Bad/risky to acknowledge crappy law job market in PS? Forum

[AlanShore]

I'm in a job where the most common progression is to move on to a top B-school and then to consulting or general mgmt, or whatever. This would be the "safer" route for me, employment-wise but after working for a few years, it's become obvious to me that I'd be happier in law. BTW, i'm also a reapplicant. I applied a couple years ago but decided to work first so I don't make the wrong choice and waste a bunch of money.

I'm trying to frame my PS around this-- that although I'm in a pretty comfortable position now and I could keep going down my current career path and probably be in a good spot financially/employment-wise in a couple years, I feel compelled to take the risk to go into law. It is a relatively big risk since it is a completely new field but obviously the crappy job market makes it an even bigger risk. I'm trying to show that I've weighed all my options and I'm willing to take a big risk for the sake of doing something I enjoy. Is it really awkward to mention the poor job market? I realize it will all depend on how I word it.... thoughts?

[Ruxin1]

I'm in a job where the most common progression is to move on to a top B-school and then to consulting or general mgmt, or whatever. This would be the "safer" route for me, employment-wise but after working for a few years, it's become obvious to me that I'd be happier in law. BTW, i'm also a reapplicant. I applied a couple years ago but decided to work first so I don't make the wrong choice and waste a bunch of money.

I'm trying to frame my PS around this-- that although I'm in a pretty comfortable position now and I could keep going down my current career path and probably be in a good spot financially/employment-wise in a couple years, I feel compelled to take the risk to go into law. It is a relatively big risk since it is a completely new field but obviously the crappy job market makes it an even bigger risk. I'm trying to show that I've weighed all my options and I'm willing to take a big risk for the sake of doing something I enjoy. Is it really awkward to mention the poor job market? I realize it will all depend on how I word it.... thoughts?

Everyone else applying is taking a similar risk. HTH

[AlanShore]

I'm in a job where the most common progression is to move on to a top B-school and then to consulting or general mgmt, or whatever. This would be the "safer" route for me, employment-wise but after working for a few years, it's become obvious to me that I'd be happier in law. BTW, i'm also a reapplicant. I applied a couple years ago but decided to work first so I don't make the wrong choice and waste a bunch of money.

I'm trying to frame my PS around this-- that although I'm in a pretty comfortable position now and I could keep going down my current career path and probably be in a good spot financially/employment-wise in a couple years, I feel compelled to take the risk to go into law. It is a relatively big risk since it is a completely new field but obviously the crappy job market makes it an even bigger risk. I'm trying to show that I've weighed all my options and I'm willing to take a big risk for the sake of doing something I enjoy. Is it really awkward to mention the poor job market? I realize it will all depend on how I word it.... thoughts?

Everyone else applying is taking a similar risk. HTH

The opportunity cost is a lot different if you're unemployed or working a job that doesn't have a good future.

[inthebeginning]

hey, I was in the same situation as you, pre-mba job track etc, worked for 3 years. I don't know if your question has a right answer. I decided not to point out the fact that I could go the MBA route to easy employment because it is pretty obvious from my resume. And, there are plenty of people that go straight into law that could get jobs in finance, consulting, etc. If you work for a known firm/company let your resume speak for itself.

[Ruxin1]

I'm in a job where the most common progression is to move on to a top B-school and then to consulting or general mgmt, or whatever. This would be the "safer" route for me, employment-wise but after working for a few years, it's become obvious to me that I'd be happier in law. BTW, i'm also a reapplicant. I applied a couple years ago but decided to work first so I don't make the wrong choice and waste a bunch of money.

I'm trying to frame my PS around this-- that although I'm in a pretty comfortable position now and I could keep going down my current career path and probably be in a good spot financially/employment-wise in a couple years, I feel compelled to take the risk to go into law. It is a relatively big risk since it is a completely new field but obviously the crappy job market makes it an even bigger risk. I'm trying to show that I've weighed all my options and I'm willing to take a big risk for the sake of doing something I enjoy. Is it really awkward to mention the poor job market? I realize it will all depend on how I word it.... thoughts?

