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So you think that law school is the right choice for you?
Good. Now let's make sure that your reasons are solid and
weatherproof: The first year of law school is not for
fair-weather enthusiasts. There will be plenty of opportunities
for you to feel overwhelmed and thoroughly drenched in
self-doubt. With an increasingly competitive job market, even 1Ls
(first-year law students) aren't immune from the pressure of the
placement process. And at many schools there is often the "case
method" of teaching that could be another strain.
In case method classes, the professor's role is to provoke
students into a higher level of thinking. You will certainly be
challenged on a number of levels, so let's "test drive" your
reasons for choosing the law profession. We'll start on the
positive side with a few sample "good" reasons.
Versatility
It is true, a law degree is perhaps the most versatile
professional degree. Law might well be the field for you if
you:
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Are not entirely sure of your career
dream |
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Feel more than half-certain that you will
change "careers" at some point in the future |
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Enjoy thinking analytically |
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Enjoy coming up with creative solutions to
complex problems |
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Are inspired by intellectual
challenges
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Lawyers can function in the business world, whereas
M.B.A.'s cannot function in a legal position. And although
lawyers cannot be doctors, neither are they as closely held to
their "field" as are M.D.'s.
A law degree gives you almost unparalleled mobility in your
career&151;lawyers run movie studios, manage baseball teams,
hold political office, serve in the foreign service, run Fortune
500 companies, and head a wide range of legal service
organizations.
Excitement
Although the life of an attorney is not really like that
portrayed in the television series Ally McBeal, there are aspects
of lawyering that can be a great deal of fun. Tasks such as
preparing for a trial, defending a client, prosecuting an accused
criminal, or putting together a business deal can give you a rush
of adrenaline. The interpretation of existing law can be both
intellectually challenging and exciting in itself as you
participate in the continuing evolution our legal system.
Empowerment
Many law school applicants who are already established in careers
as news reporters, businesspeople, or even doctors, have found
that they need a law degree in order to be more effective or
influential in their field. Doctors worry about malpractice
matters or become intrigued with the legal implications of
prolonging life. Reporters develop urges to become part of the
solution to the widespread social problems they have been
chronicling for years. Businesspeople feel that a background in
law will enable them to negotiate the deals they encounter in
their jobs more effectively.
Job Security
Although there are very few jobs that remain secure in today's
economy, the fundamental role that legal systems play in our
increasing global working world is striking. Certainly a law
degree has become a necessary prerequisite for a great many jobs
that could have been done without legal expertise 20 years ago.
Your training and skills can allow you to stay employed and
prepare you for a variety of situations.
Personal Experience
You may have other, personal reasons for choosing law school.
Often, people have experienced first hand the power of a training
in law through involvement in lawsuits, divorces, adoption
procedures, or the settlement of an estate. Whatever your
particular reasons for wanting to obtain a law degree, be sure
you're clear about why you want to travel down this road, and
don't lose sight of your personal investment in the process.
Sound exciting so far? If you enjoy thinking, writing, solving
problems, negotiating compromises, and advocating on behalf of
people or causes, then law school will be a good fit for you. If
you'd rather have someone else tell you how to solve a problem or
how to think about a dilemma, then you might find that law is not
the profession for you. Think seriously about the "fit;" be
honest with yourself as you contemplate your future career. Be
sure that you have chosen the right destination before you begin
planning your trip.
This article was adapted from Kaplan and Newsweek's Law School
Admissions Advisor.
Pick up a copy for more advice on getting into law school.
More Information
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