Deferral Year Brings Fulfilling Surprise to Many Associates

Sometimes a complete change of direction can bring about an epiphany. Many new lawyers suffered the recession when they saw their firm employment offers evolve into deferments of employment. However, some have turned lemons into lemonade, and in doing so, have found a career they might never have considered.

When the recession hit in October 2008, many firms had already make offers to summer associates then had to re-evaluate due to the business downturn.   In an attempt to hold onto good prospects, some firms offered a stipend to the associates-in-waiting and allowed them to take on public interest and pro bono work during their gap time. Others cultivated an interest in public service as a way to stay involved during their employment delay.

As the deferral year ends, some associates are surprised to find themselves reconsidering their career goals, according to the New York Times.  Despite a gap in pay between public and private work, many of these lawyers are now choosing to stay in public service when their job deferment ends. In lieu of a more lucrative firm career, they have found success and fulfilment working for the public and have decided to make a career out of what began as a mere placeholder.

Source:

NYTimes.com, Young Lawyers Turn to Public Service (8/19/2010), available at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/20/us/20defer.html?_r=1&ref=law_schools