ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad Forum

(Rankings, Profiles, Tuition, Student Life, . . . )
Post Reply
User avatar
baal hadad

Gold
Posts: 3167
Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2014 2:57 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by baal hadad » Thu Oct 23, 2014 1:35 pm

cpamom wrote:
baal hadad wrote:
cpamom wrote:Being accountant sucks :(
Why on earth would u think being a tax atty is better
:) accounting work is extremely mundane. It is also not intellectually stimulating in any way. I've grown very tired of it.
I haven't grown tired of atty work yet but yabro it's pretty damn mundane

cpamom

New
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:48 am

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by cpamom » Thu Oct 23, 2014 1:39 pm

Wayne is bad, got it. I'd better study up than, thanks.

User avatar
Johann

Diamond
Posts: 19704
Joined: Wed Mar 12, 2014 4:25 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by Johann » Thu Oct 23, 2014 1:41 pm

The only Wayne would be worth it is free and part time while you keep your current job. Then its basically risk free and at the minimum your accounting firm should bump you up and expand your role into the planning side and strategy of things instead of just the numbers.

User avatar
baal hadad

Gold
Posts: 3167
Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2014 2:57 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by baal hadad » Thu Oct 23, 2014 1:42 pm

cpamom wrote:Wayne is bad, got it. I'd better study up than, thanks.
Honestly if you can't go to an elite school for close to nothing it doesn't make sense to go at all

cpamom

New
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:48 am

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by cpamom » Thu Oct 23, 2014 1:48 pm

JohannDeMann wrote:The only Wayne would be worth it is free and part time while you keep your current job. Then its basically risk free and at the minimum your accounting firm should bump you up and expand your role into the planning side and strategy of things instead of just the numbers.
I quit my job in June and haven't looked for a new one yet. I got out of public accounting years ago and midsize firms that I worked for are not employing JDs anyways. I wouldn't have much trouble getting a job, but I want to stay home for a little bit longer. Working makes a lot less sence when you have to pay for more than one daycare.
I was thinking Wayne because I'd be able to rely on my family to stay with kids and they offer evening classes, too.

Want to continue reading?

Register now to search topics and post comments!

Absolutely FREE!


cpamom

New
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:48 am

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by cpamom » Thu Oct 23, 2014 3:00 pm

Let's assume a different scenario. If I were to become a family lawyer, the pay would be less and the hours may be more manageable. Would Wayne be a reasonable choice? Or still nah?

What would you consider to be too old for law school? 35? 40? 45? Trying to see if waiting a couple of cycles would be a good idea.
Last edited by cpamom on Thu Oct 23, 2014 3:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
bjsesq

Diamond
Posts: 13320
Joined: Fri Nov 19, 2010 3:02 am

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by bjsesq » Thu Oct 23, 2014 3:02 pm

cpamom wrote:Let's assume a different scenario. If I were to become a family lawyer, the pay would be less and the hours may be more manageable. Would Wayne be a reasonable choice?
If you have a guaranteed job waiting for you, surewhynot. Family law was some of the shittiest stuff I've ever seen, but some people love it.

cpamom

New
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:48 am

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by cpamom » Thu Oct 23, 2014 3:05 pm

bjsesq wrote: If you have a guaranteed job waiting for you, surewhynot. Family law was some of the shittiest stuff I've ever seen, but some people love it.
I edited my prior post before I saw a reply. No I don't have a job waiting for me. I do know several family attorneys though. It's definitely not for everyone but it can be interesting.

User avatar
Dr. Review

Gold
Posts: 1800
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:51 am

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by Dr. Review » Thu Oct 23, 2014 3:17 pm

cpamom wrote:Let's assume a different scenario. If I were to become a family lawyer, the pay would be less and the hours may be more manageable. Would Wayne be a reasonable choice? Or still nah?

What would you consider to be too old for law school? 35? 40? 45? Trying to see if waiting a couple of cycles would be a good idea.
I don't have a hard and fast rule for age to attend law school. Every situation is different, so if you're up for the shift and it makes financial sense to go (rare) but you are 50, go for it.

