3 answers
Nicole
Student
Singapore
1
Question
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Is it worth it to go to law school
Im still thinking of what to be in the future. #law
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Nicole, versatility is one of the most beneficial aspects of a law degree. An understanding of the law is helpful in a variety of careers, from mediation to politics. You will gain a broad skill set in law school that will likely benefit you wherever you end up in the future. You will obtain an understanding of legal processes, logical reasoning skills and critical thinking and analysis capabilities. Some people who apply to law school have designs on a career in politics. Though a law degree isn't necessarily a requirement to work in a political or policy-related job, many successful professionals in these types of jobs have J.D.s. Law school provides excellent training in analytical reasoning, research and writing, all of which are useful skills in most jobs in politics. If you know as an undergraduate that you will pursue a career in politics, consider choosing a major like political science, international relations or comparative politics, each of which would provide a solid foundation of knowledge for you to leverage as your academic and professional careers progress. Having a major in a politics-related area of study can also help you to write compelling essays to support your law school candidacy about your interest in law school and postgraduate plans. If you are committed to pursuing a career in politics, you may want to consider applying to law schools that have interdisciplinary programming and joint degree options.
By the way Nicole, you can also become president of the United States. Out of 45 presidents, no fewer than 25 were lawyers. If you're interested in going into politics at any level, a law degree can be an excellent start.
You should also take advantage of internship and employment opportunities that will give you real-world experience in the field of politics. Consider, for example, working in a congressional office or on a political campaign. If you are able to find these types of opportunities, do your best work and forge relationships with people who could write strong recommendations on your behalf as part of your law school applications.
By the way Nicole, you can also become president of the United States. Out of 45 presidents, no fewer than 25 were lawyers. If you're interested in going into politics at any level, a law degree can be an excellent start.
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Britni Scott
Human Services Caseworker
38
Answers
Tinley Park, Illinois
Updated
Britni’s Answer
Hi, it’s worth going to law school if it’s something you really want to do. I suggest to write down all the possible careers you would like to do and write educational plans, what’s fun for you, activities you’d like to avoid, your personal values, and several other factors. This can help give you an idea if this the path you want to take.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Nicole!
When you say, "is it worth it?" I'm not sure I know what you are asking.
You ask if going to school is worth it, not, if being a lawyer is worth it. So, I'm going to address this from a financial perspective.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/21/only-23-percent-of-law-school-grads-say-their-education-was-worth-the-cost.html
There are numerous news reports in the last few years about law school grads not being able to find jobs, Big-law firms doing massive layoffs, and law school grads suing their schools for false promises in their recruitment campaigns.
Law is evolving. Technology has changed many things about law. Computers are even doing the tedious job of "document review" - looking over the volumes of documents provided by opposing counsel, looking for that needle in a haystack.
If you want to be a part of the legal field, but don't necessarily want to make the financial (or mental health!) investment, I suggest you research two fields:
1. Paralegal. Paralegals can do just about everything the lawyers do, except set fees and sign documents, and a few other things. They prepare wills, do legal research, meet with clients, etc. There are various paralegal programs out there. If you are going to pursue this path, go with a program that is ABA-approved (American Bar Association). It makes a BIG difference. Paralegal entry salaries are often low, but, with promotions, or by changing firms (common every 2-5 years in this field), you can move up to a pretty decent salary.
2. Record Retrieval: This goes by different names. Law Firms often contract with outside companies to gather documents (tax returns, medical records, etc) and do videos (Day-in-the-life videos, to show the jury what the client has endured since the accident, etc), and things like that. Spend some time looking at this company website for more info: https://www.lorr.com/
3. Other: If you have a particular area of law that interests you, you could perhaps work in that field in a different capacity. For example, if you are interested in protecting the environment, or in social justice, there is a lot to do in marketing/advertising, fundraising, accounting, community outreach, etc. This would make you a part of the cause, without being in the legal forefront.
You can always decide to go to law school later. Zipping through HS, College, Law School isn't for everyone. In fact, sometimes it helps to understand the material if you have a little bit of life experience first.
hope this helps!
Kim
When you say, "is it worth it?" I'm not sure I know what you are asking.
You ask if going to school is worth it, not, if being a lawyer is worth it. So, I'm going to address this from a financial perspective.
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/21/only-23-percent-of-law-school-grads-say-their-education-was-worth-the-cost.html
There are numerous news reports in the last few years about law school grads not being able to find jobs, Big-law firms doing massive layoffs, and law school grads suing their schools for false promises in their recruitment campaigns.
Law is evolving. Technology has changed many things about law. Computers are even doing the tedious job of "document review" - looking over the volumes of documents provided by opposing counsel, looking for that needle in a haystack.
If you want to be a part of the legal field, but don't necessarily want to make the financial (or mental health!) investment, I suggest you research two fields:
1. Paralegal. Paralegals can do just about everything the lawyers do, except set fees and sign documents, and a few other things. They prepare wills, do legal research, meet with clients, etc. There are various paralegal programs out there. If you are going to pursue this path, go with a program that is ABA-approved (American Bar Association). It makes a BIG difference. Paralegal entry salaries are often low, but, with promotions, or by changing firms (common every 2-5 years in this field), you can move up to a pretty decent salary.
2. Record Retrieval: This goes by different names. Law Firms often contract with outside companies to gather documents (tax returns, medical records, etc) and do videos (Day-in-the-life videos, to show the jury what the client has endured since the accident, etc), and things like that. Spend some time looking at this company website for more info: https://www.lorr.com/
3. Other: If you have a particular area of law that interests you, you could perhaps work in that field in a different capacity. For example, if you are interested in protecting the environment, or in social justice, there is a lot to do in marketing/advertising, fundraising, accounting, community outreach, etc. This would make you a part of the cause, without being in the legal forefront.
You can always decide to go to law school later. Zipping through HS, College, Law School isn't for everyone. In fact, sometimes it helps to understand the material if you have a little bit of life experience first.
hope this helps!
Kim