Lawyering & Living for Less: Post-Bar Adventure on a Budget
By Erin Rohne • August 13, 2010 •Writers in Residence
As a recent survivor of the bar exam, I know what it is like to spend two gorgeous summer months inside, sitting at your desk, surrounded by books and outlines and notecards, under some of the most intense stress of your life. It’s not fun, to say the least. And seeing all of your friends’ facebook updates and photos of their summer adventures is just salt in an already painful wound. Now that the bar exam is over, it’s time to take back your summer and have that grand adventure you’ve been dreaming about for months. Whether you are about…
Lawyering and Living for Less: Go Green to Save Green
By Erin Rohne • May 07, 2010 •Writers in Residence
It is pretty difficult to ignore the green movement these days. But there is no reason to ignore it, when most 'go-green' tips are not only good for the environment, but also good for your wallet. Whether you have a solo practice, work for a firm, or are in between jobs, taking steps to minimize your impact on the environment can also save you a significant amount of money.Computers are huge office energy-hogs. Merely shutting down computers, printers, fax machines, and the like when you leave for the day can have a huge impact on the electrical bill (if your…
Lawyering and Living for Less: Start a Firm Without Spending a Fortune
By Erin Rohne • April 16, 2010 •Writers in Residence, Firms and the Private Sector
It's no secret that the legal job market is in depressingly terrible shape. Ask any recent or prospective law school graduate about their career plans (if you dare) and you'll hear stories of grads fighting tooth and nail for legal assistant and paralegal positions, planning their return to pre-law jobs, or perfecting their latte-making skills.But many recent grads are taking a leap and putting their legal skills to work by forming a solo practice. Starting a firm has many benefits - you can work when and where you want, practice whatever kind of law strikes your fancy, and be your…
Lawyering and Living for Less: Building a Working Wardrobe Without Breaking the Bank
By Erin Rohne • March 29, 2010 •Writers in Residence, Other Career Issues
The law is a profession that values itself on appearance. Lawyers dress in the most professional of attire, abiding by rules that would seem outdated and absurd in just about any other profession. So when you're entering the legal field after spending (at least) the last three years as a student, making the transition can be daunting. How do you go from a wardrobe of sweatpants and coffee-stained t-shirts to one of suits, heels, and pearls, before you've received your first paycheck?Okay, perhaps I'm exaggerating. Most law students will have decent work attire from summer jobs, as well as one…