So I have been sort of toying with the notion of going to law school at my advanced age mostly because I'm sick of being at the mercy of our dysfunctional state legislature to allot money for my salary. My understanding from friends is that law is a lot like medicine in that you are pathetically underpaid for the first few years out and then gradually start to make gains.
Would this be a good idea for a second-career sort of move? Would it work if you have a family and really cannot be working 80 hours a week? My ideal goal would be to move into a rural area so it's not like I would need to battle for the very most prestigious clerkships and so forth - just enough competency to help people with wills, bankruptcies, and so forth.
Any thoughts? Is the market already oversaturated with people who have had the same idea?
Out of every 10 lawyers, seven hate their jobs and two are ambivalent.
This may or may not be true, but the guy who told me that was a senior partner at a 80-person law firm, one of the top three firms in a large metro area. He was the "Cheatham" in Dewey, Cheatham and Howe.
I'm not a lawyer, and that's pretty much why.
The string's already broken, and he doesn't really care.
I enjoyed law school, but it is a lot of work. I am a practicing tax attorney - although it affords me a comfortable life, it is a grind and not something to go into on a whim. It is also costly. I am in my 14th and next-to-last year of paying off the loans. Also, if you plan to hang out your own shingle, you will be working 80 hours a week at first. I also think that, unless you know someone in your small town, it might be very slow going at first. However, there other things you can do with a law degree rather than practice law. Good luck with your decision.
Fixed.Originally Posted by hurleyfor3
Kevin Lomax didn't seem to mind working for the Devil. But then he realized it was going to cost him his soul.
If you're insinuating the precentages are the same across all careers, I strongly disagree. My experience is quite a high percentage of people in science/research/engineering/IT fields enjoy their jobs, for example.
Anyway, if you're right, your still proving my point (thanks!) in that you're no likelier to find self-actualiztion there than anywhere else.
The string's already broken, and he doesn't really care.
Hi,
If you don't mind me asking, what profession did you choose instead? IMO, it's very important that, if at all possible, we do something we truly enjoy.
Best regards,
Jeffrey
Hi blublood,
Honestly, my first thought was that you're an amazing woman for even considering such a possibility when you're currently working full-time, a full-time mom, and a caring wife.
What were your favorite classes in school? What do you enjoy most about your current position?
Best regards,
Jeffrey
^If I did something I truly enjoy, I'd have a doggy day care/dog walking business. I had a fleeting thought to open a business in my neighborhood, but of course that was after incurring mountains of debt to go to law school. Wouldn't you know it, someone opened such a business around the corner and it's thriving. I even use it for my dogs. Maybe after I retire.
I responded to this via PM. I'd prefer to keep this off the boards but am not blowing off this request.
The string's already broken, and he doesn't really care.
In case big brother is watching?
I am a Blue Devil worshiper!
President and lifetime member of Ozzie's fan club.
Fan of an Illinois Sweet Corn Sweetheart.
More like hundreds of little brothers. Given my career and enough other information I've freely passed out on these boards it becomes pretty easy to Google my identity.In case big brother is watching?
The string's already broken, and he doesn't really care.
I'm pretty sure anyone else in biglaw who is even remotely curious about who I am has found me by now or could with little effort. I've made my peace with it and the fact that I've shot my mouth off in enough places on the net that I won't ever be running for office.
Are you that guy on the Ronco commercials?
I am a Blue Devil worshiper!
President and lifetime member of Ozzie's fan club.
Fan of an Illinois Sweet Corn Sweetheart.
I think law school is an excellent idea if you'll be going to one where you can watch Duke play for free.
That is not the sense I get from talking to people in a lot of engineering and IT jobs. I don't know enough about science and research, but I have certainly talked to my fair share of people who ditched those careers for others.
At any rate, my point is that job dissatisfaction is pretty high across the board. I'd guess that the lower down the autonomy rung you go, the higher the dissatisfaction. That might support your point regarding science and research jobs, I suppose.
Ultimately, you are correct in that I was generally supporting your point that lawyers are a disgruntled bunch.
I always liked that one.
I have never regretted my career choice, although law school itself was certainly a grind. I've been practicing for 27 years. For me, it's not about money and never has been.
I'm an engineer, and while it pays well, I'd rather be doing something that required fewer hours and generated less stress. I am no good at writing or speaking though, so law is out.
I went to law school at 36 after 10 years as an IT director. I have very little good to say about the experience, and even less good to say about job hunting in law. I'd be happy to explain more (like the things I wish I had asked before I decided to go) if you have any interest by PM.
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