Am I Cut Out for Law School?

Deciding whether or not to attend law school, or any kind of graduate school for that matter, is no small decision for most of us. It's really a question of identity like any other major decision. Could you be a lawyer? Could you be a doctor? These are difficult decisions to make as they will significantly alter the path of your life. Going to law school and working as a lawyer doesn't always live up to the mythology created by television, the movies, the media, and proud parents. In fact, the day-to-day realities can sometimes be a bit mundane (not to be pessimistic).

The following are a few questions you should ask yourself as you attempt to decipher the law school question:

1. Can you handle having a lot of debt?
   This is an important question to contemplate as most law schools will cost you around $150,000 by the end of your third year. Unless you are awarded a scholarship or grant that you will not have to repay (these are few and far between), you will likely carry a lot of debt for a number of years. Ask yourself if you can handle the anxiety that comes with owing a lot of money before you decide to attend law school. Further, the types of jobs that will pay you enough to put a sizeable dent in your debt may not be what you had in mind when you decided to attend law school.
2. What qualities do you posses that would make you a good lawyer?
   Regardless of what type of law interests you, you will need to be a strong and confident communicator; both in written and oral forms. Are you a good negotiator and do you have strong opinions? If not, you might get eaten alive as a lawyer. Do you have sturdy confidence and self-esteem at this point in your life? If your answer is "no," you may want to hold off on law school as it can be a very humbling experience. It's a well known fact that lawyers have high rates of depression and substance abuse.
3. What do you want to do with a law degree?
   If you were inspired by the first season of "Law and Order," you may want to think twice before applying to law school. Most lawyers rarely see the court room, and jobs that allow this are hard to find. Further, if you are interested in serving the public to some capacity, you should be aware of the fact these jobs are hard to find as well. Further, they don't pay nearly as well as a job in a law firm where the work will seem less noble. If you are interested in environmental law, would you be comfortable working for "the bad guys"?

The point here is not to sound discouraging; a career in law can be a very rewarding and exciting experience. It's just important to make sure you are cut out for the journey before you set sail!

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