In a recent op ed article in the New York Times, Lawrence Mitchell, dean of Case Western Reserve’s law school, has written a spirited defense of law schools in today’s society. In response to what he calls the “hysteria” being promulgated by the popular press, Mitchell’s article tries to step back and look at the bigger picture, reassessing the true value of a law school education.
While acknowledging that the current job market for lawyers is tight, Mitchell points out that such economic ups and downs have always occurred, and yet the need for lawyers remains. While it is true that a newly graduated law student will may have difficulties finding that first job, this situation is true for all professions, not just the law. The bigger picture, according to Mitchell, is that law schools don’t simply train for a job, but rather provide skills for a lifetime profession. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills conferred by a legal education will have lasting value not just in finding an initial legal job, but in a building a successful career in a multitude of fields ranging from business, politics, and finance to education and the arts.
Mitchell also concedes that the high cost of law school has been a focus of many attacks. But again he takes the bigger view: law school is an investment in a lifelong career. He provides some statistics to show that a lawyer’s average yearly salary still exceeds tuition and he suggests that there is every reason to expect that salaries will continue to keep pace with the costs of education.
Mitchell’s entire message is one of optimism. Baby-boomer lawyers are retiring, opening up more jobs. Salaries are rising and keeping pace with other professions. The bottom line is that the critics of law schools have focused on irrational fears and in doing so they have potentially discouraged many talented people from pursuing law careers. This not only harms the person who forsook a promising career, but also robs society of some of its best and brightest legal minds.
To read the full article, click here.
