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Comment by baron816 | Hacker News Reader

I think Washington also allows you to become a lawyer without having a law degree. I think you can work at a law firm as an apprentice. Presumably, that law firm would just decide to hire you as a lawyer. So, I bet it’s not that far off from most other jobs now where you don’t need an accreditation.

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I don't think your comment really contests their point that a lawyer will be hard-pressed to be hired by a decent firm without a law degree. From what I've heard, it is already difficult enough without having graduated from a top law school.

I have known temporary staff attorneys at large prestigious firms who were paid by the hour to read documents and summarize them for the case team. It’s not a junior associate’s income or career, but it’s a good living for even the most semi-committed and minimally experienced lawyers.

Also, it’s not difficult to imagine that many decent firms have been advising their clients on the legal risks and alignment benefits of DEI and ESG compliance. Will they not heed their own advice?

> I have known temporary staff attorneys at large prestigious firms who were paid by the hour to read documents and summarize them for the case team. It’s not a junior associate’s income or career, but it’s a good living for even the most semi-committed and minimally experienced lawyers.

It might be a good living if you didn't have to take out $300,000 in loans. But if you were planning for a life in biglaw, which would enable you to pay off your loans in 3-4 years, a seemingly-good salary of $120k could double your payback period. Throw in a little unemployment (the market isn't so good for staff attorneys) and things look even worse.

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