or government roles. By recognizing gaps, schools can implement targeted changes to their curricula, career services, and alumni outreach programs.
A practical example includes schools expanding hands-on training opportunities, such as clinics and externships, after noticing that graduates with practical experience secure employment faster. Law schools can also enhance mentorship and networking programs, pairing students with alumni in diverse sectors to broaden job placement opportunities.
Tip: Schools should communicate how they use employment outcome data to prospective students, showcasing their commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.
Market Trends and Policy Insights
Another key insight includes the impact of policy changes, such as shifts in student loan forgiveness programs or bar exam modifications, on job market dynamics. Legal employers can align hiring strategies by analyzing where the talent pool is concentrated and which skills are most in demand.
Tip: Law firms can enhance their recruiting efforts by understanding the schools producing top talent in their practice areas, using data-driven hiring strategies to secure the best candidates.
Support for Graduates
Graduates navigating the early stages of their legal careers can use the 2024 employment data to benchmark their experiences against broader market trends. By comparing their job outcomes to those of peers, graduates can identify where they stand competitively and make more informed decisions about their next steps. For example, if a graduate finds that their current salary is below the median for similar roles, they may choose to pursue additional certifications, and skills training, or negotiate for higher compensation.
This data can also guide strategic career pivots. A graduate working in a less stable segment of the legal market may consider transitioning to a growing field, such as technology law or compliance, where demand is higher.
Tip: Networking with alumni who have successfully navigated similar challenges can provide valuable insights and open doors to new opportunities.
Future Trends in Legal Employment
AI and Automation in Law: The 2024 report highlights the transformative effects of artificial intelligence on the legal profession. Predictive analytics tools now assist attorneys in case strategy, while automated legal research platforms reduce the time spent on labor-intensive tasks. These technologies enable lawyers to focus more on complex problem-solving and client advocacy.
Example: AI-powered contract review tools can identify potential risks and inconsistencies faster than manual methods, increasing efficiency for firms handling high volumes of transactional work.
Tip: Attorneys should continuously update their technical skills to stay competitive as AI adoption grows.
Remote and Hybrid Work Models: Flexible work arrangements remain a significant trend in 2024. Many firms now offer hybrid models, allowing attorneys to split their time between home and the office. While these arrangements improve work-life balance, they also introduce challenges related to firm culture and mentorship.
Example: Firms adopting remote work policies must develop innovative ways to maintain collaboration, such as virtual team-building events and enhanced digital communication platforms.
Tip: Lawyers working remotely should prioritize regular check-ins with mentors and colleagues to foster professional growth and maintain visibility.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: The legal industry continues to place increasing emphasis on equitable hiring and representation. Many firms have set measurable diversity goals and are investing in programs that promote inclusivity.
Example: Some firms offer targeted mentorship programs for underrepresented groups to ensure equitable access to leadership opportunities.
Tip: Firms should regularly review their hiring data and retention rates to measure the effectiveness of diversity initiatives and make data-driven improvements.
Expert Insights
The 2024 report also features insights from legal industry experts, providing context and commentary on the evolving landscape. These perspectives help stakeholders understand the implications of employment trends and anticipate future shifts. Expert opinions on the rise of AI, the future of legal education, and policy changes affecting law graduates add depth to the data, making it a more comprehensive tool for planning and decision-making.
Tip: Engaging with thought leadership and industry commentary can provide unique strategies and foresight for both current legal professionals and students preparing to enter the market.
Legal hiring professionals predict a shift towards specialization in niche practice areas, such as:
Privacy Law: Driven by global data regulations.
Environmental Law: Due to climate policies and sustainable development.
Quote from Expert: "The demand for specialized legal knowledge will redefine traditional career trajectories in the next decade," says Jane Smith, a legal industry analyst.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of LT, FT Legal jobs? — These positions offer the most stability and direct application of a legal education.
How can prospective students use this report? — They can evaluate schools based on employment success to inform application choices.
What role does Biglaw play in legal employment? — Biglaw positions offer competitive salaries and training but require high commitment levels.
Why is underemployment tracked? — It reflects the percentage of graduates struggling to find stable legal roles.
How is school-specific data gathered? — Data is self-reported by law schools
Summary Takeaways
National Long-Term, Full-Time Legal Employment Increased to 80.1%: The legal job market has shown notable signs of improvement, with the percentage of graduates securing long-term, full-time legal employment rising to 80.1%. This increase marks a positive trend in market conditions and highlights a recovery in job opportunities following recent challenges faced by the profession. Such growth suggests a healthier demand for legal professionals across various sectors, providing a more optimistic outlook for new graduates entering the workforce.
Biglaw Employment Rose to 26%: Hiring within large law firms, commonly referred to as Biglaw, saw a significant uptick, with employment reaching 26% of all graduates. This surge reflects a robust hiring environment in these prestigious firms, which often offer highly competitive salaries and career-building opportunities. The increase in Biglaw placements signals renewed confidence in large firm profitability and growth, benefiting law school graduates aiming for positions in top-tier firms.
School Outcomes Vary Widely: The data continues to underscore substantial differences in job outcomes among law schools, emphasizing the critical need for prospective students to conduct detailed, school-specific research before making enrollment decisions. Factors such as a school’s geographic location, reputation, and alumni network can heavily influence employment prospects. A careful analysis of these variables can help students maximize their investment in legal education and align their career aspirations with realistic employment opportunities.
Conclusion
The 2024 Graduate Job Outcomes report remains essential for understanding and navigating the evolving legal job market. Students can make better-informed decisions about law school attendance and career planning by analyzing the data provided. Educators can leverage these insights to enhance curriculum relevance and improve graduate outcomes, while industry leaders can identify emerging trends and prepare for future workforce demands. Ultimately, this comprehensive report empowers all stakeholders in the legal profession to anticipate challenges, adapt to market shifts, and drive improvements that benefit the next generation of legal professionals.
