Hatrack River Forum: Is there a Lawyer in the house?

This is topic Is there a Lawyer in the house? in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by SirReal (Member # 5257) on :

At 34 years of age I'm thinking of going back to school to study Law. Wondering if anyone has any advice or experience they would like to share with me.

Christopher

Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :

Bob? Bahhhb!!!!

Or Olavmah is a lawyer, though she hasn't been around for quite a while....

Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :

I'm not a lawyer but I did take the LSAT once. An extreme form of X-Files fandom, because when I would looking into the FBI I found out 98% of the Bureau are law school grads.

Demographically, I would say you have missed the Generation X saddle, and you are looking into getting back into it just the same time the baby boomlet is striking the law school acceptance age.

But if you know it is your calling, I believe the top 70% of graduates are still able to work in the field. If your motive is to drive a blue BMW and have a cool car phone (This was my dream back in the early 90's) you may want to look into a more reasonable plan.

[ November 11, 2003, 05:41 PM: Message edited by: pooka ]

Posted by SirReal (Member # 5257) on :

Yeah the status thing isn't what's driving me, just thinking about a different line of work. I've been working in post-production audio for film for 7 years now and bright sparkly sheen has worn off. I'm not even sure of what area of the Law I'm interested in, I just have an opportunity to get a degree in Law for free so I'm exploring the possibility.

Thanks for the input.

Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :

Uh, can you elaborate on having the opportunity to get a law degree for free?

Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :

I'm in my second last year of a law degree... I think if you feel you'd like to practice, the go for it!

A couple of pointers though
- it is hard work. lots of reading, if you want to do well.
(However, all the 'mature aged' students in my degree tend to do really well...)
- law itself is really varied. You might (and probably will) absolutely loathe some subjects (contract, anyone?) and adore others. You won't be able to work out what field you want to practice in till you're at least halfway through. Maybe longer.
- in terms of work at the end: if you're doing it to get a highly paid job, keep in mind that commercial lawyers will often work 10 hour days and weekends in a effort to move up in the firm. Then if you ever get partner, it just gets worse. My Uncle is usually at work by 6am and doesn't leave till at least 8pm. He takes Sunday afternoons off.

I personally think a law degree is fascinating: you get to understand a lot about equality, equity, notions of judicial fairness and independance, reform and legalism. You get to understand how society operates and gain a different veiwpoint on social issues.

Plus you'll know when other people are breaking the law... always useful when stores won't give you refunds / someone denies liability when they can't.

[Smile]

Posted by Tzadik (Member # 5825) on :

Law degree is excellent! Lot of stress through school, countless hours in books, but it's worth it! Been there, done it.

One thing - you might change your mind once in law school about what you really want to practice. Can end up practicing in field you hated when in school *points at himself*. Count on putting in many hours, overtime, law firms will work you weekends. If you are clear on these - go and get your law degree [Smile]

Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :

Before you go, remember to sell your soul. You'll have to do it eventually, anyway, and if you wait until you get there, you'll find that the sheer number of students has driven the going rate down to half.

And nobody wants a brass accordian.

Posted by SirReal (Member # 5257) on :

Thanks for the responses. They're just what I'm looking for in trying to make an informed decision. As for how I can get a degree for free, my father teaches psychology at the school I would be attending and I, being a direct family member, can take as many units as he teaches. It just seems like too good of an opportunity to pass up. So if i find Law school isn't for me after the first year then the only thing it has cost me is time.

Thanks again for your responses, I knew I could count on hatrackers.

Christopher

Posted by Megachirops (Member # 4325) on :

quote:
Uh, can you elaborate on having the opportunity to get a law degree for free?

He has an "Opportunity Knocks" card. I had one too, but it was for stupid ecology. [Grumble]

Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :

And how many packages of Lucky Charms must I eat to get one of these prizes?

Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :

So you could go for a degree in anything for free, is this right? I'd do pre-med if I were starting over. Or accounting. Anything except humanities in general and Linguistics in particular. Stupid vain linguist that I am.

Posted by Megachirops (Member # 4325) on :

Lucky Charms won't help you, but this might.

[Smile]

Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :

[Big Grin]