you have at least 2 more summers to do internships, youve got tons of work ahead of you so you should take this summer off to have fun. lawyer life cant be that bad considering my lawyer friends be IMing me on AIM everyday non-stop, dosnt seem to be too busy to me. good luck

 

I can assure you that's how it is. I'm working in D.C.'s third largest firm, tenth largest in the country.

 

if you want a high flying firm job, your best bet is to clerk for the best judge you can during the first summer of law school. they're unpaid positions, but VERY highly respected and will help you land a good firm job. honestly though, i hate to say it but if you don't attend a top 15 law school you will have a tough time getting into a top firm.

also, it's 160k in NYC for the top law schools (just bumped up last fall). SF also bumped up their rates a bit to stay competitive with NYC. and yes, your first 2-3 yrs they will work you like a dog. approaching 90-100 hours will not be unusual.

all these reasons are keeping my fiance from wanting to work @ a big firm. (she's at a top 10 school) money's not everything. doesn't hurt that i'm making decent money either so there's less pressure on her she's not interested in the type of law typically practiced by high end firms. instead she's focused on more public service type law, like labor issues, etc.

since the job satisfaction rate among lawyers is very low, i'd suggest spending your time figuring out what area of law you're interested in most first. the money will come if you're good at what you do. it's much easier to be good at what you do if you like it.

btw congrats on getting an early start on these things in life. it's good but also take time to enjoy yourself. i was in a similar position, finishing school young. i decided to take it a little slow when i decided on grad school.

 

i've never heard of a first year associate making 200k. I have though known attorney's that have left for other jobs after 1 or two years practicing, that received more than a 50% increase. It all depends on what you want to do with your degree and what kind of law you wish to practice. I'd say never stop researching and thinking on this topic. I would WORK and have fun this summer. Most law schools don't allow first year students to work while in school. I've heard of some schools expelling students for this.

 

I had a kid working for me who graduated from Virgina Tech. He was offered 150K first year (5 years ago), but chose to take a position at Stadely Ronin in Philly (Commercial law) for 100K and less hours. I'll always remember what he said to me when I asked him why.
His reponse was interesting. He said he was more interested in a better quality of life and didn't want to burn out. He said I taught him that.
But know he makes a pretty penny, not sure what, but he has atleast tripled his income.
What's the point of 80-100 weeks if you can't enjoy your life. Give it time and you will make the money.

 

dude, why not just take this summer off, and just have fun. It will be a while before you can really let loose and enjoy yourself. If you do happen to do an internship, get one that might be part time (3 days/wk) or something. Seriously, go enjoy yourself, before you take on the big stuff.