Everyone else applying is taking a similar risk. HTH

The opportunity cost is a lot different if you're unemployed or working a job that doesn't have a good future.

So you think writing a PS essential saying look at me I have a good life and I'm willing to risk a good job for law is reason to admit you? kewl

[AlanShore]

hey, I was in the same situation as you, pre-mba job track etc, worked for 3 years. I don't know if your question has a right answer. I decided not to point out the fact that I could go the MBA route to easy employment because it is pretty obvious from my resume. And, there are plenty of people that go straight into law that could get jobs in finance, consulting, etc. If you work for a known firm/company let your resume speak for itself.

Good point-- thanks. Did you end up writing your PS about your WE or a totally different topic?

[CanadianWolf]

If you acknowledge the "crappy law job market in PS", you probably give up the right to sue your law school when unemployed 3 years & $200,000 later.

[inthebeginning]

hey, I was in the same situation as you, pre-mba job track etc, worked for 3 years. I don't know if your question has a right answer. I decided not to point out the fact that I could go the MBA route to easy employment because it is pretty obvious from my resume. And, there are plenty of people that go straight into law that could get jobs in finance, consulting, etc. If you work for a known firm/company let your resume speak for itself.

Good point-- thanks. Did you end up writing your PS about your WE or a totally different topic?

I wrote about my work experience and how I thought it could make me a better lawyer. I made sure not to go into a whole lot of detail on my job responsibilites but instead talked about how my jobs helped me develop a skill that I think will be useful to me in my future. I also did not justify why I was going to law school, I just stated it as a given in the beginning that it was where I wanted to be. To be honest though, I wish I could have put together a PS about my academic interests or something else, considering that my resume and recommendation talk all about WE. But that's really tough to do, and it's also tough to tie everything together.

[dkb17xzx]

I'm in a job where the most common progression is to move on to a top B-school and then to consulting or general mgmt, or whatever. This would be the "safer" route for me, employment-wise but after working for a few years, it's become obvious to me that I'd be happier in law. BTW, i'm also a reapplicant. I applied a couple years ago but decided to work first so I don't make the wrong choice and waste a bunch of money.

I'm trying to frame my PS around this-- that although I'm in a pretty comfortable position now and I could keep going down my current career path and probably be in a good spot financially/employment-wise in a couple years, I feel compelled to take the risk to go into law. It is a relatively big risk since it is a completely new field but obviously the crappy job market makes it an even bigger risk. I'm trying to show that I've weighed all my options and I'm willing to take a big risk for the sake of doing something I enjoy. Is it really awkward to mention the poor job market? I realize it will all depend on how I word it.... thoughts?

How do you know this? From what I can infer, you are in a business analyst / associate position (and I could be way off) or something similar. I think if you can articulate why you think you'll enjoy it / be your passion, you should be OK. I think this can really show your maturity as well as a commitment to law. Shows you considered all aspects unlike many people who go to law schools and it's a decision you do not take lightly.

Disclaimer: 0L alert

[AlanShore]

hey, I was in the same situation as you, pre-mba job track etc, worked for 3 years. I don't know if your question has a right answer. I decided not to point out the fact that I could go the MBA route to easy employment because it is pretty obvious from my resume. And, there are plenty of people that go straight into law that could get jobs in finance, consulting, etc. If you work for a known firm/company let your resume speak for itself.

Good point-- thanks. Did you end up writing your PS about your WE or a totally different topic?

