You’re taking the LSAT, but have you carefully considered whether or not Law School is the right choice for you?

So, you’re planning on spending three years and a ton of money to attain your dream to become a lawyer. You likely have at least looked at  the immediate challenge ahead to study for the LSAT… followed by a lengthy application process. Likely, you’re an above average student with above average intelligence. So, being smart, you want to be as sure as possible that a law career is the direction you want to go.

Here are some suggestions that might help you decide if Law School is for you:

• Attend law school classes, or work at a law firm in some capacity
• Talk with practicing lawyers
• Attend criminal and civil trials

The above could give you some insight into what a lawyer does daily, but depending on the depth of your look into each activity, you will probably not get the full picture of the legal profession.

The Law school class is different from the typical undergraduate class. Your participation in the class will typically be in the form of questions, challenges to your assumptions, disagreements and debates. Most college students aren’t used to defending their answers in class, or being challenged with differing alternatives by the professor. You will be challenged to carefully consider the facts, theories and alternatives that are relevant to each issue. This takes the first year student some time to adjust to.

If you attend trials or talk with practicing lawyers, the excitement of the profession might be highlighted, while the daily complexities and demands of the job might be overlooked. Additionally, the specialty of the attorney will change the workload, client contact, compensation, etc. of the lawyer’s overall quality of life.

Today, many lawyers never see a court room. . . In fact, their first goal is often to keep their clients out of the court room! A lawyer is, first, a problem solver. The attorney negotiates, arbitrates, compromises and communicates. A lawyer tries to shape agreements and head of disagreements before they even happen. And, a good lawyer will be able to listen with understanding. . . Having a sense of compassion certainly helps too!

Remember too, that law school does not make you a lawyer. After graduation there’s more! You will be required to take a two or three day exam that tests your general knowledge of law. This is known as a “Bar exam.” And, before you are admitted to the bar, you will be investigated by the state’s board of bar examiners. Any run in with the law should be mentioned.

In light of the reality of the task ahead, carefully consider your decision.  Asking yourself the following questions may help:

• Do I enjoy teaching people about a subject that they know nothing about, perhaps even have misconceptions about?
• Am I able to analyze problems and clearly articulate that analysis to others in a clear and concise way?
• Do I enjoy being an advocate? Can I enthusiastically argue two sides of a question?
• Do I enjoy detail work?
•  Do I like to search for the facts of a situation?
• Do I like to read and study?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, then law school might be the right choice for you.
So you are beginning your journey with a clear vision and realistic expectations. This will help you as you take your first step—Preparation for the LSAT!

Tags: lsat advice