"It's a very difficult employment market," explained Paul Clifford, a principal with Law Practice Consultants of Boston. "When companies are down, legal work is down."

Bank mergers and large companies leaving town mean fewer clients, greater competition, and "too many lawyers," he said.

Experienced lawyers with revenue-producing client bases have the greatest value to employers.

Since paralegals do many tasks that attorneys might also perform, at lower pay, they are doing fairly well in companies that specialize in hot fields like intellectual property. Litigation, once a growth area for paralegals, is down across the board, however, as businesses cut court costs through arbitration or mediation, Clifford said.

On the brighter side, it's not the worst of times for lawyers, either. There are options: readjusting your sights to smaller firms, smaller deals, and smaller fees; focusing on healthy fields like patent work; seeking a second degree, such as in international relations or a technology area; or learning to speak Mandarin.

"There are plenty of midsize law firms in Boston," Clifford said, and those who have positioned themselves well are doing well. And as students and young lawyers realize the tremendous time and effort required to succeed in law, many leave the field. With fewer law grads down the road, and more opportunities from globalization, the dedicated still have incentives to pursue their dreams, despite the current conditions.

Find more information at the National Association for Law Placement, www.nalp.org, or Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, www.masslaw.com.

JUDGES

Average salary: $101,690. Varies by specialty and region.

Demand: Limited. Despite growing caseloads, government budget constraints keep the hiring of judges down at all levels. Prestige of the positions creates competition for any openings. Some leave for higher-paying private practice.

Qualifications: Most federal and state judges must be lawyers; some federal levels require competitive exams; federal and Massachusetts state judges are appointed; some states elect judges.

LAWYERS

Average salary: $132,580. Varies widely by experience and size and type of firm. Salaries for top lawyers at large firms can exceed $225,000.

Demand: Fair. A tough economy and glut of lawyers are making this a tight market. Bright spots include small and midsize firms, and those that specialize in intellectual property.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree, plus three-year accredited law school degree; pass state bar exam; proficiency in writing, speaking, research, analysis, logical thinking, and relevant technology. Internships are in short supply; volunteer work helps.

PARALEGALS AND LEGAL ASSISTANTS

Average salary: $54,860, plus some bonuses for long hours.

Demand: Mixed. With a decline in legal work in a down economy, law firms are employing fewer paralegals, legal assistants, and legal secretaries. Companies specializing in patent work or other intellectual property still need paralegals with expertise; smaller firms also seek qualified personnel to help lawyers investigate, research, and prepare cases.

Qualifications: Associate's degree in paralegal studies, or bachelor's with paralegal certificate. Case management experience, interpersonal and up-to-date technology skills, and a second language all improve marketability.

Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company