I wrote about my work experience and how I thought it could make me a better lawyer. I made sure not to go into a whole lot of detail on my job responsibilites but instead talked about how my jobs helped me develop a skill that I think will be useful to me in my future. I also did not justify why I was going to law school, I just stated it as a given in the beginning that it was where I wanted to be. To be honest though, I wish I could have put together a PS about my academic interests or something else, considering that my resume and recommendation talk all about WE. But that's really tough to do, and it's also tough to tie everything together.

yeah, it really is. I feel like I'm a pretty boring applicant so I just want to write a decent PS and let it pass as average.. I don't really like my job but the few times I really felt invigorated I was doing stuff that I would find more often in law.. so I'm just trying to write about that motivation. It's so tough typing it together though- you're right!

[AlanShore]

I'm in a job where the most common progression is to move on to a top B-school and then to consulting or general mgmt, or whatever. This would be the "safer" route for me, employment-wise but after working for a few years, it's become obvious to me that I'd be happier in law. BTW, i'm also a reapplicant. I applied a couple years ago but decided to work first so I don't make the wrong choice and waste a bunch of money.

I'm trying to frame my PS around this-- that although I'm in a pretty comfortable position now and I could keep going down my current career path and probably be in a good spot financially/employment-wise in a couple years, I feel compelled to take the risk to go into law. It is a relatively big risk since it is a completely new field but obviously the crappy job market makes it an even bigger risk. I'm trying to show that I've weighed all my options and I'm willing to take a big risk for the sake of doing something I enjoy. Is it really awkward to mention the poor job market? I realize it will all depend on how I word it.... thoughts?

How do you know this? From what I can infer, you are in a business analyst / associate position (and I could be way off) or something similar. I think if you can articulate why you think you'll enjoy it / be your passion, you should be OK. I think this can really show your maturity as well as a commitment to law. Shows you considered all aspects unlike many people who go to law schools and it's a decision you do not take lightly.

Disclaimer: 0L alert

How do I know what? The riskiness part? Well, for one thing, I'm shooting for bottom of T14 and #15-25. These schools have okay employment prospects but not great, obviously. A big chunk won't get jobs or will get non-desirable ones.. vs my resume+gmat score+good interviewing skills, I have a very good shot at multiple top 10 bschools. I really don't mean to sound super conceited or something but I know I'd probably get into a top bschool whereas I have no shot at the T6.. so it's a bigger risk in that way.

[bobbyh1919]

hey, I was in the same situation as you, pre-mba job track etc, worked for 3 years. I don't know if your question has a right answer. I decided not to point out the fact that I could go the MBA route to easy employment because it is pretty obvious from my resume. And, there are plenty of people that go straight into law that could get jobs in finance, consulting, etc. If you work for a known firm/company let your resume speak for itself.

Good point-- thanks. Did you end up writing your PS about your WE or a totally different topic?

I wrote about my work experience and how I thought it could make me a better lawyer. I made sure not to go into a whole lot of detail on my job responsibilites but instead talked about how my jobs helped me develop a skill that I think will be useful to me in my future. I also did not justify why I was going to law school, I just stated it as a given in the beginning that it was where I wanted to be. To be honest though, I wish I could have put together a PS about my academic interests or something else, considering that my resume and recommendation talk all about WE. But that's really tough to do, and it's also tough to tie everything together.

yeah, it really is. I feel like I'm a pretty boring applicant so I just want to write a decent PS and let it pass as average.. I don't really like my job but the few times I really felt invigorated I was doing stuff that I would find more often in law.. so I'm just trying to write about that motivation. It's so tough typing it together though- you're right!

This last sentence or so is a good reason/topic. Expand on that and don't talk a lot about how you've weighed your options, etc. Why would adcomms care about this? If you have a good application, they'll let you in regardless of whether they personally think it is or is not a good decision for you, so don't waste time convincing them. Talk about how you're current job has exposed you to certain things that you enjoy doing, and how a law degree will allow you to do those things all the time.

