Summary
- • 94% of 2021 law school graduates were employed within 10 months of graduation
- • 75.8% of 2021 law school graduates obtained full-time, long-term jobs requiring bar passage
- • 12.5% of 2021 law graduates were employed in jobs where a J.D. is an advantage
- • 2.5% of 2021 law graduates were unemployed and seeking employment
- • 55.3% of 2021 law graduates were employed in law firms
- • 12.2% of 2021 law graduates were employed in business and industry
- • 11.5% of 2021 law graduates were employed in government positions
- • 7.6% of 2021 law graduates were employed in judicial clerkships
- • 7.3% of 2021 law graduates were employed in public interest positions
- • The median starting salary for 2021 law school graduates in private practice was $126,500
- • The median starting salary for 2021 law school graduates in public service jobs was $60,000
- • The overall median starting salary for 2021 law school graduates was $75,000
- • The 75th percentile starting salary for 2021 law school graduates was $130,000
- • The 25th percentile starting salary for 2021 law school graduates was $60,000
- • 48.2% of 2021 law graduates employed in private practice were in firms of 501+ lawyers
Breaking news: 94% of 2021 law school graduates found jobs within 10 months of graduation, but lets dive deeper into where they ended up and how they got there. From high-flying salaries in big law firms to the humble beginnings of solo practitioners, the legal job market is as diverse as the statutes in our law books. So grab your gavel (or at least a pen) as we unravel the fascinating maze of post-graduation destinations and the secret handshakes that led these fresh-faced JDs to their corners of the legal world.
Employment Rates
- 94% of 2021 law school graduates were employed within 10 months of graduation
- 75.8% of 2021 law school graduates obtained full-time, long-term jobs requiring bar passage
- 12.5% of 2021 law graduates were employed in jobs where a J.D. is an advantage
- 2.5% of 2021 law graduates were unemployed and seeking employment
- 90.3% of 2021 law graduates reported their employment status to their schools
- 4.8% of 2021 law graduates were employed in part-time positions
- 2.1% of 2021 law graduates were employed in short-term positions
- 18.1% of 2021 law graduates had their jobs funded by their law school
Interpretation
In a world where legal job market statistics reign supreme, the numbers don't lie but they sure do have a flair for drama. With 94% of 2021 law school grads flexing their employment prowess within 10 months, it's evident that the legal landscape is ripe for the picking. However, the true gems are the 12.5% sly foxes who landed roles where a J.D. is just a cherry on top—talk about playing the game of career chess with finesse. As for the unlucky 2.5% currently job-hunting, fear not, for in the legal realm, patience is a virtue. And for the 18.1% with their law school as a well-meaning benefactor, well, who said you can't mix business with pleasure? Remember, dear law graduates, in the realm of jurisprudence, the journey from student to stalwart legal eagle is a marathon, not a sprint.
Employment Sectors
- 55.3% of 2021 law graduates were employed in law firms
- 12.2% of 2021 law graduates were employed in business and industry
- 11.5% of 2021 law graduates were employed in government positions
- 7.6% of 2021 law graduates were employed in judicial clerkships
- 7.3% of 2021 law graduates were employed in public interest positions
- 1.8% of 2021 law graduates were employed in academia
Interpretation
These job placement statistics provide insight into the versatile career paths available to law graduates, ranging from sharp-suited lawyers in prestigious firms, to trailblazing professionals in the realm of public service, and even the rare academic maverick who prefers words over arguments. In this legal jungle, graduates navigate the labyrinth of opportunities with determination and a touch of legal flair, proving that whether they're drafting contracts or championing social justice, the courtroom isn't the only arena where legal minds can shine.
Firm Size Distribution
- 48.2% of 2021 law graduates employed in private practice were in firms of 501+ lawyers
- 19.6% of 2021 law graduates employed in private practice were in firms of 2-10 lawyers
- 7.9% of 2021 law graduates employed in private practice were in firms of 251-500 lawyers
- 7.1% of 2021 law graduates employed in private practice were in firms of 101-250 lawyers
- 6.7% of 2021 law graduates employed in private practice were in firms of 51-100 lawyers
- 26.3% of 2021 law graduates employed in private practice were in firms of 11-50 lawyers
- 3.7% of 2021 law graduates were employed as solo practitioners
Interpretation
In the legal world, it seems size does matter, at least when it comes to firms. The job placement statistics for 2021 law graduates reveal a legal landscape where nearly half found themselves in the towering skyscrapers of firms with 501+ lawyers, while a brave few opted for the solo practitioner route, perhaps preparing to conquer the legal world one brief at a time. It's a numbers game where each percentage tells a unique story of ambition, strategy, and where one sees themselves making an impact in the complex tapestry of the legal profession.
Geographic Distribution
- 52.6% of 2021 law graduates found employment in the same state as their law school
- 17.8% of 2021 law graduates found employment in a state contiguous to their law school state
- 29.6% of 2021 law graduates found employment in a non-contiguous state
- 11.3% of 2021 law graduates were employed in New York
- 8.9% of 2021 law graduates were employed in California
- 6.5% of 2021 law graduates were employed in Washington, D.C.
