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I want to know is studying law worth it?

All my life my family has told me I’d be a good lawyer but after some research it seems that it’s a lot of studying and school and I want to know is the career worth the work. #law

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Bridget’s Answer

I am someone who graduated law school, passed the bar and only practiced for a few years before transitioning to a career in HR. That being said, I do think that a career in law could be "worth it" for the right person. However, I do think that someone should think very hard before committing. The education required to be a lawyer is a long, challenging road and is extremely expensive. To have your pick of jobs, someone really needs go to a good law school and / or be a very strong student at the top of their class. Then they will need to specialize in an area of law that is interesting to them long term and be willing to dedicate a large portion of their lives to the pursuit of this career.

I think people tend to hear that they would be a good lawyer if they enjoy reading and writing and have solid debate skills. That is certainly part of what led me to my career in litigation at a large, national firm. I enjoyed law school, and the academic pursuit of law, greatly. Unfortunately, that did not mean that I enjoyed practicing.

I would recommend that anyone thinking about pursuing a career in law attempt to work in a law firm or other legal setting prior to going to law school - as an intern, paralegal, legal secretary, etc. It provides a look into the actual practice of law that you do not gain through educational means. I would also recommend building a network of legal professionals and picking their brain about the different routes and legal specialties - there are kinds of law that many individuals do not even know exist.

Best of luck!
Bridget
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Kim’s Answer

Disclaimer: I am not now, and never have been, a lawyer. However, I have studied Paralegal courses, been a litigant, and done some freelance work for some lawyers. And, I do career counseling. So, to answer your question. . .


If YOU do not strongly want to be a lawyer, then don't do it. The schooling is insanely hard, and expensive. If you don't hear it calling you, it will be difficult to stay motivated enough to apply yourself to your studies. Additionally, an awful lot of law school grads have trouble finding jobs. It's a supply and demand thing.


However, if you have the gift of being able to see all sides of an issue, to think quickly on your feet, and understand complex concepts, then, law could be for you! There are so many different areas of law, there really is something for everyone: Sports Law, Immigration Law, Criminal Law (defense or prosecution!), etc.


What do you mean by, "is it worth it?" Beyond law school, law can be very stressful. Any little mistake could be detrimental to your client. Some specialties are more stressful than others. Of course, the routine sort of stuff may not pay as much as the more stressful stuff. Speaking of money: are you concerned about the cost of law school?


If you are interested in law, "but" worried about the cost of school and the possibility of not landing a job, perhaps look at the Paralegal Profession. Depending on the attorney you work for, the type of work you do will vary significantly. You can draft legal documents, do research, meet with clients, etc. The supervising attorney is responsible for all your work. He or she ultimately decides what gets filed, what needs revision, etc. It is something to think about! There are 2 yr, 4 yr, and certificate programs. Try to find one that is approved by the American Bar Assn., as they are more highly respected in the legal community.


Best of luck!

Kim
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