<p>Most people I know that are hired as associates at big law firms are in their 20s. I never tried to get into a big firm, so I don’t know whether this is due to discrimination by the firms or because older students might gravitate away from the long hours necessary to be an associate at a big firm. But law firms get a lot of applicants and are very judgmental, and I’m guessing that at least some firms will hold age against you.</p>
<p>But if you’re looking to work on your own as a solo attorney, age is probably an advantage. Clients probably see age as being the same as experience, so they will think it means you’re a good lawyer. But if you’re looking to get into a firm, it’s probably a bad thing.</p>