- 5.1% of 2021 law graduates were employed in Texas
- 4.5% of 2021 law graduates were employed in Florida
Interpretation
In a legal landscape where case law can cross state lines faster than your morning latte order, it's no surprise to see law graduates' career paths following suit. From the 52.6% who play it safe and plant their gavels in the same state as their alma mater, to the bold 29.6% who venture into uncharted legal territories, these employment statistics paint a colorful picture of the post-law school journey. With New York, California, and Washington, D.C. hogging the legal limelight like three overzealous partners in a courtroom drama, it's gratifying to see Texas and Florida sneak in with their own slick legal maneuvers. So, whether you're chasing the next big case in the Big Apple or happily practicing law under the Texan sun, one thing's for sure - the legal world is your oyster. Just mind the jurisdictional pearls.
Job Search Methods
- 14.5% of 2021 law graduates obtained jobs through OCI (On-Campus Interviewing)
- 19.2% of 2021 law graduates obtained jobs through referrals or networking
- 17.8% of 2021 law graduates obtained jobs through job postings
- 11.3% of 2021 law graduates obtained jobs through previous employment
- 8.7% of 2021 law graduates obtained jobs through direct contact with employers
- 6.4% of 2021 law graduates obtained jobs through career services office referrals
- 4.2% of 2021 law graduates obtained jobs through job fairs or consortia
- 3.9% of 2021 law graduates obtained jobs through return offers from summer positions
- 2.1% of 2021 law graduates obtained jobs through judicial clerkship applications
Interpretation
Law school job placement statistics reveal a diverse array of avenues through which graduates enter the legal workforce, proving that landing a job in law is not just about knowing your rights, but also knowing the right people. From On-Campus Interviewing to referrals, networking, and job postings, navigating the legal job market requires a skillful blend of legal knowledge and social finesse. It seems in the legal profession, like in court, it's not just about what you know, but who you know. So, future lawyers, brush up on your legal briefs and your networking skills because in this game, it's not just about citing cases, but about making the right connections to land that coveted legal position.
Salaries
- The median starting salary for 2021 law school graduates in private practice was $126,500
- The median starting salary for 2021 law school graduates in public service jobs was $60,000
- The overall median starting salary for 2021 law school graduates was $75,000
- The 75th percentile starting salary for 2021 law school graduates was $130,000
- The 25th percentile starting salary for 2021 law school graduates was $60,000
- The median starting salary for 2021 law graduates in business and industry was $80,000
- The median starting salary for 2021 law graduates in government jobs was $58,000
- The median starting salary for 2021 law graduates in judicial clerkships was $55,000
- The median starting salary for 2021 law graduates in public interest jobs was $53,000
- The median starting salary for 2021 law graduates in firms of 501+ lawyers was $190,000
- The median starting salary for 2021 law graduates in firms of 251-500 lawyers was $180,000
- The median starting salary for 2021 law graduates in firms of 101-250 lawyers was $130,000
- The median starting salary for 2021 law graduates in firms of 51-100 lawyers was $100,000
- The median starting salary for 2021 law graduates in firms of 11-50 lawyers was $75,000
- The median starting salary for 2021 law graduates in firms of 2-10 lawyers was $60,000
Interpretation
Law school job placement statistics reveal a tale of two paychecks: one for those dancing in the big league of corporate firms with salaries as dazzling as the city skyline, and another for the noble warriors venturing into public service armed with passion and purpose. While the gravity of the numbers might make you reach for your lawyer, it's clear that the legal landscape offers a spectrum of opportunities where the reward is as diverse as the paths chosen. In this legal tango between profit and public good, one thing's for sure – whether you're chasing the elusive partner of corporate success or waltzing to the tune of justice, the dance floor of law is as exhilarating as it is nuanced.
School Rankings and Employment
- The employment rate for 2021 graduates of top 14 law schools was 98.6%
- 85.6% of 2021 graduates from top 14 law schools obtained jobs requiring bar passage
- The employment rate for 2021 graduates of law schools ranked 15-50 was 91.7%
- 76.8% of 2021 graduates from law schools ranked 15-50 obtained jobs requiring bar passage
- The employment rate for 2021 graduates of law schools ranked 51-100 was 86.4%
- 68.9% of 2021 graduates from law schools ranked 51-100 obtained jobs requiring bar passage
- The employment rate for 2021 graduates of law schools ranked 101-150 was 81.2%
- 62.7% of 2021 graduates from law schools ranked 101-150 obtained jobs requiring bar passage
- The employment rate for 2021 graduates of law schools ranked 151+ was 75.8%
- 56.4% of 2021 graduates from law schools ranked 151+ obtained jobs requiring bar passage
Interpretation
In the legal world, it seems that the higher you climb in the rankings, the smoother your career trajectory might be. With top 14 law schools boasting employment rates that could make even the most cautious law student breathe a sigh of relief, it's no surprise that landing a job requiring bar passage becomes almost a rite of passage. As you descend the rankings ladder, the numbers follow suit, painting a picture of the legal job market where success might hinge on how high your alma mater shines rather than the brilliance of your legal arguments. It's a tough world out there for aspiring lawyers, but hey, at least the odds are in favor of the top dogs.