America's Greatest Places to Work with a Law Degree

I read this book before I went to law school and during my recruiting season, and found it to be a very helpful and comprehensive resource. The book discusses many different employers, ranging from law firms, companies, clerkships, government jobs (including some agencies that people may not be aware of), small firms, public interest jobs, trade associations and law school administration jobs. Most of the companies/firms, etc. listed contain a brief factual description of the workplace, comments by lawyers and a description of the workplace environment. There is also advice on how to obtain some of the more unusual positions. Although I usually do not like to comment on reviews written by other people, there are a few things written about this book that I believe are unfair to the author. First of all, yes some of the salary numbers and hiring numbers are out of date - this is to be expected when these numbers change yearly. That information is easily found on the internet. Second, please do not let people's political agendas distract you from a wonderful resource. The DOJ is still a great place to work in terms of legal jobs - any lawyer who wants a job where they only take on cases they fully support will probably be disappointed in the profession. Next, Ms. Walton made a strong effort to find firms all around the country to profile - she explicitly says that she could not find many NYC firms that fit her criteria (and to the person who complained about the ethics of Texas firms - you might want to check out the ethics of NYC firms!). Finally, Ms. Walton's point about the foreign service is not that it is the "best job" for lawyers wanting to work internationally, but rather one that many law students don't consider. She specifically recognizes the fact that American law students can work outside the U.S. in law firms, but mentions the Foreign Service as another excellent option (and it is absolutely true that many students who say they want to practice "international law" discover that they don't really like "international business law" in a firm). Finally, having worked at CEELI just two summers ago, I can verify that their expansion into nations other than Eastern Europe and the NIS states is very recent and therefore could not have been published in the book when it went to press. Again, the book was meant to be used as a resource and jumping-off point, and updated information can easily be found on the internet.I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of entering law school, in law school, or practicing law. It is an excellent career resource and may open your eyes to possibilities you did not realize were out there.

I am a lawyer four years out of school and very happy with my job. But I could not put this book down! I used the firm profiles, which are chock full of insider information, as benchmarks for my own experience. And the back of the book has more than 130 tips on how to be a great employee at any job. I highly recommend this book.

Kimm's book was a great start to looking at and understanding law careers. She really puts a personal touch on the book, making it easy to read and understandable. If you're looking fr a quality book to get you pointed in the right direction, here it is.

My only regret concerning my purchase of this book was that it was published after I graduated. Walton provides a very thorough review of what you can really do with that law degree, including opportunities you may not have known existed. Walton's tongue in cheek approach is a relief from traditional employment manuals. After reading this book, I've left private practice and am an attorney with the Department of Justice. Had I not read this book, I would have never given the DOJ anything so much as a nod, but I think I've finally found my niche!

As a former librarian and book editor, and now as a lawyer and law school administrator, I was immediately impressed with the organization and comprehensiveness of this book. It is an invaluable tool for anyone with, or earning, a law degree, both within as well as outside the legal job marketplace. Loaded with information, wisdom, and references to other sources, it provides honest insights served up with an insider's style and wit. Thank you Ms. Walton!