Predicting the Job Market

Everybody wants to predict the future, especially when it comes to what they should be doing for a living.  Practicing law is full of possibilities, but how do we know which areas of practice we should look into?  There are many areas of law that are consistent in job growth, and we should know about them.  We should also consider the area(s) of law in which we are most interested, and whether we prefer litigation or transactional work.  Several other variables come into play, such as solo practice versus big law practice. Your lifestyle in a large city is very different from a rural type of practice.  We should use our research skills to learn about the market where we want to practice.

The Job Outlook for lawyers in general projects employment to go from 759,800 positions in 2012 to 834,700 in 2022, generating an increase in jobs of about 10%.

Lawyers

Percent change in employment, projected 2012-22

Total, all occupations

11%

Legal occupations

11%

Lawyers

10%

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Some experts recommend specializations such as:

• Criminal Defense
• Employment Law
• Family Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Securities Law
• Special Education Law

Other experts emphasize other areas of law.  One thing is for certain.  No matter what area of law you choose to pursue, you must work, and work hard, to obtain it.  A good work ethic is a habit, one that all of us can develop. Take it one step at a time.  Research who you want to be and what you want to practice.  Then, go after it with all you have.  It is not talent, beauty or intelligence that will carry you through the finish line.  It is Perseverance!