Tamara Olsen Discusses the Legal Field's Changing Demographics

"According to the latest figures from the American Bar Foundation, the number of older lawyers has done nothing but rise over the past three decades. During that time, the median age of U.S. attorneys has risen from 39 in 1980 to 41 in 1990 to 45 in 2000."

Gray Plant Mooty's Managing Officer, Tamara Hjelle Olsen, recently discussed the legal field's changing demographics with Minnesota Lawyer. "We have a pretty long history at this firm of lawyers practicing for a long time," says Olsen. "Our experience with that has been excellent. Law isn't a profession where there's a premium on youth. There's a lot that a young lawyer brings to the table, but clients understand and are willing to pay for a lawyer who not only knows the law, but also has a lifetime of experience."

The article, "The Graying of the Bar," is included in the 10th Anniversary Special Section to Minnesota Lawyer's June 9, 2008 edition.