[AlanShore]

I wrote about my work experience and how I thought it could make me a better lawyer. I made sure not to go into a whole lot of detail on my job responsibilites but instead talked about how my jobs helped me develop a skill that I think will be useful to me in my future. I also did not justify why I was going to law school, I just stated it as a given in the beginning that it was where I wanted to be. To be honest though, I wish I could have put together a PS about my academic interests or something else, considering that my resume and recommendation talk all about WE. But that's really tough to do, and it's also tough to tie everything together.

yeah, it really is. I feel like I'm a pretty boring applicant so I just want to write a decent PS and let it pass as average.. I don't really like my job but the few times I really felt invigorated I was doing stuff that I would find more often in law.. so I'm just trying to write about that motivation. It's so tough typing it together though- you're right!

This last sentence or so is a good reason/topic. Expand on that and don't talk a lot about how you've weighed your options, etc. Why would adcomms care about this? If you have a good application, they'll let you in regardless of whether they personally think it is or is not a good decision for you, so don't waste time convincing them. Talk about how you're current job has exposed you to certain things that you enjoy doing, and how a law degree will allow you to do those things all the time.

Yeah, thanks for the advice. I'll focus on this.

[Nova]

How do I know what?

He meant,

I'm willing to take a big risk for the sake of doing something I enjoy.

How do you know you will enjoy law?

[AlanShore]

How do I know what?

He meant,

I'm willing to take a big risk for the sake of doing something I enjoy.

How do you know you will enjoy law?

Ohh. I guess you never really know 100%. Ive honestly tried to pay attention to the type of work I've been doing the last few years-- I rotated through several different jobs (it's part of the program) so I've been exposed to a variety of things. I think I can find more of the type of tasks/projects I've enjoyed in law than in business. I'm don't think I'll love being a lawyer all the time, but I think law has more of the type of work I'd enjoy doing than business and those are my 2 choices right now.

[Honey_Badger]

So from a different perspective, what about writing a PS that says a JD will only enhance your current employment situation? (Think along the lines of a job that is related to legal work.)
"I'm already working in the legal field as a successful xxx, but know that in this field, a JD will enhance my knowledge of my job and expand my marketability."
(I'm not talking about going into massive debt for it either--I'm aiming for TT/TTT with $$$. Very un-TLS, I know, but go with it...)

[AlanShore]

So from a different perspective, what about writing a PS that says a JD will only enhance your current employment situation? (Think along the lines of a job that is related to legal work.)
"I'm already working in the legal field as a successful xxx, but know that in this field, a JD will enhance my knowledge of my job and expand my marketability."
(I'm not talking about going into massive debt for it either--I'm aiming for TT/TTT with $$$. Very un-TLS, I know, but go with it...)

The problem is I'm not working in the legal field right now. I'm in business/finance so a JD wouldn't help me in my current career. I wish it did!

[Honey_Badger]

So from a different perspective, what about writing a PS that says a JD will only enhance your current employment situation? (Think along the lines of a job that is related to legal work.)
"I'm already working in the legal field as a successful xxx, but know that in this field, a JD will enhance my knowledge of my job and expand my marketability."
(I'm not talking about going into massive debt for it either--I'm aiming for TT/TTT with $$$. Very un-TLS, I know, but go with it...)

The problem is I'm not working in the legal field right now. I'm in business/finance so a JD wouldn't help me in my current career. I wish it did!

Sorry, I was hijacking your thread.
In your situation, I don't know that I would particularly address the sucky job market, but draw on your current employment strengths. (?)
But again, I was hijacking your thread, so what do I know?

[AlanShore]

So from a different perspective, what about writing a PS that says a JD will only enhance your current employment situation? (Think along the lines of a job that is related to legal work.)
"I'm already working in the legal field as a successful xxx, but know that in this field, a JD will enhance my knowledge of my job and expand my marketability."
(I'm not talking about going into massive debt for it either--I'm aiming for TT/TTT with $$$. Very un-TLS, I know, but go with it...)

The problem is I'm not working in the legal field right now. I'm in business/finance so a JD wouldn't help me in my current career. I wish it did!

