by Steven J. Butler

Created on: January 30, 2009   Last Updated: February 06, 2009

Having practiced as a Litigation Associate in large law firms for over seven years, I feel compelled to respond to this question as I might a similarly-worded interrogatory - the terms "lawyer" and "worth it" are simply too vague and ambiguous to compel a straightforward answer. If, however, you are considering pursuing a career as an attorney in the US, here are four points that you should seriously consider.

1. What do you really want to get out of becoming a lawyer? If your answer is the kind of money that comes from working at a major law firm (over $150,000 to start in most major markets in the US), understand that entry into those positions is typically limited to graduates from the top law schools and/or graduates at the very top (5-10%) of their class at "lower tier" institutions. While using academic pedigrees is arbitrary, unfair, and a sad remnant of what remains a conservative and "snobby" profession, it remains a reality. Also be aware that the high salaries for this lucky few come with extremely demanding and unforgiving work schedules. Minimum billable hour expectations at large law firms, whether by stated policy or not, are typically around 2,000 hours per year. This target does not include time worked on pro-bono matters, training, attention to non-billable firm marketing and related projects, and general administrative work around the office. The pay may be incredible, but the hours are rough - making the deal not as attractive on a "dollars per hour in the office" (or chained to your cell phone and blackberry) basis. The psychological and physical costs of this lifestyle are real and don't typically fit well alongside goals of having a happy life outside the office.

2. What are your professional goals? The days of the generalist lawyer are largely gone, and specialization is now the order of the day. There are as many different kinds of lawyers as you can possibly imagine - a fact that they don't really teach you in law school. Not all litigators are trial lawyers, for example. Not all corporate lawyers are going to be experts in mergers and acquisitions. "While collar" criminal lawyers probably won't know much about how to handle a simple DWI case. A talented divorce lawyer probably won't be able to help you with a real estate issue. An intellectual property licensing attorney won't be equipped to handle a labor and employment matter. If you have a true passion for one area of the law (if you're an electrical engineer who wants to be a patent

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