Law school or not??

Question

I need advice on persuing law school or not. I have a high GPA, University and departmental Honors, and a high LSAT score but the law school only accepts 10% of its applicants. I am a single mother (well above their normal age) and have not participated much with online clubs or student government positions. Should I apply or just say that it is too late to think about it now? The school says they look at the "whole" applicant and wants a resume and other student positions held. I worked from home during my undergrad years so I could take care of my son. What should I do?

Answer 1

Definitely go for it, and look for opportunities to apply under special admission categories (students with parents or mature students). Colleges want to diversify their student bodies.

Answer 2

You are never too late to try and reach your goals. I would also consider looking at more than one law school -- perhaps there is one that isn't as competitive, but still has a good reputation in your area. Either way, you need to put together a resume that shows your strengths -- put all of your education at the top, as well as any experience you've had in the world related to your potential new degree. That includes participating in parent/teacher organizations, volunteering, and anything else related to your organizational/communication skills -- all skills that are transferrable into law. Don't think that, just because you have little work experience, that law school is out. Also, if you apply and don't get in, consider paralegal certificate (which is about 2 years) at a local community college, work doing that for a year or so, and THEN apply -- by then, you would have networked with lawyers and worked in the field, and have a better shot. There is always ways around the feeling of having "no experience". Trust me. Good luck!

Answer 3

If you are giving this much thought about law school, you should probably pass, particularly if you're just going to do it just for the sake of doing it. I base this conclusion off of your statement that says you want to go to law school so you can take care of your son. Law school is nothing like it is on tv. If you are obsessed with helping people, you should consider social work and read no further. If this is not your major motivation, I offer you my free advice for what it's worth.

First, regardless of whether you go to a law school full-time or whether you find a 4-year extended program, you will be incurring a significant amount of debt (average is $100k). This should be your primary consideration assuming you are older than the average 24 year old student. Second, you should be aware that the average salary coming out of most law schools (top tiers down to fourth tiers) is roughly $40k, and these are generally public sector jobs.

Regarding legal salaries, most lawyers make a comfortable living. The average salary (overall) is high, but this is because of the disparity in salaries between the lawyers at big firms and the lawyers everywhere else. The top lawyers do start off making six figures to start. These are the students who are in the top 10% (to top 25-50% at a top-tier school) of graduates of the law school class. If you work hard during your first two years of law school and earn your way into this category, that's great. Keep in mind that the average billable hours you will be putting in to ensure that salary will be about 2000/year. This translates to a 40-hour work week, but since you can't bill 8 hours in an 8-hour day, this means you probably are putting in 60-70+ hours a week. After working this lifestyle for about seven years, you may make partner and your work hours may shift, but your responsibilities become tremendously client-centered. I don't mean to tell you all of this as a discouragement, but big firm life (in most big firms) is not for most people. Of course, if you aren't in this top of your class, you will not have these options to worry about.

As only about the top 10% (with some exceptions) will get the kind of work described in the above paragraph, that leaves 90% of the class battling for the rest of the legal jobs. Most fall somewhere among the public sector, which has salaries starting between $30-50k/year depending on your state. The hours are better, but the graduating debt is the same, which means you will be paying it off for much longer. Add this into whatever debt you already owe (credit cards, mortgage, etc.) and you will see why I said the first consideration must be debt. If money isn't an issue (which is unlikely if you're asking this question on a free website), you will probably need to take a long look at whether you think law is for you and what you will be able to do with your J.D.(besides taking care of your son).

As far as what the law school wants, they really don't care so long as you can pay the bill. Admissions are calculated through a complex formula of percentages based on GPA and LSAT score - if anyone tells you anything else, they are probably misleading you.

If you decide to pursue law school, are accepted, and you can afford it (and even if you can't, some lender will give you the $50k/year expenses that it will cost you), go full-time and see how the chips fall when the first semester grades come out. If you do great, great; if not, you should make a serious consideration for cutting your losses. If my point is not clear by now, it is this: law school isn't for everybody and most people (not necessarily you) embark on the legal path without really thinking it out fully.

In the alternative, and if it's simply resume enhancement you are seeking, I would recommend pursuing an MBA program (they usually are much cheaper and easier to complete around a work schedule). If your goal is just to find a better job with perhaps some better security, an MBA may provide you that option. Your job may pay for an MBA program; if not, there are obviously educational credits of which your accountant may point out. Regardless of the degree you pursue, most employers are looking for someone who can handle themselves well and have a sense of respect and responsibility. You don't need a law degree to find one.

Good luck with your decision. Law school can be (and is) very rewarding but you will be wasting your time and money if you aren't going for the right reasons.

Answer 4

I'm finishing up my 1st year in LS right now. I would honestly say that if you have any doubt you shouldn't do it. LS is such a huge commitment, in so many ways. I could sit here in my chair typing until my fingers bleed explaining what a nightmare LS is, but I won't. All I can tell is that if you do decide to follow through w/ it, give it 100%. You can't go into it w/ any doubt or uncertainty. I hope I'm not coming across as "Mr. Pessimistic", but speaking from experience, thats my advice. LS is tough, but its also an incredible experience. You certainly can make it happen if you want to. Best of luck to you.

Answer 5

Go for it. It is never too late. You having a child obviously didn't affect your schooling you did well and that is what matters.

Answer 6

Keep in mind that at this time there is an attorney glut.