Anyone thinking about Law school?

[heartofthacity]

Damn, that's an inspirational story right there.

I'm kind of at a cross roads. I'm done undergrad, have about 30 LSAT tests and the bibles sitting on my desk and have always wanted to be a lawyer but am now having second thoughts. Do I really want to work 60+ hours a week and reading through a ton of boring crap?

To any lawyers here, how is the job itself? Interesting or boring? Is there any way of avoiding the 12+ hr shifts a day when you're starting out? Also, what else can you do with a law degree besides be a lawyer?

I'd go to law school just for the education if I could...3 years of law school would make me feel like Einstein.


co-sizzle

I always had an interest in going to law school, but the cons seem to outweigh the pros in my situation.. Although I've known that a lawyer's job is far from what you see on Law and Order, the general idea of knowing the ins and outs of law seems amazing to me. When I graduated High School I was almost certain I wanted to go to law school after Undergrad, but when I took the debt, crazy hours, lack of job security (arguable), and actual interest in the career (which I could not really judge unless I interned somewhere); I dismissed the idea as merely a fantasy. If there are in fact jobs out there, and there's hope for the non top-10 percent in an amazing law school then I am definitely a bit more interested.. (Although I would love to go to an amazing law school and graduate top 10%, I definitely cannot guarantee it.)

And I guess I could be a law/poli-sci professor if I don't land a decent position.. But once again between not knowing how the actual career is like and the idea of the physically/emotionally/socially draining three years you spend in law school it keeps one second guessing the idea.. Regardless though, I'm going to take the LSAT's and see where life takes me..

 

[cjdynasty]

Graduate May 8, 2010 and cant wait. Im over law school

 

[cjdynasty]

Originally Posted by rsdplaya

how many years is law school typically?

3 years.  At mine, you can do it in 2!

 

[heartofthacity]

Originally Posted by CJDynasty

Originally Posted by rsdplaya

how many years is law school typically?

3 years.  At mine, you can do it in 2!

Where'd you go? I remember you and some other dudes posted helpful info in that old Law School thread from like a year back. How much of your social life/free time did it take?

 

[nako xl]

Don't.  If you're thinking about it, do yourself a favor and just don't do it.  Law school isn't what everyone thinks it is.

Originally Posted by CJDynasty

Graduate May 8, 2010 and cant wait. Im over law school

June 1, 2011

ugh.

 

[cabron james 23]

if you think debt, hard work, possibility of not getting a job, not finishing 1% of your class, etc. are cons DO NOT DO IT. It is FRIDAY 9:32 pm, we have spring break next week, and I AM IN THE LIBRARY RIGHT NOW!! To succeed as a lawyer, you really have to love it as art and master it as your craft.

 

[kicksnbeats]

http://bigdebtsmalllaw.wordpress.com/

for those of you that are considering law school

Props to those who love practicing law, but theres no way I'm going 100k+ in debt and not being able to pay it off with the accumulating interest in a field where you're almost not guaranteed to make a good return on your investment.

 

[usherplaylist]

ANYONE can go to law school now, it doesn't make you special - 99% chance it means you're broke (and probably just scared of the real world). Have fun fighting 22 y/o DUIs while you struggle to pay back your student loans. 

I mean if you can get into a top 20 program, sure go for it...but most of the kids I know are idiots going to tier 3 and 4 schools - squandering their life/money away.  Kids have no concept of what $120k+ in debt really means, like it's no big deal.  Wasting your youth and being in debt for 20 years to be a JANITOR. 

 

[heartofthacity]

Originally Posted by usherplaylist

ANYONE can go to law school now, it doesn't make you special - 99% chance it means you're broke (and probably just scared of the real world). Have fun fighting 22 y/o DUIs while you struggle to pay back your student loans. 

I mean if you can get into a top 20 program, sure go for it...but most of the kids I know are idiots going to tier 3 and 4 schools - squandering their life/money away.  Kids have no concept of what $120k+ in debt really means, like it's no big deal.  Wasting your youth and being in debt for 20 years to be a JANITOR. 

at how specific, not even unemployed, but a janitor lol

 

[throwedindagame]

Originally Posted by usherplaylist

ANYONE can go to law school now, it doesn't make you special - 99% chance it means you're broke (and probably just scared of the real world). Have fun fighting 22 y/o DUIs while you struggle to pay back your student loans. 

I mean if you can get into a top 20 program, sure go for it...but most of the kids I know are idiots going to tier 3 and 4 schools - squandering their life/money away.  Kids have no concept of what $120k+ in debt really means, like it's no big deal.  Wasting your youth and being in debt for 20 years to be a JANITOR. 

Pretty much.

If your pursuing a JD or MBA for potential employment:

T20 for B-school or law school, or don't even bother going.

Med School is a different animal. You can go ANYWHERE.

