How Many Law School Graduates Get Jobs?
Law school graduates in the US can pursue numerous career options after graduation from law school, with approximately two graduates per available legal job being filled annually.
Due to the expensive nature of law school, finding employment after graduation is a key concern of students. In this article we’ll investigate how many law school graduates end up getting jobs post graduation and its progression over time.
1. The number of graduating students
Law school can be costly, so finding employment that pays enough to quickly repay student loans should be possible for most graduates – though this might not always be easy.
It is not unusual to hear stories of students dropping out of law school after just one or two years due to financial or employment-related worries, but it is important to realize that many other students do not follow in these footsteps; indeed many return after their initial year to finish their degree and complete it successfully.
Graduating students differ each year depending on various factors; enrollment at American Bar Association-accredited law schools being the keystone factor.
Between 2010 and 2017, enrollment at American Bar Association-accredited law schools declined dramatically from an average 147,525 students per year to just 117,305 due mainly to reduced applicants.
Law schools were facing financial strain as their student bodies shrunk due to fewer graduates and declining non-JD program revenue. To make up for the decline, some law schools offered tuition-bearing non-JD programs as a means of attracting those unable or unwilling to attend traditional JD programs.
These programs often boast higher job placement rates than traditional JD degrees, and help law schools ease financial strain while simultaneously equipping graduates with the degree required for high-paying legal careers.
While many newly qualified lawyers are finding full-time employment, others are also exploring various other forms of work opportunities – this can include those from law school grad programs who work in other fields or those who are unemployed or recently laid off from employment.
Not all law school graduates may find employment immediately out of law school; others may opt to start their own practice instead. This option can be especially appealing to those who enjoy practicing law but are comfortable taking on additional responsibilities than would normally be expected of junior attorneys.
It appears that solo practices have decreased, likely as a result of increased difficulty finding legal employment in an increasingly competitive market. It should be noted, however, that law firm jobs remain fairly steady.
2. The number of jobs offered
Many people ask me: “How many law school graduates find jobs?” Unfortunately, this is a difficult question to answer because the answer depends on which career path each graduate chooses.
One effective strategy for job searching is connecting with professors and alumni contacts from your previous school or workplace. They may know of open positions at law firms or employers that can refer you, and can offer helpful career advice tailored specifically to you and your situation.
Attend networking events or volunteer opportunities as an effective way of making connections during your job search. Networking events offer an ideal chance to meet people working in fields you are researching while giving you insights into their careers paths.
Finally, most colleges and universities have an alumni network. Take a look to see if any local alumni may offer tips on job searching. Your college may even have its own career services center that could serve as an invaluable resource!
Some law schools provide internships during their students’ first year that provide an excellent way for them to experience what it’s like being a lawyer. At Penn Law for example, their summer legal clerkship program gives new graduates a unique chance to shadow an experienced practitioner and gain courtroom experience firsthand.
Keep in mind that not all jobs require direct law knowledge; sometimes an advanced degree like master of public policy might suffice. For those interested in law and policy careers, master’s in public policy might be ideal.
Law degrees can be invaluable assets for those pursuing careers in government. Ron Klain and Leon Panetta both successfully used their law degrees as policymakers to address pressing global problems with great success, showing it’s possible to have positive effects while holding this role.
3. The number of jobs filled
Law school is no doubt an intensive and competitive academic endeavor; but it should also be seen as an investment in your future and must be carefully considered prior to enrolling. Many factors need to be taken into account such as finances, family life and interests as well as work life commitments before making this commitment.
Getting hired shortly after graduating is an important aspect of becoming a legal practitioner, and many law schools provide resources that can assist students in finding legal practice positions immediately after graduating – such as judicial clerkships, internships, loan forgiveness programs and loan forgiveness initiatives – which will help graduates enter public service quickly and successfully.
UChicago provides training and opportunities to graduates looking to enter private practice, encouraging our students to make use of these programs in their search for employment.
At our Law School, our students are provided with personalized assistance by dedicated counselors throughout their time at law school. Each receives tailored assistance to develop practical skills and pursue career pathways they are passionate about – so they graduate prepared for professional life.
Thus, our graduates find employment in law firms, government, business, and non-profit organizations across a spectrum of legal specializations, while also becoming leaders in fields like entrepreneurship, public policy, academia and more.
At our law school, students looking to pursue careers in public service are offered support through generous stipends and fellowship programs; additionally, our judicial clerkship program opens doors to state and federal court positions.
School of Law offers numerous opportunities for its students to network with alumni through student-alumni events and peer relationships, making the connection process even more productive in entering professional life and opening doors that otherwise wouldn’t have been accessible to you.
Law school graduates also frequently pursue contract administration careers beyond traditional job searches. This work typically entails reviewing and negotiating contracts for companies, which requires knowledge of business law as well as being able to quickly read complex documents accurately. Employers tend to favor this field and pay well; on average it averages over $70,000 annually.
4. The average salary
As with any profession, the average salary of law school graduates depends heavily on their location and level of experience. For instance, New York-based lawyers tend to earn significantly more than those practicing elsewhere such as Texas or Iowa.
Some law school graduates find employment with large law firms directly after graduation; others face the challenge of finding employment at smaller companies; either way, competition for jobs is fierce.
Law schools provide excellent training to prepare their students for life after law school and offer programs to assist with finances during studies.
Numerous law schools also provide public interest fellowships, which provide legal training and funding to students interested in working for public interest organizations.
Yale’s Public Interest Fellowship Program equips its participants to perform non-traditional legal roles while helping to build resumes that attract employers.
Scholarships and grants offer additional assistance for covering college costs. This can reduce debt while offering students quality education.
An alternate option for law school attendance is selecting one with an exceptional debt-to-salary ratio, which allows students to take out fewer loans and still end up with a reasonable salary after graduating. When making this choice, however, make sure the school provides ample support for both the students themselves as well as their families during this transition period.
Law schools are widely respected for equipping their graduates for successful legal careers, yet not all provide equal financial aid or support to their students. To find which law schools were most financially supportive for those carrying student debt, U.S. News published its list of 15 Best Law Schools for Students With Debt (selected by U.S. News).
Harvard offers some of the highest starting salaries in the nation and its graduates tend to owe remarkably minimal debt upon receiving federal student loans; only 25-35% owe student debt upon graduation using these federal student loans owing to Harvard’s wide array of financial aid options, which include grants and low-interest loans.