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So now, as a solo, I am not in the business of trying to get lawyers to hire me, I am trying to get clients to hire me. I do estate planning. These are people who don't even understand what they are hiring me to do. They have no idea what I am actually doing for them. Many aren't even convinced that it can really benefit them at all. And I have to find these people and convince them to give me their money.

I have been putting very little time into my small practice, but it's actually working. I am actually getting clients, making connections, and growing. I could be growing much faster if I wanted, but my kids are still little and I take care of them while my wife works. So I don't get a whole lot of time to work.

But I think that the biggest reason I am on the way to success is that I genuinely enjoy what I do. I look forward to getting into the office, meeting people, learning stuff in CLE's.

I went to law school because I wanted a huge salary. I freaked out and lost all confidence when I didn't get a big firm job from 1st year on-campus interviews. I had a bit of a breakdown. I am lucky though - if you are going to have a break down, do it in your second year of law school and not your second year at a big firm.

My point is, do not go into law for the money, and certainly do not expect "at least" whatever amount because after law school you aren't worth shit. You may get paid at least $75k but you won't be worth at least $75k. That's a big difference, so make sure you understand that.

I went to law school instead of becoming a musician because I wanted to make money. Now my musician friends make more than me. I'm not kidding - they love what they do and put their whole hearts into it and they are successful because of it. I also know a lot of lawyers who make a lot more than me who went to shitty schools - certainly not a top 10 like me. But they make more (even as solos) because they are good at it and they like it.

GPA, law review, all that stuff can help you land a first job but it's not going to make you successful. Enjoying what you do and being being good at it, as well as proving real value for someone else, will make you successful, even if the GPA is not where it should be.

But most of all - there are no guarantees. Of anything. Certainly not if making way more than you are actually worth. Maybe you'll get it, maybe not. Do you really want that after all? That's up to you. Good luck.