Reply #3: Unfortunately, your friends are correct. [View All]

I graduated from a top 10 law school 20 years ago and just paid off the last of my student loans last year. I am currently not working (by choice). I did the big law firm thing for several years. The money was good but the job sucked. The 80 hour work week is pretty standard for young laywers at the best firms. Most lawyers don't even make $100,000. The last average I saw was in the 75K range. Those that make more than that are either older, very lucky or working their butts off. The worst part is that the legal jobs that do the most good, pay the least. The only way to get the big buck is to represent the very wealthy and the large corporations. I may go back to work when my son is grown, but I will go into public interest work. I won't make much, but I'll feel a lot better about it. Good luck in your decision.