Top Law Schools

I just got my grades back and am done with the first year of law school. Problem is that I didn't do nearly as well as I wanted and am quite disappointed. I have a 2.8 gpa from a school in the top 15.

I honestly don't really care for biglaw. I once did but throughout the year kind of just lost a desire to work biglaw. Now, I really just want to work for a smaller boutique firm, or government.

Do people think I still have a shot at those type of jobs? Or am I just screwed out of finding a nice legal job?

Is there anyone who has advice or insight into this?

Not out of the running for legal job completely, but it will be harder for you. It really depends on rank more than GPA, I think. At least you're at a good school!

smaller boutique firm, or government.

That's kind of broad. "Boutique" firms are frequently more difficult to land than biglaw; same goes for federal government. If you mean a small firm doing consumer, insurance, and minor litigation work, then yeah, you still have a shot. Your best bet is to work throughout the school year and next summer at a place that has a reasonable chance of hiring you (or giving you a pay bump from "law clerk" to "attorney") after you pass the bar. The same advice goes for local government positions (city, county, district attorney; public defender; etc.).