As for the family law thing, the pay would very likely be less, but I don't think I would assume that the hours would be any more manageable. Unfortunately, the 40-60k/yr jobs are often just as much work as some of the 160k/yr jobs.

Want to continue reading?

Register for access!

Did I mention it was FREE ?


timbs4339

Gold
Posts: 2777
Joined: Sat Apr 02, 2011 12:19 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by timbs4339 » Fri Oct 24, 2014 9:10 am

I would be a criminal lawyer representing murderers long before I'd be a family lawyer. It's not something for everyone. I'd try and work as a paralegal for one of those lawyers and see whether you still think it's interesting when you are knee deep in it.

cpamom

New
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:48 am

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by cpamom » Fri Oct 24, 2014 10:35 am

timbs4339 wrote:I would be a criminal lawyer representing murderers long before I'd be a family lawyer. It's not something for everyone. I'd try and work as a paralegal for one of those lawyers and see whether you still think it's interesting when you are knee deep in it.
Unfortunately, I've had quite a bit of exposure to family law and I know I can handle it and would be good at. However, due to lower income potential and my accent, it's not my #1 choice. I feel that people are used to dealing with accents in a business setting and doctors offices but in family law setting it might put me at disadvantage.
I got the general idea, though- Wayne is a poor choice for someone trying to make big bucks in tax law, but it's an acceptable choice for a job on the Main Street. I need to adjust either my choice of schools or expectations.
Last edited by cpamom on Fri Oct 24, 2014 10:42 am, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
baal hadad

Gold
Posts: 3167
Joined: Sun Jul 20, 2014 2:57 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by baal hadad » Fri Oct 24, 2014 10:39 am

cpamom wrote:
timbs4339 wrote:I would be a criminal lawyer representing murderers long before I'd be a family lawyer. It's not something for everyone. I'd try and work as a paralegal for one of those lawyers and see whether you still think it's interesting when you are knee deep in it.
Unfortunately, I've had quite a bit exposure to family law and I know I can handle it and would be good at. However, due to lower income potential and my accent, it's not my #1 choice. I feel that people are used to dealing with accents in a business setting and doctors offices but in family law setting it might put me at disadvantage.
I got the general idea, though- Wayne is a poor choice for someone trying to make big bucks in tax law, but it's an acceptable choice for a job on the Main Street. I need to adjust either my choice of schools or expectations.
I don't even think Wayne state is an acceptable choice for a job on Main Street considering the school has shitty employment outcomes (go look at LST)

User avatar
deadpanic

Silver
Posts: 1290
Joined: Sat Oct 03, 2009 5:09 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by deadpanic » Fri Oct 24, 2014 12:35 pm

cpamom wrote:
timbs4339 wrote:I would be a criminal lawyer representing murderers long before I'd be a family lawyer. It's not something for everyone. I'd try and work as a paralegal for one of those lawyers and see whether you still think it's interesting when you are knee deep in it.
Unfortunately, I've had quite a bit of exposure to family law and I know I can handle it and would be good at. However, due to lower income potential and my accent, it's not my #1 choice. I feel that people are used to dealing with accents in a business setting and doctors offices but in family law setting it might put me at disadvantage.
I got the general idea, though- Wayne is a poor choice for someone trying to make big bucks in tax law, but it's an acceptable choice for a job on the Main Street. I need to adjust either my choice of schools or expectations.
What? You think Dusty Lee trying to get custody of his 7 kids is going to care about your accent? How bad is it?

If you think being a CPA is not stimulating intellectually, just wait until you practice family law and coordinate drop off points at the most convenient Burger King.

Register now!

Resources to assist law school applicants, students & graduates.

It's still FREE!


cpamom

New
Posts: 39
Joined: Fri Apr 20, 2012 11:48 am

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by cpamom » Fri Oct 24, 2014 2:40 pm

deadpanic wrote: What? You think Dusty Lee trying to get custody of his 7 kids is going to care about your accent? How bad is it?

