Labor's Occupational Outlook says lawyer jobs will grow faster than average. Lawyers? Really? Well, anecdotal evidence proves nothing but we here in Southern New Mexico could absorb a good few young new lawyers. Pay has gone up startlingly even in the public sector which hasn't had much trouble recruiting until the last few years. So, okay, maybe the imbalances of the past are working themselves out. Something like 13 ABA schools have closed in the last ten years after all. And lots of folks like me are retiring. Maybe so. Maybe so. Comments?
There is a national shortage of attorneys, particularly in rural areas. This shortage is expected to worsen in the coming years because large numbers of lawyers are expected to retire and fewer people are entering the legal profession. But also job satisfaction, how many want to depart the profession? What is the reason? Are workload/work-life balance, adverse impact on mental health, and harassment —being cited by those thinking about departing from the profession altogether? Legal employers have to consider expediting long-term investments in their talent in order to attract new entrants into the profession and retain existing ones. Toxic work environments are another major reason why young lawyers leave, some are experiencing barriers to progression, which is a serious driver for those working in corporate law departments that offer better work hours to the law firms, but long term prospects are weak due to weaker opportunities to progress, so lack of career progression is a key concern for longer term retention. While financial success is important, well-being and lifestyle, especially among younger layers, should be included in rewards.
San Joaquin College of Law is one of the surviving CalBar accredited schools not affiliated with a college or university. university. Their website refers to a severe shortage of lawyers in the Central Valley. It also touts the school's really remarkable Bar pass rates for several recent years. D/L enthusiasts take note: the school now offers an online J.D.