Aspiring plaintiffs' lawyers face unique challenges and opportunities. Here’s expert advice on how to break into this rewarding field.
1. Resist the Gravitational Pull of Biglaw The pressure to join Biglaw is immense, but plaintiffs' lawyer Deepak Gupta advises rejecting the received wisdom. Organizations like the National Plaintiffs' Law Association (NPLA) can help you resist by connecting you with like-minded peers.
2. Educate Yourself About Plaintiffs' Firms Plaintiffs' firms lack Biglaw's recruiting budgets, so take initiative. Reach out to lawyers you admire, and seek internships—even unpaid—to gain exposure. Bill Reid of Reid Collins & Tsai suggests working for multiple firms to see the actual practice of law.
3. Seek Opportunities to Be 'On Your Feet' Courtroom experience is crucial. Participate in clinics, try cases, and take on pro bono work. Jay Edelson of Edelson PC notes that Biglaw often limits speaking opportunities, but pro bono cases can provide them.
4. Feel Free to Bypass Biglaw Many top plaintiffs' firms now recruit directly from law school. Edelson says Biglaw experience can be counterproductive, as it may not develop trial skills. Insurance-defense firms, despite lower pay, often offer better hands-on training.
5. Be Willing to Take Risks Plaintiffs' work involves financial uncertainty, but compensation can match or exceed Biglaw with bonuses. More importantly, it offers meaningful work and the chance to seek justice. As Gupta says, "Why not choose something you'll enjoy?"
This article originally appeared on Bloomberg Law.
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