A study recently released by Economic Modeling Specialists Inc. (also known as EMSI), a consulting company that focuses on employment data and economic analysis, suggests that law schools may be producing too many attorneys.  Here’s an excerpt from the New York Times article:

In fact, across the country, there were twice as many people who passed the bar in 2009 (53,508) as there were openings (26,239). A separate estimate for the number of lawyers produced in 2009 — the number of new law-school graduates, according to the National Center for Education Statistics — also showed a surplus, although it was not quite as large (44,159 new law grads compared with 26,239 openings).

If the numbers are accurate, how could this impact the prospects of attorneys still on the job market?  And, how can attorneys counteract the possible negative effects of there simply being too many attorneys?  Let’s take a look at a few suggestions:

1. Don’t focus too much on the numbers because they don’t take into account all of the human circumstances surrounding why people took the bar in the first place or their intended use of their law degree. As any attorney knows, many who graduate law school and even some who go on to pass the bar exam, do not go on to practice law for a myriad of reasons.
2. Focus on what makes you unique as an attorney.  Like any other profession, attorneys don’t come “one-size fits all.”  Each attorney is bringing to the table something few others offer. Find your unique offering and make sure you communicate it to potential employers and recruiters.
3. Don’t neglect to hone and market complimentary skills.  Many law firms are searching for attorneys who are well rounded and come with “bonuses.”  Do you have business skills? The ability to sell?   Experience is specific industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals etc.?  Whatever “bonuses” you possess need to be marketed just as aggressively as your attorney skills and experience.