Becoming a lawyer requires both time and financial investments. Furthermore, developing the necessary analytical skills to learn law effectively and become successful requires immense dedication.
Law students must show maturity and career-mindedness from day one of their studies. Attend classes regularly, listen to professors, peers, and follow advice given from professors or peers as needed, manage workload effectively including reading and writing assignments while adhering to any recommended protocols or regulations set out by professors or peers, manage workload effectively in relation to reading/writing responsibilities, etc.
Cost of Attendance
Cost is a serious consideration when looking into law school; tuition alone can reach over $100,000 over three years. Furthermore, additional costs such as room and board, loan repayment, opportunity cost (lost income), books etc must be factored in as well.
Each law school publishes its estimated cost of attendance in order to assist students in planning ahead and budgeting for their legal education. While tuition accounts for much of this total expense, other expenses like books, living accommodations and health insurance plans must also be taken into consideration. Many students also move to attend law school which adds another expense layer into their total bill.
Law school tuition costs can be cut significantly through scholarships and financial aid opportunities available at each school. Prospective legal career candidates should also speak to an admissions officer or counselor regarding specific law school options available as well as possible funding sources.
Many individuals who choose the law as their career are passionate about it and desire to help others through it. Although not all law school graduates end up practicing law professionally, earning a law degree can still be rewarding and challenging in its own way.
Law school graduates need not worry about whether or not they secure employment after graduating; what matters more is whether they possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and determination to thrive as lawyers. While many law school graduates leave with significant debt levels and an uncertain job market, those who take time selecting appropriate schools, preparing for future careers and managing finances carefully can successfully complete their legal education and pursue their desired professions.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Gloria Allred, Mahatma Gandhi and Thurgood Marshall are just a few renowned individuals who chose the path of law as their career of choice. Though expensive in cost, legal careers offer incredible rewards to those willing to put forth the effort necessary to make an impactful difference in their communities.
Employment Market Trends
Employment prospects of law school graduates play a crucial role in their decision to enroll. If the jobs market is too difficult, many graduates won’t find full-time legal work and will have to look for alternative career options; on the other hand, too much legal employment could strain an economy as too many jobs come open suddenly.
Good news for new lawyers is that their job market has become steadier over the years. This may be due to a smaller graduating class competing for entry-level legal jobs and/or to more stable economies with less economic cycles that affect employment markets for new lawyers.
At least from 2008 to 2016, graduates secured increasingly more small firm jobs with each subsequent class from 2008 through 2016, even as large firm jobs decreased significantly. This trend should continue for some time to come as many young lawyers prefer the flexibility and opportunity provided by smaller firm work over its more regimented environment in larger firms.
However, it should be noted that employment rates among new lawyers still aren’t back to pre-recession levels – for instance, 10 months post graduation, the unemployment rate among law school graduates stood at 8.7 percent; considerably higher than any pre-recession figure.
The American Bar Association’s report highlights how law schools are striving to enhance their value proposition in an increasingly difficult job market, offering more lifelong learning resources for students pursuing careers in tech, business and education. Furthermore, several schools are providing fellowship or grant opportunities that will assist graduates secure positions with nontraditional legal employers such as public interest organizations or private businesses.
Types of Jobs Available for Graduates
Although legal services often draw comparisons to “tough defenders in sharp suits”, lawyers play an invaluable role. Lawyers work for government agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations and academia interpreting laws, rulings, regulations that have an effect on individuals and businesses alike. Their job involves providing advice, counsel and advocacy on complex legal matters to their clients while helping them navigate complex issues. To do this successfully they need skills such as critical thinking, reading comprehension and writing along with being able to clearly convey knowledge clearly and efficiently.
These skills are best acquired outside of a classroom environment through extracurricular activities, internships and courses. Aspiring attorneys can hone these abilities further by taking advanced placement (AP) classes, joining debate teams or interning during their undergraduate years; such experiences will equip students for the rigorous studies that law school entails.
Once a student has graduated from law school, in order to practice as a lawyer they must pass their state bar exam. Preparing for this arduous test takes significant dedication and time commitment from its taker. Some opt for more practical approaches by enrolling in legal apprenticeship programs which can often be less costly but may require greater time commitment from students.
People interested in studying law without becoming attorneys may benefit from earning a Master of Laws (LLM), an advanced graduate-level degree usually completed within one year and ideal for practicing attorneys looking to further specialize in an area of the law. Individuals without the commitment necessary for graduate study can still take specialized courses that lead to legal certification; some certificates can even be earned within three months and available through Center for Legal Studies in the US.
Number of Graduates
Though not at an all-time high, law school graduates who become practicing lawyers has seen significant gains over time. According to NALP data for 2009 graduates from 30 schools found work as attorneys nine months post graduation.
Recent numbers are testament to the efforts of many people, from law graduates themselves to those who employ them. After the recession of 2008 caused many graduates to realize that law wasn’t what they’d envisioned or their education wasn’t bearing fruit, an improved job market is welcome relief.
Law school graduates’ employment rate should be of great concern to anyone considering attending. Financial aid options exist for those who qualify, so employment rates should also be a key consideration when making the decision to attend law school.
Considerations when selecting a law school include curriculum and job placement of its graduates. Some law schools are known for pushing the envelope with cutting-edge classes while others provide more traditional legal education. Some are even offering non-JD degrees such as certificates or master’s to reduce tuition pressure for those who cannot afford the high costs associated with JD degrees.
Age should also be taken into account. While law school can often attract undergrads in their 20s, older students such as Alice Thomas graduated from University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law at age 79 proving there’s no age restriction when it comes to studying law!
Location matters when it comes to law school success: some students thrive with family nearby while others need an stimulating atmosphere in which to thrive.