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Reviewed by:
Former Head of Pre-Law Office, Northeastern University, & Admissions Officer, Brown University
Reviewed: 10/24/23
Going to law school is no small decision to make. It’s a serious commitment that requires careful consideration and thought. Read on to learn about popular reasons to go to law school!
If you ask a group of lawyers why they decided to go to law school, you’ll get one of three answers: “for the money,” “for the cause,” or “I have no clue.” But, just one of these reasons may not be enough to solidify your decision to attend law school.
Considering it’ll put you thousands of dollars in debt and take up all of your time and energy for three grueling years, you should be certain about your choice to go to law school. This guide will help you make the most informed and confident decision about this big step!
Since one reason to go to law school isn’t enough to embark on such an expensive and arduous journey, here are 10!
There are dozens of benefits and drawbacks of going to law school. Of course, the most basic, but arguably the most valid, reason to go to law school is to have a positive influence on others and the law.
When considering how strong of a reason this is for you, think about why you want to attend law school. Is it to have an impact on the lives of others? Do you aspire to be a catalyst for legal change you want to see in the world?
As a lawyer, you’ll not only be able to work with and advocate for people, but you’ll also have the chance to influence policy-making and change. Whether you’re interested in advocating for the environment, animals, or children, there is a legal specialty you can join to pursue these passions and be the change you want to see!
Often, the answer to the question “should I attend law school?” comes in the form of another question—”do you like making money”? As discussed, many lawyers enter the field because offers high salaries. In fact, the average lawyer makes over $135,000 a year, with many experienced professionals making double or even triple this!
Lawyers typically also have the opportunity to command competitive salaries, especially in prestigious law firms, corporate settings, or high-profile litigation cases.
Lawyers specializing in lucrative areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, or tax law can often expect even higher compensation due to the complexity, competitiveness, and high-stakes nature of these fields!
Going to law school can open a world of opportunities for you. You will have access to a range of career paths and will be equipped with valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied in various fields.
Many law school graduates find success in business, consulting, policy-making, or academia. If you prefer to stay within the legal field, a JD will qualify you to join any legal specialty you want! You can experiment, join several specialties, and find your perfect niche.
You’ll also have the opportunity to pursue more prestigious legal roles, like becoming a judge or even the Chief Justice at the Supreme Court! Both of these professions begin with a law degree!
If you’ve wondered whether it matters where you go to law school, this reason makes a strong case that it does! Typically, the higher-ranking the law school, the more resources and opportunities you’ll have.
One of the more broad reasons to go to law school is to expand your skill set. In law school, you’ll hone your critical thinking skills, analytical reasoning, and research skills. You’ll also become stronger at communication and develop excellent discipline and time management skills.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for lawyers is expected to grow 8% within the decade, which is much faster than average.
Job security in this field can help offset the high costs of law school, a common reason students choose not to go to law school. With the expected job growth in this field, you should be able to find a full-time job soon after graduation to begin paying off your debt!
What other reason do you need to go to law school than the personal satisfaction you’ll gain? You’ll have the privilege to positively impact people’s lives and follow your passions, meaning high job satisfaction and a strong sense of fulfillment and purpose!
Law school gives you the opportunity to dive deep into the intricacies of the legal system.
You'll learn how laws are made, interpreted, and applied. Understanding the law empowers you to navigate legal complexities, whether it's drafting contracts, understanding your rights when you’re pulled over, or simply making informed legal decisions.
Being legally literate also means you can protect yourself and others. You'll have the knowledge to recognize when your rights are violated, to seek justice, and to advocate for what's fair!
Out of all the reasons to go to law school discussed in this guide, this one is often the most overlooked. Going to law school has the remarkable ability to broaden your perspectives in numerous ways. It exposes you to diverse legal concepts, challenges your preconceptions, and fosters a deeper understanding of the world we live in.
Law schools also offer diverse communities of students and faculty. Interacting with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences provides invaluable opportunities to engage in discussions, share perspectives, and challenge your own assumptions.
From getting the grades to be considered a competitive applicant to writing a stand-out personal statement, and surviving and excelling in your JD program, no part of law school is easy. Sure, you can attend law school part-time to lighten the load, but it will be challenging nonetheless.
Law school presents students with a multitude of challenges that push them to their intellectual limits and demand the development of critical thinking skills. The rigorous academic curriculum requires students to grasp complex legal concepts, navigate intricate statutes, and analyze extensive case law.
The workload can be intense, with never-ending reading assignments, case briefs, legal research, and writing projects that must be completed within strict deadlines. You’ll certainly be challenged throughout law school and will gain a profound sense of achievement once you’ve overcome all of these challenges!
Maintaining a high GPA in your undergrad, filling up your schedule with demanding extracurriculars, writing and acing the dreaded LSAT, getting into a competitive law school, and passing the rigorous bar exam—by the time you’ve finished law school, you’ll have all of these accomplishments under your belt!
You’ll have dedicated several difficult years, and likely many tears, to your legal education and will have completely earned bragging rights!
If any or all of these reasons to attend law school resonate with you, but you’re still unsure, we can help. There are many other factors that play into your success at law school, so let us help you make the decision more easily!
Our quiz below will look at a variety of factors to help you decide whether you’d make a good lawyer or not -- give it a try!
We’ve provided you with our top reasons to go to law school and hopefully given you an answer to the question, “why law school?” For any lingering questions, read on to find our answers!
The truth is, most aspiring law students don’t know if law school is right for them until they’re in it and fully understand what it requires.
However, if you’re passionate about law or a particular legal area, are dedicated to your goals, and are willing to put in the time and effort to become a lawyer, law school may be right for you!
No, law school is not worth it if you don’t want to be a lawyer. Even if your ultimate goal is to become a judge, you will have to spend a few years practicing law beforehand. No other legal profession will require you to attend law school, so you should not waste your time or money obtaining a JD.
Spend this time gaining real legal experience, networking, or pursuing less demanding degrees or certificates that can make you a competitive applicant in your desired field.
Choosing the perfect law school can be overwhelming. With almost 200 accredited law schools in the nation, choosing just one to obtain your JD can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. To aid you in this process, consider the following factors:
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all law school you should attend. Trust your instincts and choose a law school that aligns with your academic and career goals and interests.
Overall, if you're ready to embark on a thrilling adventure, expand your mind, and join the ranks of legal superheroes, law school might just be the perfect path for you. It's an opportunity to make a difference, learn the ins and outs of the justice system, and unlock a world of exciting career possibilities!
The only question left to ask is, “what are you waiting for?”
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