I really want to go to law school but I would be 38 when I finished. Is that too old to even consider going to law school? Wouldn't it be harder to compete against the 26-27 year olds in the job market?
2007-09-24 07:40:42 · 15 answers · asked by operaphantom2003 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
How old would you be in 3 years if you did not finish law school?
Hell, most of the people I know in law school right now are over 40.
2007-09-24 07:47:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I went to law school at 40. It is not too late to become a lawyer. Do not let yourself pass on a dream because of a number.
Expect law school to suck, it does. Most law school professors are on an ego trip. They let the power go to their head and try to intimidate the students. It is a bit harder for the profs to intimidate the older students, but they still try. Law school is like 3 years of heavy hazing. BUT if you survive the hazing you get to sit for the bar exam and become an attorney.
Yes, when you graduate you will be competing against the 26-27 year olds for those plum 6-figure associate jobs. I had a dear friend who was senior partner in a major Chicago law firm tell me that he would not hire anyone over 30 for the associatie jobs because that job required 18 to 20 hour days and people over 30 had responsibilities.
Can you get associate jobs being over 30? Yes. I contracted myself out to firms on a per case or per month basis. As an independant contractor I carried my own benefits, paid my own taxes, etc. I offered to do anything to learn the business. I could have worked 7 days a week doing that. While you are in law school you may be able to get a part time job as a law clerk and then after passing the bar associate attorney.
I found that being older gave me some perspective on the law school experience and taking the bar exam. I did take a bar review course. While my 20+ year old class mates where crying during the lunch break the day of the bar exam, I figured that it would not be the end of the world if I had to take it again. It was that calm perspective that made me pass.
Don't let the tough issues keep you from pursuing your dream of being an attorney. It is a great profession. I opened my own law firm and love the independence. Good luck.
2007-09-24 10:36:17 · answer #2 · answered by CatLaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am in my last year of law school and turning 42 years old in a few months. It is never too late. In fact, one of my peers just turned 61 years old. She did it because it was always a dream of hers, but not that she plans to try to secure work at a top notch law firm. Poster Steven T. said a mouthful. If I were planning on practicing law I would have never gone for the very reasons Steven noted. I have a quite a few friends that are and have been in his position. One in particular is a labor lawyer and he has been unemployed for a little more than 5 years and tries to get work on the side. My goal is to use it in my present field which is Human Resources to secure a higher salary.
2007-09-24 08:31:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Age means nothing. If you really want to go to law school, then do it. Don't let the younger people intimidate you.
I am a current law student now, and 29 years old...There are PLENTY of non-traditional students in my classes. One of my classmates is 50 years old with 5 kids and she has one of the best GPA's in my class. She already has a job lined up for next year when we graduate.
There also was an older gentleman, I believe he must have been in his 60's who graduated recently first in his class! He has plenty of job options.
So don't let age be a factor. There are plenty of firms out that want to hire people who KNOW what they are doing. They don't just want to hire young people.
2007-09-24 16:10:37 · answer #4 · answered by Coco 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends on what you want to do what experinece you have and why you want to be a lawyer is it for money or power?
There are too many lawyers
Do the opposite and get a job where ther is a shortage
No 38 is not too old, did you take the LSAT exams, how did you do?
2007-09-24 07:47:08 · answer #5 · answered by god knows and sees else Yahoo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I was going to college, I had a Psychology teacher, I asked why he taught school instead of just opening up a practice. I believe he was in his early 30's at the time. He told me he plans on doing it but who would want to take help/advice from someone who seems young for the profession.
I think of lawyers the same way. I prefer someone who seems older and experience then I would someone who is still young. I wouldn't trust a 25 year old, compared to someone who is older. It's my preference.
I don't think it will effect you at all considering your age. I think you should go for it.
2007-09-24 07:53:31 · answer #6 · answered by krennao 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My wife went to Law school at about your age. She had no problem getting a job afterwards. I must admit that she is fluent in Spanish and that helped her get her job but she beat out several younger people. Sometimes firms want people with 'real life' experience and a mature view.
2007-09-24 07:50:56 · answer #7 · answered by Michael B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to ask yourself, is law my passion? The field is saturated with lawyers so get ready to hustle or start devising a plan that will allow you utilize your study ahead of everyone else in law school. Good Luck!
2007-09-24 08:09:41 · answer #8 · answered by anaise 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll be 38 anyway. Do you want to be 38 and reaching your goal, or 38 and regretting not doing it.
2007-09-25 16:13:33 · answer #9 · answered by contessaharridan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I think if that's what you want you should go for it! Depending on your other educational background, you might have an advantage to the younger graduates. Good luck!
2007-09-24 07:46:37 · answer #10 · answered by ANGEL 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