| Topic Name: |
after undergrad and before law school |
| Message Name: |
my 2 cents |
| Date Posted: |
01/07/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Hi all,
I graduate from May from a top tier liberal arts school and have an eye on law school. I need a break from the books and some time in the "real world," however, so I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions about what I should pursue for the next couple years before I (hopefully) enter law school. What kind of job should I look for? What would impress l-school admissions panels? Any and all suggestions, quips, and warnings would be appreciated. Thanks...
WBH |
| Message: |
I don't purport to know everything nor do I claim that my example is universal.
I was in your same situation. My pre-law advisor & every lawyer I knew who went straight from undergrad to law school regretted they had not worked before law school (again this is just MY expereince). In general, I think it's a good idea to get a feel for what a law firm is like (or working in-house or in the D.A.'s office, etc.). A LOT of associates here are MISERABLE because they had a completely WRONG conception of what lawyering was all about. They are not always in court arguing before a judge/in a board room forging a billion dollar acquisition with the CEO of a fortune 500. Being a paralegal is very eye-opening. And if you still want to be a lawyer AFTER the harrowing experience (because it IS harrowing at times), it shows you really do want to be a lawyer and have no illusions about the job itself.
I'm just saying in my experience and my opinion, it's better to know what you're getting into before you decide to invest a crapload of money and time. Also, you accumulate a bit of money before you delve into more debt.
In terms of admissions, I don't think it's that impressive because plenty of other law school applicants take this route. Maybe working in a non-traditional law setting would set you apart? Not sure. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
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