Employment for attorneys with specialized experience? Forum

[EnviroNerd]

So I'm going to start law school in the fall of 2016 and had a question for individuals who have had experience both in work and undergraduate study for their respective fields. I majored in Environmental Science in undergrad and have been working for a year as an Environmental Scientist. How advantageous is both your undergrad and work experience in say interviews for jobs during your last year of law school. I know grades/rankings in law school are extremely important but what about your past education/work experience. Thanks

[zot1]

I work in some areas of law that I didn't even take a single class on. It hurt me with some employers, but not others (specifically the one that actually hired me).

I'm assuming your background will help if you're trying to do enviro work.

[BmoreOrLess]

It definitely helps in interviews. Just be prepared to have a reasonable/believable 'why law school' explanation (but this bar, even for older students, is not high).

[EnviroNerd]

Thanks for the reply guys . I'm really interested in doing Environmental Law with the government, do you know if that background would be more advantageous in government rather than corporate enviro law? Are externships/jobs more competitive in government agencies?

[zot1]

I can definitely say it'll help for the government. Think EPA, NNSA, BOR, USACE, BIA, BLM, etc. Yes, getting a job with the government will be incredibly hard, but trust me, they want your expertise. If I were in your position I would shoot for government, but understanding that I need a solid plan B.

For the record, I'm sure it'd help with firms too. I'm just biased for gov't work