I'm considering attending law school and pursuing a career in patent law, however, the horror stories of unemployed law school grads have me thinking I should play it safe and stick with engineering.

My background:
-B.S. in Aeropace Eng from BU, cum laude
-6 yrs in the Navy as a submarine officer with extensive experience in nuclear power
-LSAT 166
-Looking to practice in Boston or DC
-Want to go to GW, BU, or BC


1) Are my chances of getting a job in patent law good, OK, or ‘you suck’?
2) What are the chances of getting a starting salary of 100k or more?

Thanks a lot!

My understanding is that aerospace isn't in heavy demand. Likewise for nuclear (one of my law school classmates was a former glow-in-the-dark squid; he's working for a regulatory agency now; I'm not sure how hard he looked for an IP job, but I know he talked about trying for one). You'd probably have roughly the same chances as a ME, so, good grades and work your rear end off for summer associate positions with IP firms.

>BU
I'm sorry. (CLA '89)

Thanks for the info, research will be easier now that I know aerospace is similar to ME.

What did you mean by ">BU"?

">" is a common way of marking a quote.

Your chances of getting a job in patent law are good. Although an EE degree would be better, if you go to a good law school and do well, you'll be able to get a job in patent law.

Don't worry about starting salary. That's a big mistake people make. Worry about the training you will receive in that first job. You're better off taking a $75k/yr first position that will give you outstanding training than a $150k/yr first position that will give you mediocre or poor training. Once you have the proper skills, then you can seek out money.

For patent law, how good does a 'good school' need to be? Would BU, BC, GW, or American be on this list?

Thanks a lot for the reply and the salary advice!