That First Job Practicing Law - What If Law Graduates in 2025 and Beyond Can't Land It?

 Historically market-savvy law students recognized the difficulty landing that first real job practicing law. So, they hustled, despite the demands of their studies, to round up part-time jobs and internships while still in school. That provided not only experience but contacts.

Recently that search has gotten more difficult. The federal government has rescinded internships and entry-level jobs. The NALP predicts a downturn in hiring new lawyers. Despite the expected uptick in dealmaking, there's projected by Reuters an overall decline in demand. During December 2024 the Bureau of Labor Statistics found a loss of over a 1,000 jobs.

Meanwhile, all the robust hiring of new graduates during 2024 by highly profitable firms such as Kirkland & Ellis and Paul Weiss does not mean much. Inexperienced associates add little value. Some clients don't want them on accounts.

If those new hires don't pick up fast how to attract work and how to do it the way partners mandate they may be on short time. If there are fewer jobs out there they may, as in 2008 - 2009, have nowhere to land. That is, if they want to remain in the legal sector. Back then when career coaching I guided those unemployed lawyers to career paths in which they could leverage their education and skills.

Overall, the landscape for white collar employment - and not only for young lawyers - is darkening. 

Low on hope about finding, holding, or moving on to better work?  Getting that back is the first step. Then you and I, as your career coach, move on to diagnosing what's in the way, trying out the solutions and creating the communications you need. Free consultation. No pressure. After that, fees custom-made for your budget. Please contact for an appointment Jane Genova (text/phone 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).