u/Smooth_Homework_3446

Always been more interested in entering academia than practicing. Published peer-reviewed articles before law school but not in a field I am particularly interested in. I went to a non-HYS law school, graduated coif but never went to class after 1L so I don't know any professors personally. Struck out of OCI and worked a random public interest position for two years.

My main interest is empirical legal studies and legal history and I have a few topics I have done research/literature review on. I'm pretty sure I could get something worked up and bluebooked in the next few months while submitting resumes to unimpressive legal jobs.

Where I'm not confident is whether law reviews even look at submissions by run-of-the-mill lawyers who never clerked, did fellowships, or worked in biglaw.

Am I wasting my time?

I've been told that I will need to find a new job at the end of my contract period with a government agency (2 year contract) because they can't extend it. I'm in a niche litigation area right now and will be moving states to be with family.

My priority is a good amount of PTO (I don't mind having billables and working hard when I need to work hard, as long as I get >3 weeks of PTO) and transitioning to an area where I'd be able to eventually open up a solo shop in about 10-15 years.

What would you do to get out of the pigeon hole and look for some work-life balance while building some experience?