Sorry, I was hijacking your thread.
In your situation, I don't know that I would particularly address the sucky job market, but draw on your current employment strengths. (?)
But again, I was hijacking your thread, so what do I know?

Ohhh haha. So you were looking for input, not giving advice!! Jk.

Hmm for your situation, I think that's a great PS. I would also try to talk about the experiences you've had so far that have made you want to go further and become an attorney (if you like the type of work, or dealing with clients, or whatever). Good luck!

[ix88]

I'm in a job where the most common progression is to move on to a top B-school and then to consulting or general mgmt, or whatever. This would be the "safer" route for me, employment-wise but after working for a few years, it's become obvious to me that I'd be happier in law. BTW, i'm also a reapplicant. I applied a couple years ago but decided to work first so I don't make the wrong choice and waste a bunch of money.

I'm trying to frame my PS around this-- that although I'm in a pretty comfortable position now and I could keep going down my current career path and probably be in a good spot financially/employment-wise in a couple years, I feel compelled to take the risk to go into law. It is a relatively big risk since it is a completely new field but obviously the crappy job market makes it an even bigger risk. I'm trying to show that I've weighed all my options and I'm willing to take a big risk for the sake of doing something I enjoy. Is it really awkward to mention the poor job market? I realize it will all depend on how I word it.... thoughts?

I would not recommend acknowledging how crappy the legal job market is.

Also, happiness is a choice. I would not recommend making career decisions based on perceived "happiness" returns.

[dingbat]

I was in a similar position, but several steps ahead.

I actually have a niche picked out (8 years experience) and tailored my PS around how the combination of my business background and a law degree will help me attain my goal of becoming an expert at X

[AlanShore]

I'm in a job where the most common progression is to move on to a top B-school and then to consulting or general mgmt, or whatever. This would be the "safer" route for me, employment-wise but after working for a few years, it's become obvious to me that I'd be happier in law. BTW, i'm also a reapplicant. I applied a couple years ago but decided to work first so I don't make the wrong choice and waste a bunch of money.

I'm trying to frame my PS around this-- that although I'm in a pretty comfortable position now and I could keep going down my current career path and probably be in a good spot financially/employment-wise in a couple years, I feel compelled to take the risk to go into law. It is a relatively big risk since it is a completely new field but obviously the crappy job market makes it an even bigger risk. I'm trying to show that I've weighed all my options and I'm willing to take a big risk for the sake of doing something I enjoy. Is it really awkward to mention the poor job market? I realize it will all depend on how I word it.... thoughts?

I would not recommend acknowledging how crappy the legal job market is.

Also, happiness is a choice. I would not recommend making career decisions based on perceived "happiness" returns.

Happiness is a choice. I am not unhappy in general. I think I can do many jobs and be generally happy because I have a balanced life, good friends, hobbies, etc. However, I don't think it is bad or foolish to choose one career over another because you will be happi(er) at work specifically. People do that all the time.

[AlanShore]

I was in a similar position, but several steps ahead.

I actually have a niche picked out (8 years experience) and tailored my PS around how the combination of my business background and a law degree will help me attain my goal of becoming an expert at X

Were you a repplicant, dingbat? Did you mention it in your PS?

[dingbat]

I was in a similar position, but several steps ahead.

I actually have a niche picked out (8 years experience) and tailored my PS around how the combination of my business background and a law degree will help me attain my goal of becoming an expert at X

Were you a repplicant, dingbat? Did you mention it in your PS?

Not a reapplicant, but that could be used to strengthen the argument.

Remember, positivity trumps negativity every time

[AlanShore]

I was in a similar position, but several steps ahead.

I actually have a niche picked out (8 years experience) and tailored my PS around how the combination of my business background and a law degree will help me attain my goal of becoming an expert at X

Were you a repplicant, dingbat? Did you mention it in your PS?

Not a reapplicant, but that could be used to strengthen the argument.

Remember, positivity trumps negativity every time

Thanks-good advice!