 

[bijald0331]

Originally Posted by kicksNbeats

[URL]http://bigdebtsmalllaw.wordpress.com/[/url]

for those of you that are considering law school

Props to those who love practicing law, but theres no way I'm going 100k+ in debt and not being able to pay it off with the accumulating interest in a field where you're almost not guaranteed to make a good return on your investment.

 at that site! The about page is something  else. I'm honestly shook. And my roommate's looking to go to law school...

 

[bijald0331]

yuku ftl

 

[finnns2003]

that blog is correct. it's akin to being good enough to get to the NBA. sure, you might be 6'5", but so are a lot of people. not everyone makes it, and you might end up upside down regretting it in the end.

 

[dacityslanga]

Originally Posted by Beats05

If you're thinking about it, don't. If you know its what you wantto do, then do it. Law school sucks, and applications are up some 17%while job prospects have been substantially diminished.

Not True. The competition is stiffer, but if you're amazing enough, you can get paid $3100/week as a summer associate as soon as the end of your first year, which can result in a $160,000/year job as soon as you graduate. The jobs are there. You just have to be mind-blowing and go to a top-ranked school.

This

I was accepted to Catholic U.,  George Mason, and U of MD.

Not really feeling the student loans since you cant work full time if you are attending a full time (day) program

 

[dathbgboy]

My thing is, I wanna practice law so I have no choice but to go to law school. Paralegals can't give legal advice and what not but at present time, that's what I'm lookin for for experience. I'm tryna bust my @## to finish w/ a 3.0 for my undergrad career, if I don't, I'm chalkin law school cause I'm not gon spend money on LSAT's and apps to get declined left and right.

 

[flasheightzero]

i'll be starting law school in the fall, i'm kinda thinking of being a public defender. 30 cases at once, all ppl too poor to afford lawyers, lousy pay, tons of trial experience. i just think i would be happy defending drug dealers (alleged drug dealers)

 

[usherplaylist]

Originally Posted by heartofthacity

Originally Posted by usherplaylist

ANYONE can go to law school now, it doesn't make you special - 99% chance it means you're broke (and probably just scared of the real world). Have fun fighting 22 y/o DUIs while you struggle to pay back your student loans. 

I mean if you can get into a top 20 program, sure go for it...but most of the kids I know are idiots going to tier 3 and 4 schools - squandering their life/money away.  Kids have no concept of what $120k+ in debt really means, like it's no big deal.  Wasting your youth and being in debt for 20 years to be a JANITOR. 

at how specific, not even unemployed, but a janitor lol

You've never heard of someone calling a lawyer a janitor? They get paid to pick up the messes (of people who make the REAL money).  They're leaches.  Parasites. Most lawyers are broke.  Kids are delusional these days.  Most just want to go to law school because they think it sounds sweet.  "Grandma did you hear Timmy is going to LAW SCHOOL." 

Wack.  Everyone knows anyone that's willing to take out the loans can go to law school in 2010.  I just find it hilarious how kids WHO HAVE NEVER MADE A $1.00 IN THEIR LIFE think 6 figures of debt for law school is nothing.

Boggles my mind. It's like kids are graduating from college w/o the ability to comprehend opportunity cost.

Medical or dental school

Pharm or even a nursing program

Top tier law

Tier 2, 3 and 4 law school

And it's always the kids who go to horrible law schools that are quick to brag they're in law school. Awesome, bro.

 

[throwedindagame]

Originally Posted by Dathbgboy

My thing is, I wanna practice law so I have no choice but to go to law school. Paralegals can't give legal advice and what not but at present time, that's what I'm lookin for for experience. I'm tryna bust my @## to finish w/ a 3.0 for my undergrad career, if I don't, I'm chalkin law school cause I'm not gon spend money on LSAT's and apps to get declined left and right.

You'd better get a 160+ on the LSAT

 

[reigndrop]

Originally Posted by LazyJ10

I thought you worked at Goldman in another thread?

Got em

FYI, anybody that is thinking about Law School, you better go to a top 20 Law School, maybe top 10 and graduate within the top 10% of your class or else you're done for. 

Go to a school not within the top 20, or graduate outside of the top 10%, and you'll be sinking in debt.

 

[maddenfan04]

Originally Posted by usherplaylist

Originally Posted by heartofthacity

Originally Posted by usherplaylist

ANYONE can go to law school now, it doesn't make you special - 99% chance it means you're broke (and probably just scared of the real world). Have fun fighting 22 y/o DUIs while you struggle to pay back your student loans. 

I mean if you can get into a top 20 program, sure go for it...but most of the kids I know are idiots going to tier 3 and 4 schools - squandering their life/money away.  Kids have no concept of what $120k+ in debt really means, like it's no big deal.  Wasting your youth and being in debt for 20 years to be a JANITOR. 

at how specific, not even unemployed, but a janitor lol

You've never heard of someone calling a lawyer a janitor? They get paid to pick up the messes (of people who make the REAL money).  They're leaches.  Parasites. Most lawyers are broke.  Kids are delusional these days.  Most just want to go to law school because they think it sounds sweet.  "Grandma did you hear Timmy is going to LAW SCHOOL." 

