$150,000 law school debt and no work experience...

I have very little work experience, altogether about 4 fours. Plus, i've paid over $150,000 on a law school education. There aren't many jobs out there for lawyers. My resume was primarily focused for criminal law, but it turns out the public defender's offices are not hiring many attorneys due to budget issues. And firms do not like to hire law school graduates for paralegal positions. My work history included work as a counselor and being a student assistant, besides volunteering in the criminal law field. My undergrad degree is in Political Science. I will graduate this summer. I don't have the best grades, but I'm not at the bottom. There were opportunities that I missed, looking in hindsight. But I can't imagine that after all the hardwork, this is what my future looks like. I am worried about my future. What should I do?

Your best bet is to get out there and network with as many lawyers as you can. Join legal associations, attend events, and get your face out there. Becoming known is a much stronger strategy then submitting resumes is. Its a tough field, and a tough market. Good luck.

See if you can intern for a local law firm, even if the pay is minimal. My cousin, who is now a top Criminal Defense attorney in NY, started off that way in which he interned unpaid when he was a 2L, and then returned as a summer associate to the same law office when he was a 3L. Although undesirable in doing, Craig's List has jobs for short term assignments during your summer with small law firms. Pay is not the best, but it's experience at least.

Also recommend volunteering for legal aid, or a pro-bono law firm. Your back ground in criminal law would be ideal for non-for-profit and legal aid. You may also want to contact Fernando Rodriguez who is the blogger for "Third Tier Reality" to gain some of his insight in how to market yourself for non-attorney positions as a Plan B.

All the best.

Congratulations to you for completing law school. Sometimes we're so focused on the future that we forget to celebrate our accomplishments here and now.
If you're still looking and trying to figure out your place in the law, be encouraged that many lawyers and other professionals are trying to figure it all out just like you.

First, what are your goals? I noticed you focused on what you perceived are your areas of lack, but I'm sure you have strengths as well. What are those? What are your areas of interest in the law? You'll do your best where you feel most passionate, not simply taking whatever job is available. I think this holds true even in a weak economy.

A few other practical things to get you moving forward--
(1) Find a mentor. Your undergrad or law school should be able to connect you with an alum who is willing to share and support your professional growth.
(2) Volunteer for a few hours each week with an organization that provides legal services to the poor. You'll be doing a good deed and coming into contact with attorneys in a variety of practice areas.
(3) Write a paragraph about you. This is your brand. It may not be where you are now, but write it in the 3rd person/present. Repeat it 10 times daily. I know it sounds silly, but trust me.

Lastly, be patient with yourself. Yes, you have law school debt, but you also have a great degree that places you in the company of other legal professionals. You'll find a professional home soon enough.

Good Luck!

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