If you think being a CPA is not stimulating intellectually, just wait until you practice family law and coordinate drop off points at the most convenient Burger King.
Lol. It's hard for me to assess my own accent, but even though it's rather mild, it's noticeable. There are other obvious problems with family law, such as collectibility of fees.
Based on advise of TLS in general and this thread in particular I decided to retake LSAT in hope to get my PT average (currently 173) and attend a better school. If that does not work I'll find a tax position and work there for couple of years until my family circumstances change and I'd be able to make a better investment of my time and current LSAT score.

User avatar
deadpanic

Silver
Posts: 1290
Joined: Sat Oct 03, 2009 5:09 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by deadpanic » Fri Oct 24, 2014 2:56 pm

cpamom wrote:
deadpanic wrote: What? You think Dusty Lee trying to get custody of his 7 kids is going to care about your accent? How bad is it?

If you think being a CPA is not stimulating intellectually, just wait until you practice family law and coordinate drop off points at the most convenient Burger King.
Lol. It's hard for me to assess my own accent, but even though it's rather mild, it's noticeable. There are other obvious problems with family law, such as collectibility of fees.
Based on advise of TLS in general and this thread in particular I decided to retake LSAT in hope to get my PT average (currently 173) and attend a better school. If that does not work I'll find a tax position and work there for couple of years until my family circumstances change and I'd be able to make a better investment of my time and current LSAT score.
Good luck! Great decision.

User avatar
LawGirlAtx

Bronze
Posts: 175
Joined: Sun Aug 25, 2013 8:49 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by LawGirlAtx » Thu Oct 30, 2014 5:10 pm

deadpanic wrote: If you think being a CPA is not stimulating intellectually, just wait until you practice family law and coordinate drop off points at the most convenient Burger King.
I seriously think this should be posted in every single thread on this site, if only to keep it real for 0Ls with no legal experience. This isn't The Good Wife, this is to a larger extent babysitting emotionally wounded adults who are pissed because their soon to be ex got the flat screen and jet ski.

With that being said, this is off topic, but with all the practicing attorneys active on this thread maybe you can give me some advice. I'm a 0L with 4 years experience as a Legal Assistant applying this cycle. I complete a vast majority of tasks like petitions, discovery, motions, case management, etc. Basically the only tasks my employer doesn't have me complete are those that I am unable to do because I'm not an attorney. In short, I know what the job entails and I like it. Do you think there is a way I should tactfully address this in my applications? Three of my four LORs are from attorneys I have either worked for or with (4th is from a professor) and they pretty much say that I'll make an excellent attorney, I work well with clients, I got what it takes, yadda yadda. While I think it's important for a third party to speak to my abilities and passion, I need to address it myself too. I just don't know how to do that in a tactful way.

Background that may help:

-28 y/o female URM applicant (Hispanic and Native American)
-unimpressive GPA due to issues during my first year of school (addenda addresses)
-thinking of retaking LSAT, currently sitting at 161
-No desire at Big Law. I've known people who've worked in it. Sounds like firms view employees as chattel that can easily be replaced with younger attorneys for less money.
-Connections in Austin, those connections could possibly help me with positions in Dallas and/or Houston
-Currently work in a firm handling PI/Med Mal/Family/Criminal/Real Estate/Business
-Ideally I'd like to work in energy law, but enjoy everything my firm handles. I'm pretty much open to anything that isn't contracts and pays more than what I make now minus loan repayment

Please let me know how you'd address this situation, and how you'd like to see it addressed if you were on an admissions committee.

User avatar
Dr. Review

Gold
Posts: 1800
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:51 am

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by Dr. Review » Fri Oct 31, 2014 8:44 am

LawGirlAtx wrote:Please let me know how you'd address this situation, and how you'd like to see it addressed if you were on an admissions committee.
Really not the right thread for this.

