So you think you want to go to law school? You think you want to take the LSAT, do three or more years of more schooling, read until your eyes bleed, take the Bar Exam, and then stress out until you get results back? Okay. Awesome. Welcome to the most stressful three years of your life. But before you sign up for the LSAT and turn in any applications let’s make sure you answer these questions. Not for me but for yourself.
Be very honest with yourself about the answers to these questions; if you end up passing on law school after a long thorough reflection? That’s great. If you end up still signing up for the LSAT after that same long thorough reflection that’s also great. So let’s look at these questions you need to answer before going to law school!
Do you know what being a lawyer is going to be like?
If you think you’re going to walk into an episode of suits or law and order then you need a reality check asap. If you’ve ever been told that you’ll be a good lawyer because you’re great at arguing then whoever told you that needs a reality check. The fact is that being a lawyer looks different for each practice area. I can tell you what criminal law looks like but civil law looks different day to day. Sub divide those areas further: prosecution/defense, wills, trusts, estates/contracts/family law etc and those look different from each other. It would only help your decision making for you to know what the different areas day to day would look like. Shadow or apply for internships at different law firms or government offices to see if you even like what is going on there! Getting real life exposure to different kinds of law practice will only help you decide if you 1) want to go to law school or 2) what you want to practice. I went into law school thinking I wanted to be a family law attorney and now I’m in criminal prosecution. Which brings me to my next question…
Can you pivot your prospective practice areas?
Would you be able to handle it if you went into law school thinking you’re going be Harvey freaking Spector and ten years later you’re in a POS apartment barely making a living on a government salary? I guess this question could also be asked as ‘If you hate your practice area will you continue to practice just for the money?’ You are going to find out so many things about what you want and don’t want to practice in law school. Are you okay with the possibility of that much change?
Are you financially prepared for law school?
It’s a lot of money. So much money. Shattering amounts of money. Even third tier law schools are expensive. Honestly, the difference between first/second/third tier law schools isn’t crazy in terms of professors and the education you get. In fact, some third tier law schools are poaching incredibly talented professors. The difference in the tiers is on the back end of law school – their career network and the alumni network. Paying off law school literally takes years to do even if you’re scrimping and saving and you need to be prepared for that. Can it be done? Of course it can. But you need to explore exactly how you are going to do that.
Are you ready for law school to completely change you?
I don’t know one person that came away from law school with the exact same views as when they went in. Law school and the exploration between yourself and the law, others and the law, and the law in general is going to change the way you think, act, and feel. To some that is exciting, to others that is terrifying, you need to decide if you’re ready or even okay with that.
Finally, why do you want to go to law school?
Please promise me that if you choose to go to law school you will be able to answer that question and you have an actual reason. It can’t be because you can’t find a job or you might want to do something with it. You need to have a reason pushing you through law school.
If you’ve already answered these questions and are in law school then check out these posts about what to do during your 1L year, 2L year, and 3L year to set up yourself for life after law school.
