Law school can be an invaluable way to hone research, writing, and analytical reasoning skills that are indispensable in many industries and careers.
Law school may not be for everyone; with its enormous debt burden and three-year commitment, people should only consider attending law school for specific reasons such as..
1. You Have a Passion for the Field
Law school may be your path toward pursuing your desired career goals or perhaps you’re passionate about a particular legal issue, both of which will keep you going throughout three years of rigorous coursework, clinical experiences and two summer internships required for earning your JD. Passion for these issues will keep you going throughout this arduous journey!
After already beginning careers in other areas, many individuals choose to become lawyers as an additional career choice; from disillusioned investment bankers and SEC prosecutors to felons turning public defenders. Although this diversity brings numerous perspectives into play, Tira Harpaz of CollegeBound Advice cautions prospective law students that their reasons for entering one field of law could change over time and they should prepare themselves for potential shifts in their career paths.
Note that your experience at law school won’t only impact your career – it may also help mold you into a better lawyer. Therefore, consider schools known for offering excellent networking or student groups.
2. You Want to Make a Difference
If your interest in law comes from a desire to positively change the world and not simply gain higher salaries, law school can equip students with knowledge about US federal law that may prove useful for various careers.
Researching specific laws you are interested in learning more about, as well as career prospects and bar passage rates is also useful. Furthermore, investigate school reputations to see whether it would be an appropriate fit.
Prospective law school students should carefully research the faculty members at each law school they consider applying to, including their backgrounds and educational and professional experiences. By gathering this information about each professor’s teaching style and accessibility they can better ensure a successful legal education experience.
3. You Want to Learn New Things
Law school can be an intellectual challenge that will challenge you and your classmates to think critically about how our political and legal systems operate. Studying law will hone writing skills while giving an in-depth view into how government operates and laws are created.
Law school will help you discover more about yourself as well. With its high level of stress and competition among intelligent individuals, students may form strong bonds with one another which could eventually lead to future professional opportunities.
Experienced learning opportunities and extracurricular activities are also offered at law schools, including student bar associations, academic subject area groups and diversity initiatives. Larger law schools may even feature health clinics, gyms or sporting events for their students. You can visit campuses with current students to help determine which law school would best fit you; virtual tours also can provide valuable insight.
4. You Want to Change the World
Law school can be an incredible way to quickly gain exposure to different work environments, test out your fit with them and network with people in power. Unfortunately, students often feel overwhelmed by its pressures and stressors – this may hinder their participation in high-impact roles or the tackling pressing social problems.
Selecting an ideal law school is crucial to your future career success. When making this choice, take into account factors like student body size, faculty research and teaching ability, opportunities offered to students and vibe of campus life.
Keep in mind that law school admissions officers value substance over quantity. Focus on two or three activities that truly interest you and devote your nonclassroom time towards them. Also consider attending a larger university campus, which may offer more social activities and amenities you’ll appreciate when your nose isn’t buried in casebooks.
