12-19-2009, 10:59 AM
I guess different perspectives come from different parts of this country. I have worked in the legal field as a legal assistant and paralegal in the past and am married to a brilliant attorney who never did anything but work for others at salaries that never exceeded $50,000 practicing in real estate and family (wills, estates, etc.) law. Living in Florida, things are not what they may seem on the surface. As stated above, it is ultimately up to you and your drive and not all of us have the amount that is necessary to excell -- in any position. He started later in life after having first followed his dreams of trying to play pro golf. This delay was definitely a hindrance and other attorneys held it against him, as he had not "made it" by a certain age.
Our biggest problem here in Florida. is that almost every college churns out people with legal degrees, they pass the bar exam, but cannot always find jobs where they can get actual experience. They are actually creating more attorneys than there is need. Only a few will be hired to work in the larger firms and then they will be expected to work and bill for 80 hours or more a week. Like others have said, I'm too old to consider that possibility -- both physically tired and tired of the internal politics of any organization.
If you are young enough, first research the need for attorneys in your part of the country. Then, for those who are willing to work hard enough, many and probably most attorneys DO make in excess of $100,000 a year.
There is the possibility of having both degrees, if you have that much time, money, and drive. Then you will certainly have the edge on the others, regardless of which path you choose to follow.
Our biggest problem here in Florida. is that almost every college churns out people with legal degrees, they pass the bar exam, but cannot always find jobs where they can get actual experience. They are actually creating more attorneys than there is need. Only a few will be hired to work in the larger firms and then they will be expected to work and bill for 80 hours or more a week. Like others have said, I'm too old to consider that possibility -- both physically tired and tired of the internal politics of any organization.
If you are young enough, first research the need for attorneys in your part of the country. Then, for those who are willing to work hard enough, many and probably most attorneys DO make in excess of $100,000 a year.
There is the possibility of having both degrees, if you have that much time, money, and drive. Then you will certainly have the edge on the others, regardless of which path you choose to follow.
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