This is the credited response. Yes, the job market is not great, but that's for everything. You are probably much better off staying for the next 2 years and doing the best that you can than dropping out now and have to worry about finding a job, etc. I was in a similar situation after my first semester of law school (except at a lower tier 1 school), but I decided to stay. Lots of legal jobs (and those related to law) don't ask for transcripts, especially once you graduate and pass the bar. Don't offer it unless they ask for it--its not being deceitful, its being stragetic. They have a strategy, why shouldn't you? But you can't expect to make 6 figures right off the bat either. You might have to be creative in your job search--try some paralegal positions, teach at a technical school/ community college, do temporary agency work, work at a smaller firm, or even for a nonprofit to get some experience. I would advise you not to make the decision about dropping out until you totally finish the first year. It could get a lot better. If you do stick it out, use second and third year to make some meaningful contacts, get some part time jobs (paid or unpaid) so that people can get to know you--great references are always good to have, and depending on who you know, can make a world of difference. Also, in terms of paying back loans with a low salary, there are some programs in some states that assist with loan repayment while you work in government or with a nonprofit. You should check those out as well.Its not the end of the world, it just requires a change in perspective. And, if you really want to work for a firm, get to know some people and you may be able to lateral in after practicing for 2-5 years.Good luck! Quote from: Skallagrim on January 25, 2008, 11:16:18 PM$40k debt isn't bad. Lots of people graduate undergrad with that kind of debt. If you lost your scholarship though...you may want to seriously reconsider law school. Paying full price for a T3 would be rough.At the very bottom of a T3 I'd still say the options are broader than roy is making them out to be. Assuming you're in a small or midsize market where your school is respected, and if you're not shy about getting your name out there, I'm sure you could get an associate position and eventually rise through the ranks of a respectable local firm. Government work, on the other hand, might require more than a JD and a pulse, depending on local supply and demand. Don't lose hope. It's only the first semester. Figure out what happened and do it better next time.
$40k debt isn't bad. Lots of people graduate undergrad with that kind of debt. If you lost your scholarship though...you may want to seriously reconsider law school. Paying full price for a T3 would be rough.At the very bottom of a T3 I'd still say the options are broader than roy is making them out to be. Assuming you're in a small or midsize market where your school is respected, and if you're not shy about getting your name out there, I'm sure you could get an associate position and eventually rise through the ranks of a respectable local firm. Government work, on the other hand, might require more than a JD and a pulse, depending on local supply and demand. Don't lose hope. It's only the first semester. Figure out what happened and do it better next time.
Hey guys, just wanted to add my 2 cents. After my first semester at Law school I had the exact same GPA (thanks to a D in Civ Pro). I worked hard, took summer classes and stuck it out. I'm looking to graduate in the fall session (1 semester early) and my GPA (as long as I keep up my efforts) should see me in the top 50%, but not quite top 30% of my class. My first semester taught me a lot about what not to do, and if you can take those lessons with you, you should be ok. my School has a 2.5 Curve for first year students and teachers are required to hand out at least 10% D's and 50% C's. If your school has a curve like this as well, take your grades with a grain of salt. If your school has a 3.0 or above curve.... Well, then you have a tougher decision to make.
Quote from: NATUREBOY on January 26, 2008, 02:12:31 AMMost people from T3's or T4's end up going into private practice or working for the DA. You'll make about $50k starting out.I would question whether the 2.0 is sufficient to keep your scholarship. Most schools re-evaluate scholarships annually. In other words, just because you got a scholarship for 1L doesn't mean you get one for 2L or 3L. Double check.Not sure where you got your facts, but DA jobs are not easy to land, generally. They are stepping stones for DOJ and a T3 grad with subpar grades isn't going to make a very strong candidate. My advice is to keep working hard this semester and try to raise that gpa. However, IMO, I wouldn't take on 40k or more of debt to get a JD from a T3 with minimal job prospects, but that's just me.
Most people from T3's or T4's end up going into private practice or working for the DA. You'll make about $50k starting out.I would question whether the 2.0 is sufficient to keep your scholarship. Most schools re-evaluate scholarships annually. In other words, just because you got a scholarship for 1L doesn't mean you get one for 2L or 3L. Double check.
Quote from: dandlewood on January 29, 2008, 12:43:42 AMHey guys, just wanted to add my 2 cents. After my first semester at Law school I had the exact same GPA (thanks to a D in Civ Pro). I worked hard, took summer classes and stuck it out. I'm looking to graduate in the fall session (1 semester early) and my GPA (as long as I keep up my efforts) should see me in the top 50%, but not quite top 30% of my class. My first semester taught me a lot about what not to do, and if you can take those lessons with you, you should be ok. my School has a 2.5 Curve for first year students and teachers are required to hand out at least 10% D's and 50% C's. If your school has a curve like this as well, take your grades with a grain of salt. If your school has a 3.0 or above curve.... Well, then you have a tougher decision to make. You didn't mention where you are going after graduation. Might be useful for the OP to know job prospects. Also, what school you are in. These are all relative, otherwise its like comparing apples to oranges for the OP.
Not sure where you got your facts, but DA jobs are not easy to land, generally. They are stepping stones for DOJ and a T3 grad with subpar grades isn't going to make a very strong candidate.
Quote from: 2LMan on January 26, 2008, 12:43:34 PMNot sure where you got your facts, but DA jobs are not easy to land, generally. They are stepping stones for DOJ and a T3 grad with subpar grades isn't going to make a very strong candidate.They're not easy to land, but they're not excessively difficult either. Many are indifferent about grades, too. A lot depends on location.
Quote from: NATUREBOY on February 01, 2008, 01:05:27 AMQuote from: 2LMan on January 26, 2008, 12:43:34 PMNot sure where you got your facts, but DA jobs are not easy to land, generally. They are stepping stones for DOJ and a T3 grad with subpar grades isn't going to make a very strong candidate.They're not easy to land, but they're not excessively difficult either. Many are indifferent about grades, too. A lot depends on location.This is plain out false if you are talking about a major city. Getting a DA gig at a large metropolis is just as difficult, if not more so, than biglaw. You think all prosecutors are morons? Get your facts straight.
This is plain out false if you are talking about a major city. Getting a DA gig at a large metropolis is just as difficult, if not more so, than biglaw.
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