Where I am now

As the title of the blog indicates, I'm a broke urban lawyer. I decided to elaborate on that in this post so you can get an idea what I'm up against here. (And what I'm up against isn't really all that unique. Most law school grads over the past several years are living some version of this story.)

I graduated from law school in 2011. I worked full-time during school in the HR department of a Silicon Valley tech company. I attended classes mostly at night, but sometimes I was able to take a day class because my boss was very flexible. My work schedule prevented me from taking advantage of summer associate positions and many internships, which are a major recruiting tool for after graduation jobs.

Even with full-time work (and a second almost full-time job my first year), I still graduated with over six figures in student loan debt. It took me a long time to find a job as a lawyer, so I kept working in HR for a few years. Then I got laid off from my HR job, and I relocated to another state with a lower cost of living.

I'm back!

I didn't even get three posts before dropping off the face of the earth. September was kind of a bust. I started a newish job (same people, different firm), and a few days later I had a personal emergency that required me to move with no notice. I'm all settled in to my new place, though my rent is a bit higher now.

On the upside, I have a balcony, so I'm going to try to grow some vegetables or herbs at some point.

I also need to amend my previous statement about my blog being the only one of its kind. I ran across Double Debt, Single Woman, who speaks my language. She has student loans and credit card debt along with chronic illness - just like me. I recommend her blog. I also ran across Paying My Law School Debt, where the author is doing exactly what he says in the title. He's single and saddled with debt from law school, too. My misery has found company.

More to come soon, I hope!