Should i go into law

Obviously, not all lawyers are unhappy. I want to help you, a potentially aspiring attorney, with the age-old question: should I go to law school? My goal is to share stories and data with you so that you can make an informed decision about whether law school is the correct path for you.

Stay informed. Sign Up! Toggle navigation. Today's Featured Schools. Search for:. So should you go? You were a master debater in college, and [see point above]. Your parents told you that you need to move out of their basement and go do something with yourself.

You think being a lawyer is like [fill in the blank with whatever lawyer TV show you can think of]. Step back a moment and consider what you should actually expect from your post-law-school job. Law School Myth 2: Student Loan Debt is Good Debt When you look at the price of law school, don't kid yourself that law school debt is always "good" debt. Here are some things you should know before you sign those loan documents. You might want to reconsider! You might be in for a shock.

Here are some realities to consider before you make the jump into life as a lawyer. And it can. But if you apply for non-law jobs after getting a law degree, there are some downsides as well. Well, not much. Here are the things to be wary of when you look at those figures. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and be in the know! Prelaw Should You Go? Return to top of page. At the end of the day, pursuing a career that will make you happy, despite challenges finding jobs and student debt, is the ultimate goal.

Build a professional resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Can you make it into a good school? The unfortunate truth is that all law degrees are not created equal — the institution you attend matters a lot in the legal field. If have a lower LSAT score, consider taking more time off to study to raise it. While you study, you can also take some time to shadow a few lawyers at different firms. Also, consider going to school near where you hope to practice one day.

Do you love the profession enough to be happy working at a lower-salaried position? The pay-off can be immense in the long run, but think about your short term stability and sanity as well. Do you have real-world law experience? Consider interning at a law firm or with a nonprofit that works with lawyers. Try to get as much exposure to the law as you can before you apply — see if you actually like it.

Three years and a good bit of loans is a huge decision, so be sure you really are interested in the material before you go. Law schools love seeing applicants who have taken the time to do so.

How is the job market? The legal profession is not immune to greater economic effects. Research the job market in the geographic area you hope to practice in to learn what the barrier to entry is like. Should you take some time to reflect? Not just to reflect, but to gain some of that real-world experience we discussed above. Additionally, this time off can let you study and get the highest possible score on your LSATs, which will get you into a better school and translate into higher pay down the road.

What do you want to do with your degree? You should know why you want to study law hint: not because of the money , but you should also have an idea of what you want to do with your degree. Explore the field and look for a mentor or someone who can help you navigate the profession. Knowing what type of law you want to pursue will make your time in law school much more focused and ultimately beneficial for your career.

Where do you want to practice? For example, if you want to be a legal advocate for social change at a national level, then Washington D. Finding out what cities and states have the best job markets for your preferred legal dreams can help narrow down where you want to school.

As you consider going to law school, you should also consider whether or not you have the qualities of a good lawyer. Communication skills. Lawyers need strong verbal and written communication skills.

You obviously need to enjoy a good debate, but you also must be adept at actively listening to your clients and other members of your legal team.