Should I go to law school?
Hi, Emily,
I’m a college junior, starting to think about what’s next. I will earn a degree in [insert generic liberal arts subject(s) here] from [any college, anywhere].
I love school and learning. But, I’m not certain what type of job I can get with this degree or that I'll like the ones career services suggests.
So, I’m wondering: should I go to law school?
Sincerely,
What's Next
—
Dear What's Next,
An age old question with a classic legal answer: maybe.
What follows is an over-simplified answer to your question. The answer lies within you and is largely a personal decision.
I loved law school. Others love to drag law school and boast about how they'd never go back.
It is three years to learn, live selfishly, and grow (personally and professionally). But, law school is not for everyone.
Most importantly: Not knowing what else to do or not having something else to do is generally not a reason to do anything, let alone committing to a rigorous and expensive graduate program.
So, before signing up for the entrance exam (and a test prep program), ask yourself:
--Do I know any attorneys? If not, can I find some? Talk to them and ask them to connect you with more lawyers, from a variety of legal gigs. Make sure you know what attorneys actually do. If it sounds compelling, great. If not, you’ve added to your network and figured out what you don’t want to do (a valuable finding).
--How will I pay for it? It might be as simple as taking out student loans, but make sure you've thought that through (and go in eyes wide open), and start researching scholarships and grants straight away.
--What will I do after law school? Your ideal legal job likely will change during school, due to your own learning and growth, or because others push you toward one path or another. Be open to those changes, but start thinking about your options now, so that you can make educated decisions about coursework and summer jobs. This also will help you take ownership over the first moves in your career.
--Do I have to go right now? Most enter law school straight from undergrad. That is fine, but consider working--even if just for one year--before heading back to school. Taking "time off" (to do anything: waiting tables, teaching (my choice, which was the hardest work I've ever done), working as a bank teller, giving tours at national parks) will give you perspective. You'll enter law school with a greater appreciation for the freedom of being a student and you'll be able to put some concepts you learn into real life scenarios you've lived through yourself.
These questions will guide you toward the decision--and create new questions to consider and answer along the way, ushering the right answer for you.
Sincerely,
Emily
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