What To Consider Before Deciding To Go To Law School

Consideration #1: Do I Really Want To Be A Lawyer?

When you're considering applying to law school, the first thing you should ask yourself is if you really, truly want to be a lawyer. There used to be a time when law school was a great default option for people who weren't sure about what they wanted to do, but knew they wanted financial security. Maybe it's because this idea has gained so much currency, but the truth is that now a law degree does not automatically equal a high-paying job right out of school. Of course, if you are able to get into one of the top law schools, there will always be a job waiting for you. For those who are not as lucky, however, a fearless look at why you're considering applying to law school is your best course of action. If you truly love the law, by all means, go ahead and apply, but know that the job market for new lawyers is tougher than ever before.

Consideration #2: What Type Of Law Do I Want To Practice?

So, you've determined that you're not just applying because you can't think of something else to do. Then you might already know the answer to the question of what type of law you would like to go into one day. If you don't know, before you apply is the time to start mulling it over. Environmental law or corporate contracts? Real estate or intellectual property? There are many specializations for you to pursue, and some schools are more focused on your area of choice than others are.

Consideration #3: Who's On The Faculty?

Check out the faculty of the schools you're considering. This consideration goes hand in hand with consideration #2. If you are a true lover of the law, then you probably have a wish list of legal rock stars you'd love to learn from. Look into the biographies of the various professors of schools you're considering and make sure you'll be able to take classes with the ones you find fascinating.

Consideration #4: Where Do I Want To Live When I Am Practicing Law?

You might not know where you want to live once you get out of law school. This is also worth some thought for a couple of reasons. First, if you study in the state you'd eventually like to practice in, you'll have an easier time passing the bar. Secondly, think about the job market. If you go to a school that's well-known in a certain area, you'll be a more attractive job candidate than if you take that degree on the road and have to explain its merits to people in a faraway city who are less familiar with the strengths of your law school.

Elizabeth Saas is a frequent contributor to CareersandEducation.com. Elizabeth Saas is a feature writer that covers topics relating to MBA Programs and online colleges.

Law School Salaries: Is the Increase Worthwhile?

Lawyers make up one of the highest paying professions available. Their investment of time and money, though, is part of what allows them to command such high salaries, so let's talk for a minute about the salary increase for lawyers and the commitment required.

Three Years

After finishing your undergraduate degree, you will have three more years of full-time schooling before you can become a lawyer. The requirement of time and commitment is great, and many people find that it is simply too much. Before applying to law school be sure that you are truly interested enough in the law to invest this kind of time and effort.

Shadow

Before you officially start law school, shadow several lawyers. Once you start school, you will have a lot of choices about what type of lawyer you will become. It's best if you can actually shadow a few people before making such a huge commitment of time and money. Check out the profession and see if it's something you can actually see yourself doing for many years in the future, or at least long enough to pay off your student loans.

How Big Is the Increase?

Lawyers can make anywhere from $80,000 a year to well over $200,000 a year depending on the type of lawyer, their experience, and the geographical location. The increase is certainly significant, especially if you eventually own your own practice. Just remember that the increase is partly so large because this is a high stress job. Make sure you can take it before you begin law school.

Before Signing Up

Before applying and paying for a law program, consider the following:

Can you commit to three more years?

Have you shadowed a lawyer?

Can you handle the stress of the job?

Is the salary increase worth all that work?

When you've answered all the questions, then you'll be ready to decide whether or not a law program is right for you and your family.

Catherine Zandueta is a frequent contributor to CareersandEducation.com. Catherine Zandueta is a feature writer that covers topics relating to MBA Programs and online colleges.

We Need an Abbreviated Law School for Authors

Many writers who write books often write about the various types of crime as part of the plot or storyline. Sometimes these writers have characters who are detectives, policeman, court reporters, judges, lawyers and even jurors. For authors who write about courts, police and crime all the time perhaps they need an abbreviated law school, which explains how the court systems work. This would help the fictional works come across much more real life in nature.

