<p>I graduated from law school way back in 1986, and had given up my license by the mid-1990s to raise my children. Now that we need college tuition money in the worst way, I'm thinking of taking the bar in my current home state either this summer or February 2009. But I'm wondering what the private legal practice job market is like now. I was Order of the Coif and Law Review back in the day, and worked four years for two prominent corporate firms, but I'm middle-aged now, so I may not be the most employable candidate. Are firms hiring? In what practice areas?</p>
<p>Law firms have begun to feel the effects of recession. Of course, real estate has taken quite the hit in our economy (all types of real estate, not just residential), so real estate law is suffering. Litigation areas may have work, but many clients cannot afford to pay. Business (corporate) has obviously slowed. Many large law firms have begun to have lay-offs. Many have been asking equity partners to contribute money back to the firms just to keep the firms afloat. Billable hours are down for all. Bankruptcy law is alive but there again, is dependant on the client's ability to pay. It will be an interesting year for law firms!</p>
<p>Not good, this is an unfortunate time to be returning to work. Now if your specialty is bankruptcy you will find work.</p>
<p>Here's a recent article from the NYT:</p>