No surprise here, the economy ranks #1 as the greatest challenge for the Class of 2010.  It is interesting, however, that "entitlement" is even still a consideration . . .

3.  What do you see is the greatest challenge facing the Class of 2010? 

• The economy and the high levels of student loan debt that many students have.
• The economy. For many, it may be difficult to even find a job. For others, it might be difficult to develop a client base.
• The biggest challenge facing my class is that we are coming into the law at a time when the economy has basically hit rock bottom. This has created a sense of fear and confusion as to our job opportunities. Students don't know whether they will get offers, whether offers will be rescinded, etc.
• The economy. With most firms laying people off or at least initiating hiring freezes, finding a secure job is going to be very difficult for the class of 2010.
• Leaving out the economy (which is obviously the greatest challenge), perhaps the second greatest problem is a sense of entitlement.  Many law students feel a sense of entitlement toward their career. Law degree in hand, they are owed the best job at the best firm. They find little need to figure out how they could "add value" to a firm.  My classmates at school are uninterested in differentiating themselves, because doing so would, by definition, limit their options. (For example, if I commit to wanting to do X, I can not get a job doing Y).
• Another challenge is a general feeling that firms can view associates as temporary revenue-generating workhorses. The feeling is that firms sometimes do not view associates as assets who should be able to become partners if both sides keep up their side of the bargain. (An associate puts in the time, works the hours, and learns the craft. In exchange, the firm provides mentoring, training, exposure, experience, and ultimately the ability to join the firm for life). This deal no longer exists. I heard a statistic that 80% of associates leave their first firm within 5 years. Finding a firm where both the associate values the firm, and the firm values the associate, will be a challenge for the class of 2010.