How can I combine my love of the arts, especially creative writing with a law degree?

Question

I am at a crossroads in my career. I am in the middle of applying for law school, but I really want to write. Is there a field that can combine the two, or do I choose one over the other? I am not looking to practice law, that much I know about myself. I want to do something that is challenging, fun, creative and meaningful. I fear that I have to give up writing in order to fullfill a working life.

Answer 1

Practicing as a criminal lawyer gives you experience to write a murder mystery well- you deal with police, have seen actual murder evidence, know courtroom proceedings, know laws, etc. etc.

Look up "International Justice Mission." It's Christian, yes, sorry if that's a problem, but I can't think of much more challenging and meaningful than trying to save people from slavery. It would also make a good story with a good writer.

By the way, be prepared to get the crap annoyed out of you by legal writing- it's basically "How to write in as dull but informative a manner as possible 101."

Answer 2

If you don't want to practice law, why go to law school in the first place? Why waste $120,000?? There are plenty of jobs out there that don't require a law degree but do require creative writing (politicians with their speeches come first to mind).