Get unlimited access to all forums and topics

Register now!

I'm pretty sure I told you it's FREE...


User avatar
JuTMSY4

Bronze
Posts: 265
Joined: Sat Jun 27, 2009 3:40 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by JuTMSY4 » Fri Oct 31, 2014 9:11 am

LawGirlAtx wrote: Please let me know how you'd address this situation, and how you'd like to see it addressed if you were on an admissions committee.
Include your resume. Retake for money. Enjoy UT

Voyager

Silver
Posts: 728
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 2:52 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by Voyager » Sat Nov 01, 2014 12:45 pm

baal hadad wrote:
cpamom wrote:
baal hadad wrote:
cpamom wrote:Being accountant sucks :(
Why on earth would u think being a tax atty is better
:) accounting work is extremely mundane. It is also not intellectually stimulating in any way. I've grown very tired of it.
I haven't grown tired of atty work yet but yabro it's pretty damn mundane
Tax work is mundane which is why so few want to go into it. BUt that is actually a HUGE advantage! It means that tax groups have a unique skill set and the firms treat them better. My tax law friends have slightly more humane hours and work environment.

Keep in mind that ALL of big law is simply boring, mundane minutiae. So you might as well optimize on lifestyle. Tax and Employment law seem to be the best bets from what I have gathered.

But I suppose my post is a tad off topic. And while I have a law degree, I let my bar license lapse last year. I have never practiced. So I will exit and let the actual attorneys do their thing.

Good thread, by the way.

User avatar
romothesavior

Diamond
Posts: 14692
Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 4:29 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by romothesavior » Sat Nov 01, 2014 12:55 pm

Add me to the list of alums ready to pounce.

User avatar
Dr. Review

Gold
Posts: 1800
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:51 am

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by Dr. Review » Sun Nov 02, 2014 6:54 am

romothesavior wrote:Add me to the list of alums ready to pounce.
Done

Communicate now with those who not only know what a legal education is, but can offer you worthy advice and commentary as you complete the three most educational, yet challenging years of your law related post graduate life.

Register now, it's still FREE!


FloridaLaw

New
Posts: 36
Joined: Wed Nov 26, 2014 5:53 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by FloridaLaw » Tue Dec 02, 2014 2:39 pm

EMORY

WUSTL

RICHMOND

STETSON

ARIZONA

CHICAGO-KENT

SHARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL WISDOM ,...POUNCE!

User avatar
Dr. Review

Gold
Posts: 1800
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 1:51 am

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by Dr. Review » Tue Dec 02, 2014 2:58 pm

Preferred format:
Goal(s): Biglaw, PI, etc.
Regional Ties: Any ties that are substantial enough to sell in an interview, especially if they show up on your resume
School(s): Name of school and total cost to attend (NOT the total scholarship award) after scholarships and cost of living
Other pertinent information: Undergrad loans, GI bill, spouse who covers COA, etc.
Also, a number of your schools are in the OP

User avatar
romothesavior

Diamond
Posts: 14692
Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 4:29 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by romothesavior » Fri Dec 05, 2014 8:02 pm

FloridaLaw wrote:EMORY

WUSTL

RICHMOND

STETSON

ARIZONA

CHICAGO-KENT

SHARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL WISDOM ,...POUNCE!
No way to say without a hell of a lot more info. Though it sounds like you're from Florida, and I'm assuming based on your list of acceptances that you were something of a reach for WUSTL/Emory. Assuming I'm right about those, then none of the above.

Give us some more information.

User avatar
scrowell

Bronze
Posts: 411
Joined: Thu Jun 10, 2010 11:04 pm

Re: ITT: Practicing attorneys tell you your top choice is bad

Post by scrowell » Fri Dec 05, 2014 8:05 pm

I went to Santa Clara and am doing well. Loved the school. Hit me with questions bros!

Seriously? What are you waiting for?

Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!


Post Reply

Return to “Choosing a Law School”