Should I look into law school?

shawnspencer
Sat, 09 Jul 2016 06:08:49 +0000

You don’t need to go to law school to necessarily achieve the goals you seek. You could say for instance work in public policy analysis, international development, an non-government organization that works towards social justice or human rights work, public health, policy implementation, and think tanks that work with public policy. Alternatively all sorts of organizations from businesses to the government hire consultants which will make use of the critical thinking and writing skills you mentioned. All of these do not necessarily require a law degree, however some may require a masters. Some may not depending on the experience or knowledge you acquire as an undergrad.

My recommendation: study something that you think may be more policy/analsis orientation in your undergrad, such as public policy/international relations/sociology/government, meanwhile still taking the prerequisites to get into medical school or whichever path you choose to pursue. Alternatively you may be able to double major in a science related field and a non-science related field, which I feel like would give you good standing whatever path you choose to pursue. You may even be able to combine them in a way where you can work for USAID, UNESCO, or the World Heath Organization. See what appeals to you, but keep your options open.

These paths may be more suitable towards your career goals than going to law school, which is honestly expensive and are mostly for people who wish to become practicing lawyers or attorneys. You can still achieve your goals through other means and may find more fulfillment and greater alignment with your interests in other pathways. You are still an incoming freshman, so it is still very early, but I would look into the many different options that are out there and perhaps talk to some career advisers at your school at some pathways you can pursue.