In television movies and in most modern novels there are at least some courtroom scenes and it makes sense that these courtroom scenes are indeed more factual in nature. There is nothing worse than reading a book with bad information in it. Since the public seems to be somewhat interested in these types of subjects, it therefore makes sense that we have an abbreviated Law school to help authors with their work.

There should also be more e-books and perhaps writer help books that can assist authors in getting the facts right to make sure their storyline is correct in detail. Authors write about courts, police and crime all the time and it makes sense to have material available for these authors and writers to do it correctly. Please consider all this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance in the Online Think Tank and solve the problems of the World; www.WorldThinkTank.net/

Why You Should Go to Law School

There are so many choices of studies at the College and University Level, it is amazing the options and recently I talked with a full-time Law Student at one of the top State Universities in the Nation. I must say I was impressed with her knowledge base and business acumen from her previous experience. I even thanked her for the excellent conversation and said; It is good to meet someone with their brain turned on.

In her last year of Law School she was reflecting back on the realities of such studies and I mentioned that I suppose if I were to go back to school that studying law might be a potential major. Why you ask? Why would an entrepreneur wish to go back to get a law degree? Well, a Law Degree can be used in nearly any field. For instance most people never use their major in employment and within 1-5 years only 20% of the people who have college degrees are in the same field as their diploma.

Interesting, but with law, it can always be used. So, getting a Law Degree and studying Law at a top Law School might be a very good choice, although there really are too many lawyers out there. So, here comes the advice; If you are really smart and cannot seem to choose a degree that suits you, then choose law, because it will always come in handy. Of course in saying this, I wish there were fewer lawyers in the World you see?

My hope is that you will use this article about Law School in a positive light and consider its implications in your life. I sincerely hope this topic is of interest and you use it to propel thought and think on this in 2007.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

10 Ways To Be A Good Law School Student

1. Find out where the veteran law students hang out -- the 2Ls and 3Ls -- and get them to be your friends.

When you're just starting out in law school, the students who have been there a while longer than you are among the most valuable resources for those looking to be good law school students. Pick their brains about whatever questions you may have. If you don't have any questions, ask them: What do you wish you had known when you were just starting out here? What they tell you will light the path toward being a good law school student in your own right. In addition to this instantaneous benefit, befriending these students could help you get a job, or at least a lead on a job, after you earn your degree. They will be out in the working world before you, right?

2. Ask experienced students what you should absolutely not blow off.

Count on information overload in law school. On your own, you might not know exactly where to place your priorities. Once you've made friends with a 2L or 3L, ask them for their advice.

3. Have your 2L or 3L friend clue you in to what you can safely blow off.

Equally important to your mission of being a good law school student as doing the important stuff is not doing the unimportant stuff. By getting some insight into what activities you can let fall a bit by the wayside, you will save your resources for the really important stuff.

4. Have your 2L or 3L friend help you pick the best professors.

Another question that probably only another student will be able to answer honestly is whose class you should definitely take, and whose class you should definitely avoid. The registrar probably won't tell you: "This prof's class is kind of lame. Take this one instead," but a more experienced peer will.

5. Pick their brains about various specializations you might be considering.

If you're caught between two emphases, use your new friends as sounding boards. They have been around a little bit longer than you and probably have some insight you will benefit from.

6. Do law review.

Few things look better on a recent graduate of law school's resume than participation in law review.

7. Do internships and clerkships.

The more professional experience you can gain during your time as a law school student, the better your opportunities will be for securing work as a young lawyer.

8.Plan where you'll land after you get your law degree before you get your law degree.

It is never too early to set your sights on a firm or an appointment that you would like to have after you've passed the bar. If you can set your sights on a specific target early in your law school career, you'll improve your chances of getting your dream job.

9. Take some time to do non-law school-related things.

Law school is its own little intense bubble. Take some time to live life outside of law school as well.

10. Stay healthy.

Even the greatest law school student is only as good as his or her health. Take care of yourself so that you can approach your studies with the energy and enthusiasm they deserve.

Review more industry related articles by Elizabeth Saas at CareersandEducation.com. Elizabeth Saas is a feature writer and often covers topics related to Campus degree programs and Career Advice.