Law degrees are highly esteemed credentials that can open doors to new roles and opportunities, as they showcase strong research, writing, and analytical reasoning skills.
But is law school worth your commitment? Many enter law school for lofty reasons like prestige or higher wages, not because of any practical motivations.
1. It’s a long-term commitment
Going into debt for law school can be both lengthy and expensive, so making sure you have a compelling reason for undertaking this career path will be essential to its success.
Speak with current students and alumni about their experiences. This can be accomplished via personal connections, online searches for alumni or by contacting schools directly. Also consider sitting in on one or more classes; many law professors are more than willing to let prospective students attend class if asked politely.
If you want to make an impactful difference in people’s lives, legal practice offers plenty of ways to do just that. From helping those with disabilities or fighting for animal rights, to working on environmental justice causes or fighting against predatory agriculture there are countless ways you can make a difference while enjoying high job satisfaction levels – not forgetting you will gain invaluable skills like research, comprehension analysis and critical thinking that are valuable across multiple careers.
2. It’s expensive
Law school can be an expensive endeavor, even with financial aid. However, there are ways you can reduce its expense; such as living with roommates or postponing big ticket purchases until later on in your education.
As well as considering your potential return on investment and guaranteed earnings after graduation, be realistic when considering whether law school is worth your while financially. A law degree can be valuable if your career goal involves working as an attorney or in another field that benefits from legal knowledge – but attending school just for its potential salary might not make financial sense.
Consider that the legal job market is rapidly evolving. Technology advances and shifts in billing models have already rendered some roles obsolete, so if you intend to make a career out of law it may be worthwhile revising your goals accordingly.
3. It’s stressful
Law school can be an exhausting endeavor. From demanding professors and fierce competition among classmates, to taking out large student loans – it requires significant commitment of both time and energy that may leave little left over for personal relationships or leisure pursuits.
Law students vying to meet high class rankings and outshone peers can feel pressured to reach unrealistically high rankings, which can strain mental health and create an academically unmoored sense of themselves. Add into that mix aspects unique to law school (public speaking and Socratic teaching methods) plus an increasingly competitive job market for new lawyers; you have an especially intense combination of factors which may push many into making decisions they would not normally consider making.
If you are considering law school, talk with current students or recent graduates about their experiences. Also ask professors if you can sit in on classes so you can gain more of an idea of what the experience will be like.
4. It’s not for everyone
Decisions regarding law school should take more into consideration than its ranking (law schools are evaluated on various factors). You must consider both your personal goals and career plans when making this important choice.
Some individuals know from an early age they wish to become attorneys; for those who discover this calling later on in life, it’s essential that they carefully consider all potential pros and cons before making their commitment.
Law school can be an intensive endeavor that demands intense reading regimens and an in-depth knowledge of legal terminology, making the program both demanding and complex. Not everyone is suitable to go into law school; commitment must be strong to make it through successfully. Cramming won’t cut it when exams roll around – the workload must be managed properly to see progress made forward; any delay will only slow your success down further! To succeed at law school you must put forth effort from day one!
