Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

ElderberrySingle2833 OP t1_iwbe5wo wrote

Reply to comment by Guygan in Moving Soon from Alabama any advice? by ElderberrySingle2833

I understand client base would be problematic if I was independent but I plan to either work with a firm or work with the the state. Either way I expect it to be a uphill fight but where I currently live the area is oversaturated with Lawyers so I feel like I'd have a better go at somewhere completely new as a fresh face.

2

Guygan t1_iwbfrvy wrote

> work with a firm

You’ll still need to develop a client base.

If you have a strong southern accent, you will have a VERY difficult time getting hired unless you’re top of your class, law review, etc. or unless you’re Atticus fucking Finch.

5

ElderberrySingle2833 OP t1_iwbga1j wrote

I agree with you on the client base my accent is strong but I understand the stigma surrounding it. If my aspirations to be attorney/lawyer couldn't be achieved what's the likely hood of landing a job as a paralegal?

1

Guygan t1_iwbge15 wrote

> what’s the likely hood of landing a job as a paralegal?

Probably much better.

4

ElderberrySingle2833 OP t1_iwbgs9h wrote

Ok I can work with that. Thank you I'm still weighing the pros and cons of my degree and the chances of being a fairly successful attorney in the state. I know being from out of state and also being from the south lowers my chances by a good margin but I hope to overcome that.

2

Guygan t1_iwbmk0v wrote

I came to Maine as a lawyer from Massachusetts and it was still an uphill battle to get hired with law review and top 1% grades.

3

ElderberrySingle2833 OP t1_iwbn010 wrote

But you where still able to make it? If trying to work as Attorney fails there what are some states that you personally would recommend? I'm open to uprooting and moving anywhere (exceptions being: California and Alabama)

2

Guygan t1_iwbnjtz wrote

Yes, but it turns out I just wasn’t very good at being a lawyer lol.

1

IamSauerKraut t1_iwcvzp7 wrote

"work as Attorney"

Too broad.

Narrow the areas of the law you will practice in. An area you currently are not interested in may be the area you practice in simply because that is where the need rests.

Maine does not have a huge amount of large industry, ie, "large business clients," and those that are here are tied up by the bigger firms. You might consider criminal defense (DUI galore), family law, estates & trusts (wills), personal injury (MVA's) or learning the insurance coverage game. It could take a while to become established. Be patient. If you are prone to give up easily, stay south of Maryland.

0

IamSauerKraut t1_iwcuxa5 wrote

It's not that dire.

Very few fresh out of law school have a client base. Or any clients for that matter. Learn the law, do some internships or clerkships, pass the bar, get to work.

1

IamSauerKraut t1_iwcuo5t wrote

Study law in Maine so you can pass the bar to practice Maine law. That stuff they teach down south will not help you up here.

1