Perhaps it's also a pride and expectations issue? I know that in TN there is a lack of available lawyers for certain court case work, especially juvenile court

Perhaps it's also a pride and expectations issue? I know that in TN there is a lack of available lawyers for certain court case work, especially juvenile court and family cases. The pay isn't stellar for a lawyer but it's a solid 40 out/50 in-court. You go down and sign up for dates and the cases are assigned as they come in to the lawyers signed up for those days. I think there have recently been some changes in one court in one county to limit but mostly, it's sign up, get work. I know a few years ago you could get a degree from a capable, long term in-state institution for ~40k tuition (3 years). You weren't "allowed" to work first year so that could cause an increase.