I originally wanted to go to law school since high school and I was president of pre-law society at Dowling but after the $$ I spent going to dowling for 4 years I really don't know if I can afford it or if its worth it. I'm also worried that I'm too easily distracted and that life would get in the way. I want to have kids in like 5 years or so and I want a career but I don't want my career to be my whole life. Also my best friends brother graduated law school top of his class and can't find a job which worries me. What advice can you girls give about law school?
CosmoLover
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Re: ? for those attending or have attended law school
Posted by CaseyCase
I originally wanted to go to law school since high school and I was president of pre-law society at Dowling but after the $$ I spent going to dowling for 4 years I really don't know if I can afford it or if its worth it. I'm also worried that I'm too easily distracted and that life would get in the way. I want to have kids in like 5 years or so and I want a career but I don't want my career to be my whole life. Also my best friends brother graduated law school top of his class and can't find a job which worries me. What advice can you girls give about law school?
NW crashing, sorry had to pipe in on this one..
I'm a lawyer. Practicing now for 5+ years, love my job but honestly for lawyers coming out of school right now, the job market blows big time. I have several friends who came out of local law schools (Classes of 2008-2010 at St. John's Law, Hofstra, Brooklyn Law (my alma mater), NYLS, etc) who have over 100K in student loans and trying to get jobs at small firms paying $35-45K. And student loan debt is NOT DISCHARGEABLE in bankruptcy.
But don't let me depress you - if you have a set goal in mind, don't let anyone stop you from achieving it. Just try to keep loans at a minimum.
Excellent message board for more info: jdunderground.com
Re: ? for those attending or have attended law school
Casey.... I have been practicing as a law for 7 years. (wow I can not believe it has been that long). I love my job but I am one of the few from the people that I graduated with that do. It really is a tough economy and there are not a lot of jobs for new attorneys. That is definitely something to consider.
From your email it seems like you want to have a career until you have kids and then make your career as a stay at home mom. If that is the case I would really consider whether it makes sense to go to law school. Law School is very expensive. I say I have a mortgage without the house. If you go to school for 3 years and then start practicing you will only be working in the field for a few years (if I was right about becoming a stay at home mom).
But FM if you have any questions.
BellaRegina
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Re: ? for those attending or have attended law school
If you do go to law school....don't go into medical malpractice please, unless your on the doctors side, LOL.
But, in any case...i didnt go to law school, but i went to med school and i know VERY personally how much debt stinks. If you really wanna be a stay at home mom eventually, then i totally wouldnt go into a profession like law, med or anything demanding like that. Whats the point of 100-200K in loans and then only practicing for a few years. But, the decision is very personal. I totally plan on having a family and being a doctor....but i am not gonna be a stay at home mom like my mom was...but i'll make it work. Good luck
CaseyCase
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Re: ? for those attending or have attended law school
Thank you girls the input really helps.
My mom was a stay at home mom and I don't want to be a stay at home mom (at all) but I do want a flexible job that will allow me to be 'around' for my kids.I think more than anything its important to have the time to devote to your children. I don't want the debt and I don't want a job where they 'own' my time. I could start my own business for the amount of $$ it would cost to go to law school. I think law school is out for now.
Right now I work at my Dad's shop which is pretty successful and I have the chance to run/own that one day. However working with family and in a shop isn't always easy. I might go take some web design courses and try out real estate. I just have to do SOMETHING! I work 5 days a week but I don't feel like I'm accomplishing very much.
Watermelon5
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Re: ? for those attending or have attended law school
I am in law school now and HATE it ! It is school, after all
I must say even though I haven't graduated I am already feeling the stress of loans/job market/etc.!! It really is A LOT of $! Aside from the $ needed for tuition, books alone cost me AT LEAST $800 a semester plus I can only work minimal hours b/c of my demanding schedule.
Let me not freak you out though! haha It's not THAT TERRIBLE but unless you are dead set on it I recommend thinking about it a little more b/c it is a huge undertaking! I am glad I made the decision to come to law school b/c I have known for years that it is what I wanted, but if I can give anyone advice, it is to BE SURE lol it costs $/time/energy/time w/ the ones you love!
courtneydemarco12
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Re: ? for those attending or have attended law school
do what is in your heart. If your heart is telling you to go to law school and then go if not then don't go. Always do what your heart tells you.
