<p>Marny1 - I found this website via a google alert for “contract attorneys.” </p>
<p>Yes, I am finding that law school debt can become crippling. Most recent grads I talk to cite $100-$150K. My personal view is this - do not assume that law school ranking will equal a job at a big law firm with a big paycheck. It could, but that possibility is diminishing rapidly. Just within the last year, large law firm partners were complaining that they were “being held hostage” to rising associate salaries (starting around $160K) and within less than a year, the average starting salary for that class of law firms is already down to $145K, hiring is down dramatically, and there have been many layoffs.</p>
<p>Don’t go to law school unless you really love the law and are committed to it. If just want the prestige and money, there any many easier routes. However, if you want to be a lawyer, make sure you go to a good, solid school, study hard, but also make sure that you learn the business side of law. I believe those will be the successful lawyers in the long term.</p>
<p>Good luck in your decision-making!</p>