Im thinking of going to law school with the hope of becoming a lawyer, but I don't know if it is really worth it. It is the money and status that really attracts me, but how many lawyers actually get to be partners and earn lots of money? I heard that law school is hard and that lawyers have to work a lot of hours. Is this all true?
2007-03-23 08:18:54 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
So what would be a better career if money is a main interest?
2007-03-23 09:18:22 · update #1
Some lawyers make a lot of money, some lawyers live modestly and some lawyers are struggling. It really depends on what area of law you go into, how much effort you are willing to put into the job and how successful you are.
As someone currently in law school, I wouldn't say it's hard per se, but it does involve a LOT of reading, preparation and study. I really enjoy it though so I love doing it. For someone studying law for the wrong reasons, it would be challenging at best and torture at worst.
You should weigh up what you want from life - would you prefer money or would you prefer job satisfaction and happiness?
2007-03-23 11:56:52 · answer #1 · answered by xxalmostfamous1987xx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Law school is called a three year hazing for a reason. The process of learning the law requires the hardest academic work you've ever done, and on a continuous basis - and what you do in your first two years of law school has a direct impact on your earnings, at least in the period immediately after you graduate. This is one of the few areas of study in which your grades *really* matter.
Once you graduate, if you want to be a top earner, you *will* work brutal hours. Your chances of making partner at a large firm may be as low as one in ten.
But - if you do it, the money will follow, and the status as well.
Whether that's the right path for you is a decision only you can make.
There's another path to being a wealthy attorney, one that involves less status - and that's ambulance chasing. If you chase the right ambulance, you win.
Again- your choice as to whether that's right for you.
2007-03-23 12:14:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the money and status are what you care about, pick a different profession. It's going to be a long time after you graduate law school before you see much of either.
Being a lawyer is a difficult profession, with long hours if you want to get anywhere, and a long traditional hierarchy that you need to work your way up through.
2007-03-23 08:41:57 · answer #3 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very true, law school is very hard and there are a lot of long hours and studying, Lawyers also have the highest suicide rates. But if you think you can handle it and if it's really what you want to do go for it and give it your best.
2007-03-23 08:29:21 · answer #4 · answered by You Lames! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