The Law School Gamble

Introduction

So here you are, wondering about this whole law school thing.  Perhaps you just finished another long, boring day in your cubicle, and you’re thinking to yourself, Being a lawyer can’t be this bad, and it probably pays better! Or maybe you’re still in college, and in between games of Nintendo Wii, you imagine working as a hotshot lawyer in the big city. Whatever the situation, you’re probably looking to get an honest take on law school and the legal profession. I’m here to help. While there is a ton of information out there, much of it does not truthfully address some of the major issues within the profession. Many who are considering law school are unaware of the challenges that face a majority of new attorneys.

Now, I’m sure you are anxious to read a law school anecdote or two, but the first part of this book focuses on life after law school. The reason for this is simple: before you even consider attending three more years of school, you need to gain a broad understanding of the legal industry and digest the financial consequences of going down this career path.  Ultimately, it is the forty years of work after graduation that deserves the most consideration. You wouldn’t go to dental school if you didn’t want to perform root canals for a living, right? I hope not.

So that leads me to the following question: why are you considering law school? Do you really want to be a lawyer? Are you sure? If not, don’t worry. It’s not a simple question. But before you read any further, I want you to come up with an articulable reason for wanting to become a lawyer. Think about it for a few moments and write it down in a sentence or two.

Do you want to be a trial attorney and argue cases before a jury?

Do you want to do environmental law? If so, do you have a good understanding of what environmental attorneys do on a daily basis?

Or perhaps your favorite color is green. You want to own a big house, two BMWs and a Mercedes, and you’ve heard that first-year associates at some of the big law firms have a starting salary of $165,000. Sounds pretty good if you are into that kind of thing.

As you read through this book and continue to investigate the legal industry, revisit and perhaps refine your answer as you learn more about the profession. If you can determine your interests at this stage, then you can thoroughly explore different career options within the legal field by doing internships or working as a paralegal before starting law school. Being aware of your goals will help you feel secure and maintain confidence while you are in law school. And no matter what profession you are choosing, it helps to have focus. And if you lose sight of your aspirations, you might settle for something less than what you deserve.