Chuck Newton Rides the Third Wave Blog> is the blog of licensed lawyer Chuck Newton and his virtual law firm. It is an actual law firm, except that it has no office. Chuck works from home or wherever work catches up with him. He stays connected with clients through phone, e-mail, fax, or even snail mail. This unconventional form of running a law firm is part of Chuck?s belief in the Third Wave Theory of Alvin Toffler, which also refers to the “post-industrial society” or the “information age.” In this kind of society, technology has bridged the gap between producers and consumers, giving people the means to fulfill their own needs. In short, when it comes to legal services, Chuck Newton is a freelancer.
What the blog is all about
His blog is basically a compilation of his personal thoughts and opinions on law, with added tidbits on other topics such as music, film, education, fashion, etc. His audience is also people involved in law (students, professors, practitioners), but the site is also useful for people looking for legal advice. There is, however, a disclaimer on the lower right portion of the site that Chuck Newton doesn?t consider his posts as legal advice.
This isn?t to say, however, that the posts aren?t useful for legal help. Articles such as The Automatic Stay Violation Law Niche is a timely resource for those experiencing bankruptcy. For aspiring law students, posts like 5 Tips for Entering Law School Students can also be a useful guide.
A few suggestions
While it is clear who this site?s audience is, it could use some improvement in the layout department. At present, it is a two-column blog: recent posts on the left side and everything else (links to related sites and law schools, contact and site information, blog categories) on the right. It could create a third column to the left of the main frame containing the blog posts, and that column could carry the list of blog categories, links to recent posts, and comments, etc., just to decongest the rightmost column. A footer could also be used just so the site doesn?t appear too linear.
Content-wise, however, the blog is quite informative and also has useful outside links that support its content. Just take note that it is still a personal blog and, therefore, contains opinion and not legitimate legal advice.
A legal career has its own versions of ups and downs. Lawyers have the advantage of getting high salaries, wearing designer suits, and working in high-end offices. However, they still have to work hard to advance their positions in private law firms and public litigation. Lawyers usually stay up till morning to study and prepare cases. With these in mind, it is just enough that lawyers get decent paychecks. If you are considering a career in the legal industry, read the following so you’ll know what to expect.
Salary range of a lawyer
Salaries of lawyers are determined by a number of factors. Their experience in the legal profession is just one of these. Based on the September 2008 PayScale report, fresh law school graduates who are just starting their careers in the legal profession earn an average of $50,000 per year. After 10 years, a graduate’s salary increases as much as $30,000. After twenty years of leaving law school, a graduate can earn as much as $100,000 annually.
A lawyer’s specialization also plays a role in his or her salary. A lawyer for corporate affairs can earn at least $85,000 annually. This, so far, is the highest earning specialization for lawyers. Graduates who specialize in litigation and appeals, on the other hand, can earn as much as $75,000 per year. Real estate lawyers can have an annual income of $74,000.
The workplace of lawyers is also a consideration. Government lawyers can earn at least $91,000 per year. Lawyers handling hospital legal concerns earn about $83,000. Those who are working for non-government organizations can have a median salary of $54,000.
Jobs of law school graduates
Law school graduates can opt not to practice law. As a matter of fact, they can get positions in various industries. Graduates can qualify for jobs focused on litigation, insurance defense, and education. Finance and media industries also offer positions for law school graduates. Top level and mid-level positions in these industries can also be offered to lawyers. However, their job offer can be determined by their pre-law school job experience, legal specialization, years of experience as a lawyer and law school academic standing.
Photo Credit : lachlan & marline
