Go straight to Law School after college or work for a while?

ckpckp1994 · 07-05-2012, 12:17 PM

Hello! I know this is kind of early to ask this question. (I have just graduated high school). But I prefer getting prepared earlier rather than later, if you know what I mean.

So, here is the thing.

I am going to be a freshmen in college, and most likely majoring in accounting along with a pre-law program. Obviously going to law school is certain for me, and I am not sure how does that work out. I have asked around and was given completely different opinions. Some said going straight to law school is better, while some said working for a while is the way to go. I was torn.

My family can barely afford the tuition for college, and they regrettably hinted that they are not able to pay for Law school. If I plan to go straight to law school, I must apply for financial aid, but I might still be motivated to study. If I work for a while (a while means more than 4 years), I think the company will be willing to pay for me (?) (My aunt's law education was paid by his company), but I will not have my law degree until in my 40s.

I don't know! Please help! Thank you very much!

ckpckp1994 · 07-07-2012, 11:18 AM

Maybe I rephrase the question:

Going straight to law school or not?

This might be easier.

crazed · 07-10-2012, 08:33 PM

There is lots of merit money for law schools. Do your research and make sure you apply to plenty of schools that give good $ and where you are int eh top 20% range. Also, some state U's give instate tuition and merit money. I wouldn't rule out going straight to law school until you are in the position to make an informed decision. (Apply, then decide what to do based on finances.)

FutureVpFinance · 07-10-2012, 10:35 PM

If you do work, don't do it until your 40s. I doubt you'll want to go back to school at that age, and a fresh lawyer at 40 isn't attractive to employers. I'm also a college freshman to be, but my sister is entering her 4th year and she says she will look for work for about 2-5 years before going back for a JD.

Believe it or not most people don't go straight to law school at 22. I know one account of a cousin who says he is currently the youngest in his class after going straight from his bachelor's.

Greybeard · 07-11-2012, 10:53 AM

I worked for a year before law school. If I could do it over again, I wouldn't think of trading my experiences from that year for a 28th year practicing law on top of the 27 I've put in since law school.

sallyawp · 07-14-2012, 08:34 AM

First, many, if not most, employers will no longer pay for a legal education for an employee. It is too expensive and typically involves a career change rather than a career enhancement, which is the goal of many corporate-sponsored educational opportunities. If you are thinking of working before going to law school, make sure that your potential employer has the educational reimbursement programs you seek. Don't be surprised if those programs change or disappear before you get to the point when you want to return to school.

Second, in my opinion at least, working for a year or two or more before attending law school is a fantastic idea. At most of the top law schools, a majority of the students there have some work or other experience under their belts before they begin their studies. It lends some maturity and some diversity to the class and adds another substantial element to your application. In addition, many legal employers really like to hire law students who have prior work experience, particularly when you have a former boss or colleague who will rave about you as a reference. Further, working and taking some time after college to do something in the "real world" may lend you some perspective on what you want to do with your life that may drive your decision to attend law school or dissuade you from the idea.

Finally, to the extent that you will need substantial financial aid for law school (as many law students do), working after college will help you to build your credit and maybe even squirrel away some money that may get you through some lean times as a law student.

Good luck!

bluebayou · 07-14-2012, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Second, in my opinion at least, working for a year or two or more before attending law school is a fantastic idea.

Agreed. Life (and school) looks a LOT different through your lenses after you've had to pay some bills for a couple of years. IMO, law schools should follow the lead of top biz schools, by essentially requiring work experience prior to admissions.

Even working retail at the mall is a growing experience. You'll find out that Greg House is right: people lie, all the time.

ckpckp1994 · 07-15-2012, 12:32 PM

I have another question. If I take the working before law school route, when should I take the LSAT?

floridadad55 · 07-15-2012, 12:42 PM

I understand the trend today is to work for a year.

My brother's kid, who was smart enough to get into 9 out of the top 10 law schools, worked for a year before applying.

Not because he necessarily wanted to, but because it was his understanding that this was looked on with favor by the law schools.