Attorney / Lawyer Reviews - Page 8

Litigation may be high stakes, but it rarely helps anyone. If you are looking for a career where you make a real difference in the world, this is not it. You will build your skill set, and you might be paid well. But if you are looking to make a difference or do something truly meaningful, look elsewhere. If you want to travel, litigation will help you do that -- but it will be within the U.S. And you will see the airport, hotel room and conference room.

Work for the Government, join the military or some other not for profit to start out. The military provides excellent litigation training, and in particular, the Army and Air Force provide training in Government contracts and environmental law. Other Government agencies have good internship programs that typically lead to a job at the GS-13 (about $121K/yr) for a Government job.

Be flexible. Be prepared for temporary periods of unemployment and underemployment if you do document review. Also check to see what your state's overtime rules are and if you are considered exempt, or not, from those rules. Some agencies won't pay OT until you've worked 48 hours/week. Register with several agencies. Don't jump ship unless necessary, or you may not be 're-hired. Most agencies have 6-month non-competition agreements with each other. Be prepared to work for long stretches on a computer, in a crowded environment. Self-motivation and regulation is a must!