Question for anyone familiar with attorney/employment?
I have a question that is sort of complicated. I have asked it several times but have not gotten very good answers. I have always loved the law and have always wanted to be a lawyer. I live in Mississippi and am going to the University of MS (Ole Miss) law school next year.
I went to Millsaps and made A’s so I am fairly confident in my ability to do well in law school (not that undergrad is comparable, but I am willing to work). I always hear people say that if you don’t go to a “top tier” school and graduate in the “25th percentile” then you are screwed. But when I get out I actually would like to work in a “small” firm in MS with just a few lawyers. I also do not expect that great of a paycheck (55K or somewhere in that area).
I am asking this question because Ole Miss is obviously not a top tier law school, although it is well respected within the state. If I make “good” grades, will I be able to get a decent job with a small firm?
Sure there is no reason why you won’t get on with a small law firm and can do really well. Not every law firm hires the top 25% from Harvard or Yale, there just are not enough of them to go around. When I got my divorce my lawyer went to the University of Washington. Since the school is in the state where you want to practice you will be better off anyway as you will be learning the laws as they apply in your state.
Good luck!
Memphis attorney Vincent Perryman discusses Employment Law on LegalEase with Edgar Davison Part 2
