Is it feasable to work full time and attend law school?

Answer 1

1. Many law schools do not allow (or substantially limit) outside employment during the first year of law school. For a good reason ... it really does take 2 hours out of class for each hour in class. As finals get closer, studying becomes a full time job.

2. If it is allowed, then hopefully your employer will be flexible, especially when it comes to finals time.

Answer 2

NO. Working during law school, even part time, is a BAD idea. Not to mention that during your first year of law school the ABA limits how many hours you can work anyhow (I think it is like 15, or something else pretty low like that). Law school is INTENSE, you have to eat, breath, and sleep it, especially in that first year.

Now, if you are talking about doing a part time law school program, then that may be a different story. Programs like that (offered at only a few schools, and generally not ones ranked very highly) are designed for the "working person" with most classes given at night, the whole thing done in usually 4 years instead of the normal 3 for full time. And even in those part time law programs, that is A LOT to cram in.

Do You really NEED to work during law school? Law students generally get lots of loans to help pay their way, and you may even qualify for some good need-based or merit-based scholarships too (they don't usually tell you about these until the 11th hour, tho). Look into those things if finances are that much of a concern. Good luck either way, but take my advice and devote yourself fully to the study of law.

Answer 3

I really don't think so - try some loans and part time work. Check out citibank for student loans or try to get the unsubsidized Stafford Loan - no interest while in school - the gov't pays and you can get a lot of money and as a lawyer, eventually you should be able to pay it back. Maybe try to intern somewhere part time for your resume - or something to do with law to help you when you look for a job - unless ur job already deals with that - see if you can work part time - that will be too much pressure I am almost certain ~

I was in school full time for Psych and working full time and that did not work out for me and that is not even close to law and I am very motivated and a hard worker but I was losing it - up all night studying almost every night. I did good at school and work but there was nothing left for me - never saw my bf or family or even got to breathe and relax. You need time to play =)You do need time to yourself to to stay sane, you know?

Answer 4

It is feasible, if you don't have to work overtime, etc. Night law school is 4 years instead of 3.

Attending law school at night is OK if that's the only way you can afford it. It's a sacrifice though: law school takes a lot of study, a lot of time. If your memory is good (the LSAT examines only for reasoning, not memory) and you can retain what you've read in one reading, and if you don't fall asleep in class, then you should be OK.

But much of law school is discussing with other students what you are learning via the Socratic menthod in class. You will miss that part of law school that is campus life.

Also, most law schools with night programs are local, not national law schools with great reputations. That will somewhat limit your prospects for employment in that you won't be considered by the biggest and best firms. But most night students of law aren't looking for that kind of career anyway.

The other point is that there are too many graduates of law schools to go around, and thus law grads often go into LLM programs to get specialized training (such as in tax, for which NYU and Miami have famous programs) that will distinguish them from the crowd.

Good luck.

Answer 5

It's feasible, but I reccommend doing school at night on a part-time basis. Law school is a HUGE committment, this coming from someone who has been there. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I took out massive loans so I wouldn;t have to work full-time to pay for it. While I have over $130K in loans to pay back, I am so glad I did it. It kicked my butt but I learned alot about myself. I worked part-time during the school year, plus carried a full load, and managed internships. But I know many that worked full-time and went part-tie at night. I also have a friend that worked full-time and carried a full load. She did it and did well, and even managed to get married in addition. But it was hard for her. And I don't know that she would recommend it to anyone. If its something you want to do, you should totally do it. But make sure you are 110% committed or it will chew you up and spit you out!

Answer 6

Barely. I'm at College now and passing everything by huge grades, but I'm a kept man and my wife works in the local University. When she did her College Diploma and worked at the same time it was hard on the whole family; like she was out all the time and I had the child to look after all of that time. Plus, she just barely passed her exams. A law Degree at University would be even more demanding; easy if you've time, but hard if there's isn't time.... Try it, but leave yourself a get out clause, and if it doesn't work now then just know that it was only a time thing.

Answer 7

You need to be realistic about this. I would recommend sitting down and drawing up a time line type of schedule so you can see how much of your life will be consumed by this. You need to determine if this is something you can handle and be able to perform in both areas without one impacting the other. If you have the luxury of not having to work......I would say don't...legal school is rather intense and will change your mind frame....work may get hard as this occurs. Also think, everybody needs down time and friends to feel complete, there may be times you would like to feel free from your responsibilities make sure you can have that also.

Answer 8

First off - learn to spell. No, it is absolutely NOT feasible to work and study law - unless you are going part-time, prepared to have your diploma in 10 years time , all the whilst having no life. Law is a very demanding subject, and there is a TON of work to do outside of class. If you are really dedicated to the idea of becoming a lawyer, either save up or you are going to need help. Try your family or a rich boyfriend.

Answer 9

There are night law schools, and some of them are decent, that allow students to work full-time and get a law degree, though it takes more than three years and requires year-round classes. Other than that, I think it would be hard to work full-time and do at all decently at law school. SIgnificant part-time work can be done. You should also explore taking out loans and financial aid.

Answer 10

I have a friend doing that right now. Don't expect a lot of sleep.

Check with the law schools, many offer a part-time evening classes. It takes longer, but it's easiest on those who need to work. Also, it can make financial aid difficult - and law school ain't cheap.