Recent graduates with law degrees often feel like they are at an impasse when it comes to finding their first job out of school. With an average law school debt of over $100,000 it may seem like treading water to take a lower paying job than expected. So, as an attorney is it okay to take low paying contracting jobs in order to get experience? Let’s take a closer look at why you may or may not want to consider it.
- Supply and demand. Part of the reason that lower paying legal jobs exist is because people are willing to work lower paying legal jobs. While some people are upset that the demand is reducing the salaries of many otherwise well-paying jobs it does seem that there may be some benefits besides financial to take these opportunities.
- In house experience. Internships and education can only take you so far in your career. To get a second job you need to have a first job. Low paying attorney jobs can provide real life, in house experience that you can use on your resume moving forward. If you don’t want to commit to a long term job, work with a recruiter to take short term legal assignments.
- Money you keep. Of course, if your debt is high and you also have to pay your rent, grocery bills, and utilities it may seem like a stretch to accept a lower paying job. Consider it a means to work toward something bigger in the future. Any money is, in fact, better than no money and you can start to pay your student loans as well as work toward a higher paying job that can benefit you in the future.
- In the meantime. Not all low paying jobs have to stay low paying. Nor are you required to stay at a low paying job for an extended period of time. Getting one of these opportunities gives you a chance to work toward your future goal and you’ll be ready when a more profitable position comes along.
Are you looking for a legal job to get more experience? NRI is hiring for Law Firm Jobs in Washington DC so call today!
