Job Responsibilities
I spend app. 2/3 of my time researching and writing and most of
the remainder of my time meeting with or speaking with clients,
other attorneys, and other persons who can help provide
information needed.
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Job Requirements
I attended law school at the University of Pennsylvania. It is
a three-year, full-time, JD program. First year courses are
mandatory and you are assigned times and professors. The
remaining two years are very flexible. The classes I took were
excellent. Full-time professors grade very uniformly and
fairly. Visiting professors are riskier.
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Uppers
I love the feeling of knowing I am helping clients who would otherwise be taken
advantage of. The computer-based work can be done from home, so even if I need
to work long hours, it does not all need to be done from the office. The people
are wonderful, the work very interesting.
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Downers
When there is a deadline, it has to be met. It is difficult to
project "good times" for vacation, etc. in advance.
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Lifestyle
There are long hours, but flexible ones. Some people travel more than others;
it is in part a matter of preference. Our firm is business casual.
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Compensation
Company paid health and dental, life, disability (for single
person or that amount toward family coverage); normal vacation,
sick days, and holidays. If you become partner, you might have
an equity position in the company - that takes at least 7 years,
depending on the firm. Salaries in my area start at app.
$100,000. There are bonuses based on work and hours.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Be prepared to spend 1-2 years clerking after law school.
Recognize that reading and writing fill the bulk of most days;
if you don't like to read and write, this may not be the ideal
profession for you.
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