In California or Texas? I live in Texas; however, I’m seriously thinking about law school and when I finish I’d like to live in California, having said that I know how expensive the cost of living is there and feel that I could perhaps make more money there as a criminal/family attorney. Texas is nice and cheap but it is also boring with nothing to really do except enjoy the country side and since I have small children it has become a problem keeping them entertained, besides it is really hard to break into Texas professionally if one is not from her originally.
family law is probably, unfortunately, becoming the more lucrative area of law mind you criminal law is also becoming popular.
family law is probably, unfortunately, becoming the more lucrative area of law mind you criminal law is also becoming popular.
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R
In a sole practice it is all about connections. I would suggest you practice where you know some people.
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It sounds as if your heart is not in Texas. California may not be as expensive as it used to be as there are many people open to share their homes not to have to lose them. This could be an option or even just an idea to begin with. California is broke so do not expect what used to be. As far i am know people that want to be separated are staying in the same home and living together separate to make end meet.
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have a aunt there.
1st off I am married to an lawyer (Indiana) who has been practicing law for over 40 years, 30 of them in a solo practice doing general law, which included family, criminal, social security etc.
Years ago, I was told that the law exam in CA is one of the hardest to pass.
Another consideration to consider is the cost to practice solo vs working for a law firm or a company. My husband was a partner in a law firm before going into solo practice and the reason is that he had built up clients and a reputation.
Then the most important consideration is the cost to run a business. He pays out $6,000 a month for his office, which includes his secretary, lease, utilities etc before he sees a dime. Now lets add on advertising, which my husband has never done since his practice has been from prior clients plus referrals from his clients on new business. Advertising can cost thousands per month to upwards of millions per year. I know you are thinking no way, but look in the phone book and most likely will see 10 or 20 pages of ads from lawyers. Call up the local phone provider and ask them how much would it cost to advertise?
You need to do some research and suggest you start with a firm/company and then decide if you want to go solo. You might want to call a solo lawyer in your locations and interview them of the pros/cons of doing this.
good luck
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California is alot more expensive – in everything – as opposed to Texas and the bar exam is much harder than most states, including TX. Family law is good in that most people get divorced in their lifetimes and will need that kind of attorney, but most people who don’t do well in law school or can’t get hired by a top firm because of not being in the top 5-10%, law review or a good enough school – end up in family law by default. You probably won’t know what kind of law you want to practice until you finish law school. It is good to intern or work part time for attorneys while in law school to get an idea of what you will want to do when you are licensed and the hands-on experience will help you in law school. You can do well in criminal or family law whether sole practioner or with a firm as long as you advertise well enough to get clients and do a good job. Advertising is key and it is VERY expensive!!!!