Wack.  Everyone knows anyone that's willing to take out the loans can go to law school in 2010.  I just find it hilarious how kids WHO HAVE NEVER MADE A $1.00 IN THEIR LIFE think 6 figures of debt for law school is nothing.

Boggles my mind. It's like kids are graduating from college w/o the ability to comprehend opportunity cost.

Medical or dental school

Pharm or even a nursing program

Top tier law

Tier 2, 3 and 4 law school

And it's always the kids who go to horrible law schools that are quick to brag they're in law school. Awesome, bro.

Someones a little uneducated about Med school + Dental school debt
Even with specialist pay

 

[reigndrop]

Originally Posted by HOVKid

Originally Posted by RavageBX

Originally Posted by Beats05

If you're thinking about it, don't. If you know its what you want to do, then do it. Law school sucks, and applications are up some 17% while job prospects have been substantially diminished.

Not True. The competition is stiffer, but if you're amazing enough, you can get paid $3100/week as a summer associate as soon as the end of your first year, which can result in a $160,000/year job as soon as you graduate. The jobs are there. You just have to be mind-blowing and go to a top-ranked school.

And how many people do you think fall into that category? Top 10% is not easy even if you're "amazing". Especially at a top tier school. And trust me when I tell you the jobs are not there like they used to be. Summer associates have had their spots deferred. Ain't nothing sweet in law school right now. Now more than ever its about who you know.

I went to Brooklyn Law School and graduated in the top 4% of my class.  I got a job at one of the top 10 law firm in the world in their NYC office.  I'm living proof that it can be done.

I had to BEG to get into Brooklyn Law School too.  I graduated with a 3.2 and got a 152 on the LSAT.  LSAT is ridiculous...gives no indication of how you'll do in law school.

Anyway, I got rejected from just about everywhere I applied and got wait-listed by Brooklyn.  I showed up at Brooklyn the next day and walked into the admissions office and litterally sat in an admission officer's office on my knees begging her to let me in.  She ended up letting me in to a part time program and told me if I did decently, they'd let me into the full time program.  At the end of the first year I was first in my class.  A's in EVERYTHING.

I worked in top firms for about 7 years before leaving.  I had to get out.  I couldn't live working till 12:00am or 2:00 am everyday including weekends.

I would have stayed but one of the firm's clients offered me a job as their General Counsel.  After a few mnths of negotiation, I left the firm to come here since they offered me more than I'd ever make in a firm and I can actually see my kids on the weekends.  I work until about 7pm now during the week and never on the weekends except for conference calls and blackberry.






    

hovkid, I don't know when you graduated, or went to school, but it's pretty difficult to compare the market that you graduated into, to the one right now, and the next five years.  A lot of lawyers that I work with tell me competition is cut throat, and jobs offers are thin.  A lot can change, though, but I can't see it happening with the circumstances right now.

 

[kicksnbeats]

Originally Posted by bijald0331

Originally Posted by kicksNbeats

http://bigdebtsmalllaw.wordpress.com/http://bigdebtsmalllaw.wordpress.com/

for those of you that are considering law school

Props to those who love practicing law, but theres no way I'm going 100k+ in debt and not being able to pay it off with the accumulating interest in a field where you're almost not guaranteed to make a good return on your investment.

 at that site! The about page is something  else. I'm honestly shook. And my roommate's looking to go to law school...

Real talk, too many people think that they can go to some no name law school and make six figure salaries straight out of graduation.  It doesn't work that way unless you graduated from Stanford, Harvard law etc. Sure there are SOME who make it big from those crappy tier schools but those chances are as good as some high school senior being drafted into the NBA. This is why when I was applying to business school for my MBA, I only applied to top 20 schools. 

I'm all for being optimistic but you have to draw the line between optimism and REALISM.  Dudes need to do their research and talk to the right people, not some career counselor or school rep who's out to get your tuition money.  I showed this blog to this freshman undergrad at UCLA who chose sociology as his major and was aiming for law school  After reading all of it, dude switched his major to chemical engineering with the swiftness

You gotta be smart in these economic times, you can't afford to go into debt and not land a job to pay it off.

 

[bijald0331]

I might take the LSAT just to see where I stand and keep law school as an option. Northwestern + alright gpa+ good lsat= hopefully don't fall into that crap

 

[higherground]

O wow next level ignorance and stupidity.

I love how some of you who know nothing about the subject matter speak so authoritatively on it.


Please refrain from stating your opinion, PLEASE. Kids, don't listen to any of these bums.

 

[aztec06jr]

Does anyone have a friend who goes to Berkeley, USC, or Chicago law? Those are the 3 schools I've gotten into so far...Want to get some insight from actual students...

Or anyone who is a current lawyer, are any of the 3 schools worth sticker?