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What do you wish you had known before applying to law school?
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West’s Answer
I wish
1. I'd done more soul-searching/research to figure out whether I wanted a career in law. I don't dislike it, but feel there would have been better career paths with way less debt (i have about $200k). This is such a MAJOR decision and will change the rest of your life. Take the time NOW to figure out whether you want the career and to explore not only other career options, but pathways within law.
2. Looked at the overall cost of the programs and worked harder to get scholarships. It doesn't matter much at the outset of the program, but if you don't take the smartest financial route you'll kick yourself on the back end for it.
3. Mirroring another answer, I wish I did not underestimate the rigor of the curriculum. It's doable, and it's diligence, not brilliance, that makes a good lawyer...but geez, did I underestimate how tough the transition would be from undergrad to law school.
Best of luck!
1. I'd done more soul-searching/research to figure out whether I wanted a career in law. I don't dislike it, but feel there would have been better career paths with way less debt (i have about $200k). This is such a MAJOR decision and will change the rest of your life. Take the time NOW to figure out whether you want the career and to explore not only other career options, but pathways within law.
2. Looked at the overall cost of the programs and worked harder to get scholarships. It doesn't matter much at the outset of the program, but if you don't take the smartest financial route you'll kick yourself on the back end for it.
3. Mirroring another answer, I wish I did not underestimate the rigor of the curriculum. It's doable, and it's diligence, not brilliance, that makes a good lawyer...but geez, did I underestimate how tough the transition would be from undergrad to law school.
Best of luck!
Updated
Mary Rebekah’s Answer
I wish I knew more about the careers after law school, and the need for actual experience. I worked and went to school part time, but most law students do not. It made it easier for me to compete for jobs after graduating because I had experience working in a law firm. But also, I wish I knew I did not need to do litigation. Litigation is just one path!
Thanks for the advice.
FAITH
Updated
Makiah’s Answer
I wish I had know how truly difficult this process would be. I was always a strong student and I was intimidated but I still underestimated the academic rigor of the program. I wish I had known how to manage my time better. I was so used to being able to finish tasks to completion. In my program, the work never stopped coming and I was bad at setting boundaries and telling myself to stop working until I was just too tired to continue. I wish I had mapped out my career trajectory. In hindsight, everything worked out but it was stressful finding my way. I wish I knew how to ask my family and loved ones for help. Law school is a very individual process in that unless you come from a family of attorneys, no one likely has any idea what you're going through. But there were ways that my family could have better supported me had I asked and not isolated myself. I wish I knew that a pandemic would be coming! I wish I studied smarter, rather than harder and realized there was no reward for stressing yourself out. I wish I casted a little bit of a wider net for schools sometimes. I love my school but I do wonder how i'd feel if I took the time to apply to schools in warmer climates or in cities I would have loved to live in. I wish I exposed myself to the practice of law beforehand. I had literally no clue what lawyers do all day or how varied their practice could be. I hope this is helpful!
Thank you so much for you feed back that was really helpful did you have any thoughts of changing your career like while you were in law school?
FAITH