I’m an attorney, and I generally work about 8-5. We have an 1800 billable requirement, which is pretty average and definitely doable. I do transactional stuff - tried litigation and hated it. You can make 230K a year and have no life (btw - where? Top first years in Denver are only 160K), or you can make 100K a year and not be divorced or dead of a heart attack at 40. It’s a personal choice we all make.
I agree re: potential stigma of coming back to practice after being a cop. However, I think if you were a sole practitioner, you could have a good life defending people without worrying about the stigma. It all depends on what kind of law you want to practice. If you want to come back and practice IP or white collar at some 600 lawyer firm, good luck…if you want to do domestic/immigration/injury/criminal at a small GP firm, there won’t be the stigma.
Once you get into practicing, you will probably not jump out. It gets comfortable.
I have a classmate who is FBI/law enforcement online. He loves it, but I would really hate the “live where we tell you” aspect.
I think you’ve already made your decision. Good luck.
One other thought - where have you taken the bar? If you are moving to CA, and have already taken the NE bar, I would say become a cop! I’ve heard the CA bar is awful.
[quote]pushmepullme wrote:
One other thought - where have you taken the bar? If you are moving to CA, and have already taken the NE bar, I would say become a cop! I’ve heard the CA bar is awful.[/quote]
I think you’re right about the stigma aspect. Probably a bigger deal at the larger firms. I arrived at the $230k figure by taking my clerkship experience into account. Most of the firms I’ve looked at pay $50k for one year of clerking and $70k for two years. Plus, as a former judicial clerk I wouldn’t be considered a true first-year associate.
Fortunately, I took (and passed) the bar in CA last July. And yes, it was awful. (Though my best friend from law school took the CO bar, and it doesn’t sound like much fun, either.)
I would gladly trade money for less work. If I am not going to be madly in love with the work I’m doing, I would at least need to have more time for myself.
[quote]LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:
Who in the real world gets to steal from its customers a paycheck, carry a gun, enforce ridiculous laws, and then be called a hero for it?
And yet racketeering is illegal…[/quote]
I hope you’re kidding. Either way, this post is not very helpful.
[quote]LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:
Who in the real world gets to steal from its customers a paycheck, carry a gun, enforce ridiculous laws, and then be called a hero for it?
I’m thinking about becoming a police officer as well, for some of the same reasons as you. I’m not a desk jockey, I can’t sit at a desk all day and just… exist.
If you’re an honest guy, I say go for it. I’m sure your experience in law will help you move along.
[quote]bunny7568 wrote:
LIFTICVSMAXIMVS wrote:
Who in the real world gets to steal from its customers a paycheck, carry a gun, enforce ridiculous laws, and then be called a hero for it?
And yet racketeering is illegal…[/quote]
+1
only because no one listens…
in all seriousness, I have friends that are on the force and they are getting out as soon as they can because of the generally unethical behavior that is so rampant among their peers.
If you want to, I agree that the background in law would probably make you a better cop. That said, I have heard that it is mostly boredom with a little excitement.
Man I would say find a better area in law that doesn’t make you feel so miserable.
I have respect for regular street cops, yet if I did choose to work in a field I would probably work in Border Patrol or DEA. That’s where all the excitement is. Drugs and illegal firearm dealers are rampant and it’s something that’s not going to go away unfortunately.
I’m the son of a police officer so I have a mildly different view.
Yes, It’s an incredibly rewarding job at times, but
on a day to day basis most of the people you come into contact with really don’t want to see you, and show you little to no respect. You are around people who are the worst of the worst everyday and if you’re not careful it will rub off on you. My dad says the worst part about his job is dealing with the same shitheads day in and day out because our justice system is over worked and incredibly flawed.
Police Officers have a very high spousal/child abuse rate. The stress is so high that alot can’t leave it at work. I’ve seen alot of my fathers fellow officers treat there family like shit. The best Officers I have seen have something else that they love that they can put there energy into when not at work. Another negative about being a police officer is it has a huge impact on your children. Cops kids usually end up one or two ways: either a fuck up or end up just like that parent. Too many times have I seen friends take the wrong path because they wan’t attention or are rebeling against there cop parent.
My dad absolutely loves his job and would never think about doing anything else. Its is absolutely gratifying for him. And there are very few professions where you can feel like your making an actual difference in the world. Alot of people really are thankful for what they do. My dad has saved many many lives. He once delivered a baby… I’m not sure of the exact circumstances… But that was about 15 years ago and that family still sends pictures and updates on his “other daughter”
I’m sure there are many many other positives that I’m forgetting, that the other officers will be able to clue you in a little better than I. You seem like you have already chosen, and if you have children one day I’m sure they will be as proud of you as I am of my father. I too will probably join the ranks of the blue brotherhood as soon as I’m out of the Military. Good luck with whatever you choose, and if you have any further questions feel free to PM me.
I am also considering a career in law enforcement upon finishing my Masters and this thread has provided a great deal of insight into the decision-making process.
Personally, I am torn between pursuing a career with a Federal agency or simply just a local department as a Constable. The idea that I will have virtually no input as to where I will live/work (at least for the first 3-5 yrs.)is a turn-off of going to the fed. level.
Anyways, good luck to the OP and thanks again to everyone for their input!
pros:
women like cops
good salary
overtime
benefits etc.
holidays for heroes
cons:
dangerous
easily sued
disrespect from the general public
shift work
you have to go in on your days off to finish paperwork, or go to court
promotions are political