I'm 35 years old and will be starting college for the first time this fall. I would love to study law and become a criminal trial lawyer. I'm afraid i'm too old considering I'll be 42 when I finish.
Can a 42 year old woman realistically expect to compete and advance in law firms or the DA's office?
2007-03-19 03:31:31 · 12 answers · asked by wllsgrl 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Wow, I gotta say, that’s amazing that at 35 you decide to be a lawyer. Your situation reminds me of the movie legally blonde when the Harvard admission guys say, "Do you think she just woke up one day and said, I think I will go to law school?" You have to be a little nuts to start now so late in your life, but better now than never.
Also, you need to prepare yourself now for what you can expect from law school. Law school is no picnic! It's hard enough for single students who don’t work to finish, much less parents who work. You should start looking into the LSAT now to kind of familiarize yourself with how the test is going to be formatted. Also, look into what law admissions are looking for in their students.
For your undergrad, it doesn’t matter what you study, but you should study something that compliments law school (ie philosophy, political science, history etc.). Don’t forget that your grades are very important, maintain at least a 3.5 GPA.
Lastly, if during undergrad it is hard for you to balance life with school, then this might be a good indicator that law school is just not for you, because law school is alot more intensive than undergrad. My advice might not be exactly what you want to hear, but I don’t pull any punches. Good luck!
2007-03-19 04:44:43 · answer #1 · answered by Derrick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not? Stranger things have happened. I am older than you...39. I am starting back to college this summer , it will probably take me 10 years or so to become a pharmacist. Who knows where the road will lead us. Just think of all of the interesting things you will learn. You may or may not actually work in a law firm or the DA's office. There may be other better opportunities between now and then. The good news, once you are finished you will feel a HUGE sense of accomplishment, and others will appreciate your tenacity. That will take you far:) Good Luck!
2007-03-19 03:35:59 · answer #2 · answered by Shawn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU FOR GOING BACK TO SCHOOL!!! I did that too when I was about your age and got an Associate Degree as a legal assistant. I did that for about 8 years and HATED IT!!! The system is severely flawed! Attorneys are egotistical, misogynistic, arrogant, and extremely difficult to work for! I am now back in school majoring in art, my first love! I hope to teach high school art and get my masters and teach college level. You are not too old. The first attorney I worked for passed her bar exam at like 56. If that is what you REALLY want, GO FOR IT!!! Don't let anyone discourage you from your dreams. Yes, it is a lot of hard work, but just going back to school is a great accomplishment and a great example for your kids! Just remember you are NOT ERIN BROCKOVITCH!
2007-03-19 04:43:56 · answer #3 · answered by kmoc123 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so impressed with you for doing this. I think it's a fantastic thing to do, and I'm sure your kid(s) will be really proud of you and inspired that you're following your dream.
I think you will have no problem getting a job. However, if you're concerned, why not call up a couple of law firms and see if you can have a word with their human resources people about your situation? They may have some useful advice.
Good luck!
2007-03-19 03:40:18 · answer #4 · answered by Saint Bee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that your decision to return to school is a great one, for yourself and for your children. If law is what your interested in then it is my opinion that you go for it. It's important that you have a passion for what your choosing to study, it makes the work that you will endure more pleasurable (not easier :-)). One other thing to consider, is the amount of time that will be taken away from your children while attending school and studying. I believe that it is important to make sure that your children are not second to you education. There needs to be a healthy balance between the two.
Good Luck with your studies.
2007-03-19 03:44:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
42 is not too old to become a lawyer. I say go for it. I am finishing up my 1st year in college and I am 36 years old. I am going to be a web designer and graphic designer so, it is never too old. Good for you too!!! Good luck.
2007-03-19 03:35:17 · answer #6 · answered by Jen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, nowadays a great many people either start new careers in their middle years or change careers. One of my best friends just became a psychiatrist after over 10 years in med school, in her early 40's. She's so glad she did it, she's living in luxury and won't have to worry about her retirement.
2007-03-19 03:34:55 · answer #7 · answered by charmedchiclet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about your age. If you are too young, nobody takes you seriously. The only problem is that law school is very time-consuming. Are you willing to spend most of your time away from your kids?
2007-03-19 03:35:45 · answer #8 · answered by Moral Orel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just two facts you may not have thought of. You will be limited to practice in the state where you pass the bar exam. And, the expense -- the student loan is never-ending. But, you decide.
2007-03-19 04:05:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
nah thats not nuts, just make sure your BA is in something usful in case you change your mind on becoming a lawyer
2007-03-19 03:35:43 · answer #10 · answered by Sundown 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