Law Office Dallas

This is kinda long but please read all and then answer…..thanks

I’m going to be a junior in a good university and I plan on going to law school afterward. I am an Econ and Poli Sci double major with a 3.6 GPA. (I still have to take my LSATs) I plan on doing something in corporate or financial law, particularly specializing in contracts.

And I know its true that if you go to a top law school and do relatively well your starting salary can be over $100k. But most of these huge firms tend to be located in VERY expensive areas (NY, LA, Chicago).

I was wondering—just in case I don’t get into those "top schools" (I’ll still try though), you can still get a great job right?

I was thinking about it and which starting salary is better

$150k in a HUGE NYC firm where it takes forever to get promoted (b/c there are so many top notch associates)

OR

maybe $80k in a MEDIUM sized law firm in Dallas where you will probably get promoted faster…….

Texas= Very low cost of living
NYC= Insanely high cost of living

You see where Im going with this? Is it sometimes better to make a little less if the cost of living is soooo much cheaper? (Dallas is something like 15 times cheaper than NYC I think)

What do you REALLY think is a better option……..this is why I wonder why law school students always talk about the HIGHEST SALARY…….when that usually isnt much when adjusted for the cost of living?

Just wanted some thoughts/advice…….Im being reasonable here right? Feel free to correct me if I made some incorrect assumptions.

Don’t go to law school. There are far too many lawyers already and everyone in law school is a prick. Go get your PhD in Psychology and work in a school. You get your summers off.

I have an interview for a large law firm in Dallas. I’ve never had a job before where there wasn’t a set starting salary. I’ve been told by the girl who got me the interview that there is some wiggle room when it comes to what I’d be paid per hour.

The last girl made $13.80 per hour but she was there 5 year.

I want to negotiate well and get the best amount possible but I want to be realistic. What do you think?

I was thinking about starting at $12 an hour if they ask me what I’d like to get paid, does that sound good?

Pursuant to salary.com a receptionist in the Dallas metro area makes between 25K to 32K a year. As such, that would be between $12.50 to $16.00 an hour. Depending on your experience and computer skills, I would start at least at the $12.50 range since large law firms are notoriously known for giving scaled raises.

I am looking for a law firm that will let me do some administrative work but without a check, just to like learn. I live in Arlington, want to possibly work n dallas or ft worth. Oh i would also do it for like a congressman or something in politics. Thanks!

yes, there are.