Keep in mind the ABA prohibits you from working 1L year. Most people come to law school with some idea what they're interested in. I'd dare go as far as saying if there's not something about law that you're passionate about (not necessarily a practice area, but something that intrigues you), you're going to hate law school. That said, the biggest decision I've had is litigation or transactional work. This will probably be your earliest decision and what (in the short run as a young associate) will most determine your career choices. Second after that is civil or criminal. If you can narrow it down that far as a 1L, you'll be ahead of most of your classmates. I started with a general notion of being interested in business/corporate law, maybe securities. The great news is most employers won't lock you into a choice like that until after you've interned for the summer and given it a test-run. You might find that litigation seems particularly interesting during class, but when you go to your summer firm and start writing memos and motions you could find that it's really not your bag. Definitely start with a road map, but never feel locked into that map if you change your mind.
You would think it was obvious from my post that I was referring to full time students. And the ABA prohibits full time 1Ls from working, period. 2Ls and 3Ls can work up to 20 hrs per week. Part time students go part time generally with the intent of working full time while attending law school. Neither of the interested posters mentioned going part time, so what is the point of this?
Quote from: Raven on April 25, 2007, 02:08:08 PMYou would think it was obvious from my post that I was referring to full time students. And the ABA prohibits full time 1Ls from working, period. 2Ls and 3Ls can work up to 20 hrs per week. Part time students go part time generally with the intent of working full time while attending law school. Neither of the interested posters mentioned going part time, so what is the point of this? You're wrong on both fronts. It was NOT obvious, for you said that you're prohibited from working your IL year, period. Second, full-time 1L's CAN work their first year, so obviously you're mistaken. How do I know this? My school told me to change to part time after I obtained a job that was for more than 20 hours per week. Plus, when I was a full-time student, I was made to sign an agreement that stated that I was not to work more than 20 hours per week. So, get your facts straight before shooting off your misinformed mouth.The point of this is that you need to be careful about what you say. I have a problem with someone giving advice to someone else when that someone's advice is obviously wrong. Yes, you may think that it was obvious that you were referring to just full-time students, but that is not so and you should have qualified as such. Haven't you learned anything in law school? Never assume anything.
I don't know what school you'd like to go to, but if you want to do litigation, check out Michigan State. They have a trial practice program. It is taught by practicing lawyers. You learn ho to interview clients, take depositions, and all the other real-world stuff you do when you have a job. You also spend 2 semesters actually at trial. You are the lead attorney. Real judges sit in and there is a real jury and witnesses, and all that jive. Also, it isn't hard to get a public defender externship. Not sure about prosecutor, but I wouldn't imagine it is that much harder.
Quote from: unlvcrjchick on April 26, 2007, 03:28:13 AMQuote from: Raven on April 25, 2007, 02:08:08 PMYou would think it was obvious from my post that I was referring to full time students. And the ABA prohibits full time 1Ls from working, period. 2Ls and 3Ls can work up to 20 hrs per week. Part time students go part time generally with the intent of working full time while attending law school. Neither of the interested posters mentioned going part time, so what is the point of this? You're wrong on both fronts. It was NOT obvious, for you said that you're prohibited from working your IL year, period. Second, full-time 1L's CAN work their first year, so obviously you're mistaken. How do I know this? My school told me to change to part time after I obtained a job that was for more than 20 hours per week. Plus, when I was a full-time student, I was made to sign an agreement that stated that I was not to work more than 20 hours per week. So, get your facts straight before shooting off your misinformed mouth.The point of this is that you need to be careful about what you say. I have a problem with someone giving advice to someone else when that someone's advice is obviously wrong. Yes, you may think that it was obvious that you were referring to just full-time students, but that is not so and you should have qualified as such. Haven't you learned anything in law school? Never assume anything. I'm not sure late night hours go-go dancing counts toward your hourly employment total. I know it's finals, but who put a stick up your ass?
My point is everyone here turns into assholes around finals time.You try to give decent advice, and people like you seem to make it pointless. Why not just tell people to look it up themselves and do the research? Otherwise, that's the point of message boards. No need to discourage dialogue by being rude.
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