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Re: Want to do IP Law, not sure where to go
Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:05 pm
by fats provolone
and don't you mean six years after graduation
Re: Want to do IP Law, not sure where to go
Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:41 pm
by Johann
my random story was to confirm what the 2 IP lawyers had already said. i havent ran the numbers but six figure debt monthly payments at nonmarket biglaw is probably leaving with you pretty much to the dollar what an engineer makes. then factor in actual hours worked and guess whos making less per hour. plus youre also missing the 3 years of salary.
the kent story is also applicable to the OP who is considering kent. i was basically saying i had friend run the same route that OP is hoping to do. the best case scenario and look what happened.
Re: Want to do IP Law, not sure where to go
Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 11:33 am
by ChemEng1642
Desert Fox wrote:ChemEng1642 wrote:rondemarino wrote:JohannDeMann wrote:ok maybe try this - why go into six figures of debt and give up 3 years of salary to make very similar money in future years.
edit - and work more hours in law. so don't be a financial idiot also applies
I'm curious. What do you think the average engineer is making three years after graduation.
Definitely not the same as a lawyer (esp. with only a B.S)
Compared to an average lawyer though?
Mmm I guess I was comparing to big law - probably similar to an "average" lawyer.
Re: Want to do IP Law, not sure where to go
Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 12:05 pm
by collegebum1989
OP - patent law is much different from engineering and most people think they'll enjoy it because it "mixes science and law" and all of that other BS...work in the field first before committing yourself to law school. With a CS background, you may still be marketable for Tech Spec / Patent Agent positions.
At the very least, if you're committed to a legal career don't rely upon your technical background to get a job (i.e. pigeon-holing yourself to patent prosecution only) by going to a unremarkable school. Get WE, retake LSAT and create options for yourself so that law school is a "choice" rather than a "hunch". You'll feel more secure going in, and more comfortable with your decision if 1L destroys you or the job market looks bleak.
IP background or not, going to law school means becoming an attorney so you shouldn't rely upon external circumstances for determining your job prospects because the market may shift dramatically in the patent industry by the time you graduate as others have mentioned.