Has the Law profession seen a downturn in jobs like the rest of the workforce?

Yes, unfortunately a significant portion of the class of 2009 cannot find employment. This includes the Ivys. Harvard Law encouraged this year’s graduating class to do a year or two of public service. It should bounce back as things normalize. Big Box law will probably take longer, but the good thing about a law degree is that it is a profession; you can always work for yourself. And the training is good preparation for a lot of nontraditional employment as well.

@PandoraBoxx What is “Big Box Law?” I did a search but it only revealed legislation to regulate large stores.

I know two people who passed the bar in NYC this year who are both temping because none of the big firms (or little ones) are hiring here. Anecdotal, yes, but the recession has affected a lot of the professions, including law.

There are big law firms that hire first year law students in large numbers every single year. They pay big bucks, work them to death, and bill the heck out of their work. Clients are scrutinizing their billing, and aren’t willing to pay.

This very tragic story is indicative of the tough times in the legal profession at the moment. This attorney was in a major Washington law firm, had argued 16 cases before the Supreme Court, and was one of 24 attorneys who were laid off by his firm.

Yes, yes, yes. This year’s crop of law school grads are having a tough time, just like everyone else. My son is among them.

Even with the current economy, I’m still studying for the LSAT, for admission in 2010. I don’t know how it will be 3–4 years from now. I’m hoping that a top tier school and excellent grades will give me an edge. Still, if a slightly less-reputable school offers me a better deal on tuition, I might just take it to avoid a huge debt in a crappy job market.

Your asking if it would wise to pursue a law degree and become a lawyer, or a Mall Cop. Hmm, would it be good to be a lawyer, better to ask, do I want to regret becoming blind to my own ignorance one day an increasingly bitter for it day by day. Yes be a lawyer, but be the best lawyer in the world, SuperLawyer, wear a cape and tights, and make the term Pro Bono, sexy again. Scratch all that, all jobs are being affected, when it’s over, it would better to be educated than not.

All of the prestigious jobs of old like lawyers and doctors are no longer fashionable as entrepreneurs come out through the web and youtube and such. See time magazine man of the year YOU edition