So You Want to Go to Law School?

I've never been a person to make a list of pros and cons and set about weighing the two against each other. But as a part-time law student about to enter my final (4th) year, I would highly recommend this practice to anyone considering the legal career path. It's not a decision to make on a whim, nor is it something you should do just because you're not sure what else you could or should do after college.

It's Expensive. Unless you're fortunate enough to have extremely kind rich parents, an inheritance on which you have nothing better to spend, or you have the time to fill out applications for hundreds of scholarships, law school will cost you. Often it will end up costing you a loan amount equivalent to a small second home (in a rural area). In more blatant terms, law school can set you back anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000. This is not always including books, cost of living or any other supplies you need during your 3 (or 4, if part-time) year journey. So, even if you are fortunate enough to land a great job after law school, you can plan on having your new salary soaked up a bit by the hefty loan payments you'll be making over the years.

It's hard work. Law school is not for the lazy person or the partier. Law school is not an extension of college. Yes, a lot...in fact, most law school students received (earned) good grades in high school and undergrad. Many of them didn't even have to work very hard for those grades. I was one of those. I used my high-functioning memory and just an ounce of hard work to get through those 8 years of education. Actually, if you had to work hard to earn good grades you'll be in a better position entering law school. It is a lot of work and mostly by reading and comprehension. Professors might lecture or they might use the socratic method, but they will rarely just spit out answers during class. Therefore, you must be able to self-teach. Also, law school is not about teaching the law; it is about teaching students to think and reason like lawyers. Therefore, while you might need to remember black letter rules for your exams or for the Bar Exam, it's more likely that when you get into your career, the application skills that you learn will be much more important than the statutes you attempted to memorize for an exam.

It sucks up your life. I have a husband and a son who I have to pencil in to my schedule. Of course, they both come first, but I am constantly nagged with that "I should be studying" bug whenever I take an afternoon off to do something fun with them. It is not fun. We all hate it. It's a means to an end, but if you aren't sure that you want the end, then you shouldn't jump into the means. Be prepared to have to say no to your friends and/or family for a lot of nights out or other get togethers. Be prepared for less vacations due to scheduling constaints and money issues.

You're not guaranteed a good salary...or even a job at all! Society breeds the falsity that all lawyers make 6 figures per year and live in mansions with servants galore. This is so far from the truth that it's not even funny. In fact, I would bet that more lawyers make less than $50,000 per year than anything else. And that salary is for loads of hours, sometimes 2500 billable hours per year, which means late nights, some weekends, and still no family or friend time. Be prepared to camp out with your coworkers. Granted, many firms are becoming more sensitive these days, but the old school style of living by the billable hour does exist and the low salaries persist. On top of that, if you're in the lower 50% of your class, especially at a lower tier school, you'll have to work to find a job. You'll need to spend hours networking, speaking with your school career center, and sending out applications. Only the elite few are offered jobs before starting their final year and the rest must scramble during that year to find something to help them pay off those loans looming in the near future.

So, why go at all? I didn't write this to make you think law school and the legal profession are the root of all evil (although some of you did before and still will). I wrote it because I've seen way too many law students who just came to law school because it seemed like a logical next step in their lives. I'm urging you to put some more thought into the decision. Consider your family goals, your financial situation, and your career desires. Network and speak with a few practicing lawyers in your area to find out what they really do on a day-in and day-out basis. Research areas of the law and potential career paths in those areas so that you have an idea of what you'd like to do upon graduation. Most of all, if you do decide to go and you are accepted, put your most ambitious foot forward and make the most of your law school years. Work and study hard, attend class, network with professors and local lawyers, strive for good grades, and get involved. You've got a long road ahead of you. Good luck!