An LLB degree opens up doors to career possibilities that would otherwise remain unavailable, according to experts. But the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Lange advises prospective law students, whose firm often files national lawsuits on behalf of consumers against food companies, to gain some experience by taking up summer jobs at law offices or attending court trials as observers.
You Have a Strong Interest in the Law
Many people see earning their law degree as more than just an economic venture; rather, it offers them the chance to give back and support society and their local communities in other ways. This is especially true of those seeking to use their legal expertise as advocates for underserved communities or individuals.
However, earning a law degree does not ensure success; some may find the experience quite taxing and intimidating. Classes are challenging; professors use Socratic questioning; exams can often be graded on a curve – it all adds up.
Some individuals thrive in law school environments and excel academically; other may struggle. Before making your decision, it is wise to carefully consider all of its potential pros and cons before making a commitment to study law.
Your choice of law school will have an enormous influence on your career. Finding one that matches both your personality and needs is important; smaller law schools may provide more personalized mentoring and flexible course scheduling while larger law schools often boast larger student bodies with access to a broader selection of academic resources.
Other considerations when selecting the ideal law school include its reputation, location and culture. Some law schools offer more relaxed environments while others can have a more intense, competitive vibe – some students thrive better in such an atmosphere while others need a bit of flexibility with their studies.
Speaking with current law students and recent graduates about their experiences is highly beneficial, as is attending classes as an observer; many professors will allow prospective students to sit in on classes provided they ask politely in advance. Doing this will give you an understanding of what it’s like being a law student as well as working as a lawyer.
You Have a Strong LSAT Score
Chances are if you scored high on the LSAT exam, you will fare well in law school. However, even if your score falls short of 180 on that test there are numerous preparation programs that can help boost it to ensure competitive edge in law school applications.
Not to be overlooked when considering law school is that most students will incur debt to finance it. Therefore, it’s advisable to conduct a cost-benefit analysis prior to making your decision on attending law school – although financial aid options exist that could assist in keeping costs manageable should you choose this path.
Academic and social climate in law school should also be carefully considered, since its requirements can differ significantly from undergraduate life and be more challenging in many ways. If you struggle to thrive under intensely structured environments, law school might not be for you.
At this stage, it’s also essential that you consider what career path you wish to follow. Much can change between law school enrollment and postgraduate job search – so if you have specific plans such as working for government or entering private practice, make sure it’s something that fits within your means.
An additional factor when considering law school is work-life balance. Lawyers tend to work long hours and that can place undue strain on family life. Furthermore, pursuing civil rights or environmental law will likely necessitate taking on pro bono cases which can be both time consuming and emotionally taxing.
As you consider these factors, it can also be worth doing some research on law school rankings. While these rankings shouldn’t be your sole data point for choosing a school, they can give an indication of strengths and reputation. Furthermore, if there is an area of law you are particularly passionate about focusing on schools renowned for this can also help narrow your choices down further.
You Have a Strong GPA
An exceptional undergraduate GPA coupled with an exceptional LSAT score will put you in good standing at many law schools, making you competitive for admission without incurring too much debt in the process. It may even allow you to attend an elite law school without incurring massive loans to attend it!
Law school can be an exhausting and demanding journey, so it is wise to enter with a plan in mind for life after graduation. Many law students enter without an established goal in mind and this often leads to disillusionment and unmet expectations down the road.
Before applying to law school, it’s also wise to gain some experience (or at least the potential for experience) in fields related to law or policy. Participating in an internship or entry-level job in these sectors allows you to test out whether law is your dream career path while building connections that could assist in finding work once graduated.
At the beginning of law school, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your fellow students and develop strong bonds with professors. Over the next three years, you will work alongside each other – this relationship-building is key to having a rewarding law school experience. Furthermore, it may help to form study groups with other students – this may help with difficult concepts while providing valuable feedback on your assignments.
Once in law school, your grades will largely depend on how well you do on exam day. Some teachers may offer extra credit for class participation or dock points based on whether or not you study, but most of your grade will come down to how well you perform on one final exam at the end of every semester – having successful study habits is crucial if you want to succeed at law school exams!
When selecting a law school, pay special attention to both its faculty reputation and student body size. Both aspects can have an effect on classroom interaction as well as its overall “vibe.” Also keep an eye out for any law schools ranked among the ABA top 14 as these usually boast greater student success and job placement rates post graduation.
You Have a Strong Interest in the Field
Law school might be an attractive choice if you can avoid excessive debt, focus on developing practical skillsets and remain open-minded regarding career options. But this field may not suit everyone, and getting into law school could prove challenging without having a clear idea of the kind of legal work you want to pursue and how that would look in practice.
If you’re concerned about taking out student loans for law school, compare its total costs with their starting salaries as recent graduates. Speak with current law students and alumni as well as attend one class yourself – many professors are often willing to allow prospective students to sit in on classes as long as you politely request beforehand.
Law school should be seen as an intensely stressful endeavor, including demanding coursework and competition among peers. Even though being a lawyer is rewarding, finding employment after graduation may prove challenging even with strong interests in this profession.
Jory Lange, an attorney who routinely files lawsuits against major corporations on behalf of his clients, advises aspiring lawyers that in order to succeed they must take risks in their profession. According to him, those who want to excel need to be willing to put their careers on the line when pursuing cases they believe have merit and accept that failure can sometimes be part of learning experience.
If you are passionate about any aspect of law, considering pursuing a legal degree should be carefully considered. But make sure that it will be something you commit yourself to for an extended period, outweighing risks such as student loan debt and job market challenges. Speak with an attorney in that area about their profession to gain more insight, then assess honestly whether this could become part of your future path.
