<p>I'm considering a career as a IP/patent attorney even while I progress through my undergraduate studies, but I'm a bit concerned about some things.</p>
<p>I'm African American/Black, and as I minority, I'm aware of the various prejudices and covert discrimination that exist in the post-education world. While being a minority may help me getting into a good law school (or hurt me), I'm not sure about what how applying for employment at a law firm will go. Will being black be a perpetual barrier to getting into a good law firm? Are law firms willing to diversify their firms with someone of a different race?</p>
<p>I'm aware of the various stereotypes of black out there in regard to intelligence, speaking ability, dress, etc. I'm now taking steps to handle these stereotypes by making sure I do well in school, am a competitive applicant for law school, taking courses to learn how to write well, study and execute a superior vocabulary (not there yet), and even enroll in Toast Masters to develop a superior speaking ability.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts on this? Does anyone have experience with such an issue as mine?</p>
<p>ok... i have a similar experiance like you have.. im hispanic and i live in miami florida.. people think that i wouldnt make it because of the area i come from. where u see alot of hispanics and blacks acting alike. yea some have class and some dont but people that doesnt live there and sees the bad in both racial ethnic sees it like that.. i went to school in north carolina (not saying the school and location) last year and when i went for an interview they told me i have a miami accent and i told accent or not i bet i could best in the class. they just laughed and looked at me like yea right ur not going to even make it.. i graduated with honors and since then they dont even look at me eye to eye.. u show them what u are and u know ur stuff then u know how good u are. then there going to bite there tongue.. trust me i shut them up really good... lol... good luck and let me know how it gets...</p>
<p>As a legal recruiter, I can tell you that being a minority will in no way impact your candidacy at major law firms. Most large law firms actively recruit minorities. The economy, however, will affect all recruitment - minorities will be affected just like everyone elst.</p>
<p>My wife is an African-American attorney; her sister is an African-American patent attorney who has never been unemployed. Their two siblings (who have MBAs) have done very well.</p>
<p>Continue on the path of becoming a well qualified attorney, and good things will come your way.</p>
<p>Just as the rest of the posters have told you, there are no obstacles that achieve you from reaching your dream.</p>
<p>Although you may not encounter overt racism or blatant discrimination, there will need to be an adjustment for any minority, especially African-Americans. It's never easy being the only one (or one of the only ones). And, unless you are accustomed to it, I think the greatest challenge is overcoming the stark reality that on a basic level nobody looks like you and that there is a high probability that some of your co-workers will harbor thoughts that are a bit prejudiced.</p>
<p>As an African-American male myself I advise you to stay focused on your path and most importantly be prepared, confident, and have a keen understanding of your race in society. I think doing those three things will ensure that you are able to handle anything that comes your way, race-based or not.</p>