AboutEvelyn R. Calvoni Expertise I can answer questions about law school and the process of applying to law school. I recently graduated in May 2008, so it's all fresh in my mind. I can answer questions about how to apply to law school, the LSAT, getting letters of recommendation, writing your personal statement, etc. I can also answer questions about what life is like during law school and the different opportunities students should take advantage of during their law school experience, i.e., law review, networking events, moot court, clinics, internships, what classes to take, etc. I can also answer questions about what it's like to look for a job, what are good jobs to get right out of law school, and general questions about writing cover letters and resumes. I can also answer questions about judicial clerkships after law school.
Experience I am a recent law school graduate (May 2008). I have been through the process and have taken advantage of many different opportunities throughout my three years in law school. I've done internships, a clinic, been on law review, been on moot court, and participated in several moot court competitions. I am currently clerking for a state Court of Appeals judge.
Education/Credentials I have a BA in Political Science.
Question As someone just recently through the law school process, what are some of the popular areas of law that people are chasing? I guess what I'm trying to ask is what are the most lucrative sectors of the field. I'm not certain what area I'd like to go into, but I am pretty sure practicing law is something I'd like to do because it is like no other field in my opinion. I like the aspects of representation, procedure, research, and providing a valuable service to clients. How would you advise someone on how to settle on a practice area of particular interest?
Answer Hi Paul,
Sorry it took me a few days to get back to you. I've been moving from Denver to Phoenix and trying to get settled.
The most lucrative areas tend to be in the private sector, of course. Corporate law tends to be very lucrative (from what I’ve heard). But I do think that any area can be lucrative if you’re good at it and find your own niche. There are several things you can do to figure out what area you like the most. Make sure you take as many classes as you can in law school that interest you. It will give you a chance to learn a little bit about each area of law in which you take a class, and that will give you an idea as to whether you like it or not. Take advantage of clinics; the practical experience is great and it will also let you get your feet wet in whatever area you choose to do your clinic. Also, try to get internships and jobs during the summer and even during your second and third years. Internships and jobs are the best ways to figure out what you like because you’re actually doing. (Clinics are in this category as well.) From what I’ve heard, you don’t really need to settle on one area of the law immediately upon graduation. I just graduated, and I still don’t know what I’m doing! I think if you just try to experience as much as you can, you’ll have somewhat of an idea as to what you want to do. For example, I don’t know in which area I want to practice, but I know I want to do litigation.
If you enjoy research and writing, you might want to look into appellate work. If you enjoy being in front of a judge in a courtroom, you should consider trial work. So take trial and appellate classes in law school. That will help, too. I would recommend you take as many classes as you can and take internships as much as you can. Just try to get your feet wet and learn as much as you can. It’ll come to you eventually.
Good luck! Please let me know if you have any more questions.
