Future of legal specialties Forum

[jason8821]

hello, I am curious as to what legal specialties are projected to be most popular in the future. In the year 2016 or 2020, i it likely that there will be a greater demand for environmental attorneys or those with technical backgrounds?

Edit: Also, I am rather new to this forum, and after reading some of the horror stories that graduates have experienced. I am sure this will effect many people when thinking about whether or not they should attempt to go to law school.

None the less, I am curious to hear other opinions. Is it really that bad right now. Even if you were to graduate from a Tier 3 and start out making 55-60k/year with 100k debt. Assuming you have no other outstanding expenses such as a family, medical bills etc. It seems that you could potentially pay off this debt in less than 7-10 years. This is all assuming that one would find a job. I mean if we assume that someone making 55k/year ends up netting 42k/year, they could spend $15,000/year on loans, and still live a FAIRLY COMFORTABLE life especially compared to other 27-30 year olds, and of course law school is an investment, assuming all loans were paid off, and that salary climbed significantly, I think even given these circumstances it could be a nice investment as one approaches their 40's and 50's. I know that expenses come with age (mortgage, children etc.) but even with the low numbers from above and going to a lower tier law school, it is certainly possible to have a nice 6 figure salary with little debt as one enters their 40's, and this is what many well educated people desire.


Are graduates really having that much trouble, or are expectations of a six figure salary when leaving college too high? I mean a 30k/salary with no debt, or a 60k/salary with a good amount of debt doesn't sound that bad at the age of 27-30, single etc. I mean there will certainly be people making more money with an associates, but a good education serves you in many other ways that will likely pay off throughout the rest of your life.

Again, I don't know all the variables that could effect ones salary and lifestyle as a lawyer, so if I am missing something please let me know.

Thanks.

[Matthies]

Environmental/Natural Resource law is one of the areas they predict will have continued demand. Not sure on others.