As someone who not-so-secretly harbors dreams of being a lawyer, the world of law schools and law careers, is something I keep tabs on. My indecision revolves around the feeling that “it’s not the right time yet". I am not sure if the right time will ever come, especially when I read reports about the career prospects of law school graduates. Apparently, I am not alone.
The WSJ has an article stating that the “number of law school applicants so far this year has fallen by 11.5 %, the lowest since 2001". The main reason for this is the high cost of law school coupled with poor employment prospects. Seems that many people are questioning the value of a 40K/yr education that leads to 120K in student loans upon graduation, only to end up in a low paying legal job or in a gig that does not require any degree let alone a law degree (waitressing, anyone?).
The WSJ article continues by quoting the ABA (American Bar Association) in a 2009 report as having stated that “The rising cost of a legal education and the realities of the legal job market mean that going to law school may not pay off". The ABA report also noted that "the average law student could expect to graduate with more than $100,000 in school debt".
100K is no chump change. Does this mean you or I should give up on our law school dreams? Hardly. What is important is that you carefully ask yourself why you want to be lawyer. If you determine that only a career in the law will give you a reason for living, then take the time to consider your individual situation in depth.
Needless to say, attending a top law school increases your chances of getting a job and a well paying job at that. Therefore, your grades, your LSAT scores, your extra-curricular activities including all the volunteer work you have been doing since 1st grade play a big role in getting accepted by a top school.
Don't just apply to the school nearest to your home or your undergraduate alma mater. Do the research to determine which programs are highly rated and best match your interests. Look at their post-graduation employment statistics; not just what % of students find jobs but what kind of jobs they are working in. You will be surprised to find that there are many lawyers not working as lawyers because they can't find a legal job.
When you receive your acceptance letters, it is important to compare the financial packages in detail to establish which school makes financial sense for you. Once you get to law school, the most important thing you should do is to find out what you need to succeed in school and how to find a job once you graduate.
There is a wealth of information out there and if you want to be a lawyer, I assume you have no problem with lots of reading and research. Check out the links below for related information:
New York Times: Is Law School a Losing Game?
Slate: A Case of Supply v. Demand
ABA Website: What America's Lawyers Earn
Toby's Blog: The Official JD Admissions Blog at Harvard Law School
Wish I Would Have Known Blog: Advice From Law Students On How They Would Do Things Over
If you have an opinion on law school and legal careers, please drop us a line with your comments.
When people ask me whether they should go to law school, my advise has always been to go for it if you are deeply passionate about being a lawyer. The law offers me an intectual depth that i'm not sure i can find doing something else, and because of that, I love it! If you are not sure, and your decision to go to law school is that you will make a lot of money - be wary! Second, do not enter into crippling debt. I have friends who still live with their parents, because their debt is crippling. Be totally aware of how much law school costs, and factor in the cost of living in the area that you are thinking of attending law school. Keep in mind that it is almost impossible to work and also go to school, at least for your first year. Also, do not get caught up in the rankings of law schools. I work with lawyers who attended law school all over the country, and at the end of the day, where you went to school is quite inconsequential. In my humble opinion, when you pass the bar exam, you are all lawyers. I say this not to disuade people from shooting for the ivy leaguers , but to first and foremost consider how much debt you are willing to put on yourself. Also, if you are know where you want to practice, by all means go to a law school in that area/state. Alumni have a soft spot for their fellow alumni, probably so as to have someone to discuss their college football team. Just my two cents!
ReplyDeleteI always wanted to go to law school..it has always been my first choice with IT being second.At one point I was so determined and did my research talked to a few lawyers and even studied for LSAT.When it came to the money, I did the math and realized that the cost did not really outweigh the benefit.It would take me at least 5 years to get done with law school and then another 5+ to clear my debt before I could ever enjoy the fruits of my labor it would years.The same sentiments goes to going to med school.Now am enjoying my second love IT/IS.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - Well said! I would add that your advice about going to law school in the area/state that you want to eventually live in, also applies to other programs as well. The alumni effect is very evident in hiring practices.
ReplyDeleteERA - sounds like you made a well considered decision that fit your personal situation. Congratulations.