My (Legal) Job Went to India

The Washington Post has an interesting article today on U.S. legal work booming in India. Apparently, this new outsourcing industry is “growing 60 percent annually.” The impetus for this growth has been e-discovery laws and the massive volumes of data that need to be reviewed for litigation. Indian lawyers are trained in a common-law system, so it’s not too hard for young, Indian law graduates to pick up the work. And since they’re working for only “one-fifth the cost,” there’s great incentive for American companies to outsource their litigation needs. The only thing these young lawyers can’t do is sign the documents and appear in American court.

Since the Fall Recruitment Conveyor Belt is just a few months away, and you’re craving something to stress about now that finals are over, it might be a good time to start worrying about your future job. There’s also a slow economy, and the fact that associate-partner relationships have recently become a little icy. What do you think? Cause to worry?