New Study Shows Florida Is The 3rd Best State To Become A Lawyer

A new ranking has revealed which states offer graduate lawyers the best return on investment for their degree, based on several factors - not just salary and tuition fees. In this ranking, Florida ranks high on the list for those future students who want to be a lawyer.

The findings, pulled together by Uplift Legal Funding, consider each state’s degree affordability, financial aid, academic expenses, loan debt, annual salary, disposable income, rental costs, job opportunities, and hourly fees to identify the best states for lawyers.

Each state was awarded a score out of ten to establish where it’s easiest for the typical lawyer to recover from their college expenses - with New York taking the top spot.

New York achieved a final score of 7.8 out of ten. It scored well for degree affordability and it holds both plentiful job opportunities and a high earning potential for law graduates. Lots of lawsuits in New York. Although tuition fees are higher, 79% of the state’s attendees awarded grants, loans, work-study, and/or scholarships.

It’s also easier to quickly reduce debt in New York as lawyers earn one of the highest salaries in America - currently $188,900 per year - and can charge an hourly rate of up to $400 for short-term cases or consultations.

The ranking reveals which states offer lawyers the best ROI for their degree based on tuition fees, job opportunities, living costs, and earning potential.

If you're looking at big city law, Miami can be a tough place to break in the game, but if you can land the right gig, you'll be good. Jones day starts at $235k. Also, top firms like Sidley, Kirkland, Winston, etc. all opened offices in Miami recently.

Outside of Miami, there's a lot of personal injury law here. Could be because of all the bad drivers. If you really want to get educated on what practicing the law in Florida looks like, take a look at this thread. There's a lot, more than one Florida lawyer jumps in with an opinion. But one thing about this field. If you're a good lawyer, there's a place for you.

Most of us here in Fort Myers, Naples, and in general, Southwest Florida, are all from somewhere else. I moved here from Ohio 18 years ago and I guess I consider myself to be 'from here'. So,  don't think you need to be "FloGrown" to be a local. I do think you need to fully experience everything in town before you be considered local, however. So we took to Reddit to see what other Fort Myers resident think of the criteria needed to be a local.

According to Ok_Acanthocephala914 one thing you need to experience in this town to be a local is a hurricane. Well, with Hurricane Ian hitting last year, a lot of people can now check that box. I was at a St. John Neumann football game when Hurricane Katrina passed over Florida. Was without power after Wilma for 2 weeks +. Irma destroyed my roof. I can check that box several times.

Another Redditor, Apexblackout7, thinks you need to be here 20 years before you're really a local. That's a nice round number. But since going out to eat is such an integral part of Southwest Florida let's take a different route. So I asked Reddit.

Sadly, last year's hurricane wrecked some of our favorites. COVID took some, too. Remember Island Cow? That was amazing. And then there's others that only long time residents remember.  Neon_1984 reminded us of Downtown Fort Myer's French Connection that closed back in 2016. Others are coming back. Bubble Room's restaurant is closed but has plans to reopen early next year.

But there's still a lot of great places out there. So if you're a permanent resident of Lee County, these are the restaurants that you have to try at least once. I've been to some of these so often I've lost count. Here's the 11 that Reddit considers a must.

Family owned Italian restaurant on McGregor in Fort Myers. They've been there about 20 years so if you haven't been, you need to.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/taqueria-san-julian-fort-myers-6

Authentic tacos. It's as real as you can get. If it's your first time and you're unsure, go with the Al pastor.

This gem on Captiva was closed for a bit after the hurricane but is back now. A beachfront English Pub. An absolute must visit. Lee County is doing a thing right now where there's no bridge tolls on Sunday so that might be the thing to do.

Haney's Cafe is in San Carlos Park and has been open since 1995. This is my parent's favorite spot when they come to visit. My dad doesn't ask about going to the beach. My dad wants to know when we're going to Haney's.

https://www.farmersmarketrestaurant.com/

Southern food located on Edison Avenue. This place has been there since the 1960's. You want some old Florida? This is the place.

Many people have remarked that this is the best sushi they've ever had.

The hurricane really battered this place. Even left a boat at their front door. But Dixie Fish Co. is back. 100% worth the trip to Fort Myers Beach.

Don't miss out on this absolute gem in Cape Coral. Even when we talk about other lobster places, we end up talking about Lobster Lady.

Live music and that aquarium bar. I was worried about this place after the hurricane but they are back and better than ever.

Many snowbirds make this their first stop off the plane. Some of the best fried fish you'll ever have.

Shannon was amazing and everything on the menu is a tribute to him. If you're going to be in Cape Coral, this place is a must.