Journalists, law students and lawyers have asked hard questions recently about whether legal education should be reformed in light of the realities of today’s economy. After all, the degree is expensive and legal jobs are less plentiful. Here is another wrinkle to consider: Many of the women who go to law school will find that they have invested in a degree outfitting them for a career that they ultimately will flee. Lawyers and law professors should care deeply about this problem, as should anyone in a profession with a similar attrition issue.
Many young lawyers hope to begin their careers at a top-tier firm that pays a top-tier salary. And many who succeed in landing those jobs quickly experience Sunday night dread because Monday morning is coming. Law firm work typically rewards the quantity of hours billed over the quality of the work. This system is profitable for a firm because it can hire fewer attorneys and demand more work from each by linking bonuses and promotions to the number of hours the attorney bills. This system does not demonstrably serve clients better and does not reveal who is the best lawyer. It tests who is able to stay at the office the longest.
