The legal profession will be busy in 2012. MSNBC reports that 40000 new laws are being implemented in 2012. Many laws are in regard to concerns over immigration, the cost of government and the best way to protect and benefit young people. Challenges to these laws and disputes that erupt from them will mean more work for the legal professions.

Eight states will raise the minimum wage and San Francisco will become the first city to raise its minimum wage above $10 per hour. Alabama will require all employers who do business with any government entity to use a system called as E-Verify to check that all new employees are in the country legally. Georgia is doing something similar.

In Colorado coaches will be required to sideline players as young as 11 when they have suffered a head injury. Illinois school boards can suspend or expel students who make threats on websites against  students or school employees.

Some states will require new identification procedures from voters. In Delaware, new state employees  have to contribute more to their pensions. New Nevada state employees will pay their own health care costs in retirement. Many states are extending requirements for retiring workers.

Job seekers in the law field have faced competition as jobs have been hard to come by. Positions with law firms have not been open as much as in previous years. New law school graduates face competition with seasoned law professionals for jobs. This may change with the new year.