• Overview
• J.D. Students
  • Alumni Across the U.S.: An Interactive Map
  • Where Graduates Work
  • Employment Stats
    • Class of 2011
    • Class of 2010
  • Career Advising and Resources
    • Meet CDO Staff
  • Events
  • Recruiting Programs
  • Connecting with Alumni
• LL.M. Students
  • Where Graduates Work
  • Professional Development and Resources
  • Events
  • Recruiting Programs

 

Employment Stats: A New Legal Market

At BU Law, we recognize that each student is unique and that there are many paths to a satisfying legal career. We also understand that pursuing a law degree is a big decision, and we hope that if you choose to do so, you will take a serious look at what BU Law offers students to achieve their career goals. You have heard the analogy that a legal career is a marathon, not a sprint. This is true. A career in law is a dynamic one, and today’s attorneys use their skills to move among a variety of rewarding positions throughout their lives. Graduates increasingly change jobs, and even careers, several times as their interests and experiences change. BU Law students are more prepared than ever to hit the ground running at the onset of their careers and to seize opportunities to move up the ladder throughout their lives.

As you may know, the legal market continues to be in flux after the unprecedented changes that began in 2008. Nationally, since 2009, fewer large law firms have hired summer associates and most firms with summer associate programs have hired fewer law students. This change affected law students everywhere, including at BU Law. To meet these challenges, we took steps to position our students well in this changed market. We reduced our 1L class size while increasing the resources of the Career Development and Public Service Office. We also conducted legal market research, including in-depth interviews with legal employers from every sector and from around the country. We then surveyed our graduates to learn what employers are looking for when hiring law school graduates. With this information, the faculty thoughtfully expanded the curriculum, maintaining our academic rigor while adding exciting practical skills options.

Use the links at left to view employment stats for Classes 2011 and 2010.