Finding Your Future Home – Tips for Narrowing Down Your Geographic Choices
Posted: 24 Jul 2018 09:00 PM PDT
The U.S. legal market is currently thriving in a way we haven’t seen in years, which means future legal professionals now have many options when it comes to where to practice after graduation. With so many opportunities and the millennial generation’s drive to try something new, how do you decide where you want to land? For many, it’s a simple decision to return to their home city, but for others, there’s much to consider.
In order to help you further narrow down the possibilities, we suggest reading the following blog post – Navigating the Recruiting Season – Be Where You Want to Be. Then, consider asking yourself the following questions to refine your options, or to confirm you are making a decision that is best for you.
Do you want to work in Big Law? Would you prefer a small or mid-sized firm?
- Different markets offer different options. Make sure you know and explore these options to figure out what is best for you.
Are there specific practice areas or industries in which you hope to work?
- For example, if you want to work in entertainment law, Los Angeles would offer more opportunity; D.C. for government work; Texas for oil & gas.
What is the city economy like? Does your city of choice support your long term financial goals?
- Think about the affordability of the city and the average cost of living. If your goal is to purchase a house within the next few years, make sure the housing market is affordable and in line with your career plans.
What is the culture of the city or market?
- Lawyer-life can be busy, so it is important to take time for yourself and spend time enjoying your interests. If you crave a city with a top-notch art scene, make sure you land in a city that offers this for you. Love the great outdoors? Consider Los Angeles so you can get your morning run at Runyon Canyon.
Are you close to any family or friends?
- If not, do you have easy access to a mode of transportation that can get you to your close family or friends? If this is important to you, make sure that you can be in a position to see them! Otherwise, you’ll likely spend all of your vacation and free time shuttling back and forth.
What is the climate like?
- Can you handle the cold? If not, Chicago and New York are likely not the best choices for you. Do you enjoy warmer climates? Cities in the southeast offer sophisticated and growing legal markets that don’t require any snow-shoveling in the winter.
Does the legal market offer career opportunities outside of the law firm?
- Whether your goals are to become a partner, move to an in-house position, transition to government or run a non-profit, you need to be in a spot that allows you to grow your career and goals.
And, the biggest question – What does your future look like in the city?
- Think about your long term goals, what you want your life to be, and spend some time making a wish-list. Compare this information to the details you gather through your research and you are likely to find one or more options best suited for you.
Finding the right market for you can take some work, but landing in a spot that supports your personal career goals and interests is well worth the time and effort.