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Information provided by Kaptest.com
So you think that law school is the
right choice for you? Good. Now let's make sure that your reasons are
solid and weatherproof: The first year of law school is not for
fair-weather enthusiasts. There will be plenty of opportunities for you
to feel overwhelmed and thoroughly drenched in self-doubt. With an
increasingly competitive job market, even 1Ls (first-year law students)
aren't immune from the pressure of the placement process. And at many
schools there is often the "case method" of teaching that
could be another strain.
In case method classes, the
professor's role is to provoke students into a higher level of
thinking. You will certainly be challenged on a number of levels, so
let's "test drive" your reasons for choosing the law
profession. We'll start on the positive side with a few sample
"good" reasons.
Versatility
It is true, a law degree is perhaps the most versatile professional
degree. Law might well be the field for you if you:
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Are not entirely
sure of your career dream
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Feel more than
half-certain that you will change "careers" at some point
in the future
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Enjoy thinking analytically
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Enjoy coming up
with creative solutions to complex problems
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Are inspired by
intellectual challenges
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Lawyers can function in the business
world, whereas M.B.A.'s cannot function in a legal position. And although
lawyers cannot be doctors, neither are they as closely held to their
"field" as are M.D.'s.
A law degree gives you almost
unparalleled mobility in your career&151;lawyers
run movie studios, manage baseball teams, hold political office, serve
in the foreign service, run Fortune 500 companies, and head a wide
range of legal service organizations.
Excitement
Although the life of an attorney is not really like that portrayed in
the television series Ally McBeal, there are
aspects of lawyering that can be a great deal
of fun. Tasks such as preparing for a trial, defending a client,
prosecuting an accused criminal, or putting together a business deal
can give you a rush of adrenaline. The interpretation of existing law
can be both intellectually challenging and exciting in itself as you
participate in the continuing evolution our legal system.
Empowerment
Many law school applicants who are already established in careers as
news reporters, businesspeople, or even doctors, have found that they
need a law degree in order to be more effective or influential in their
field. Doctors worry about malpractice matters or become intrigued with
the legal implications of prolonging life. Reporters develop urges to
become part of the solution to the widespread social problems they have
been chronicling for years. Businesspeople feel that a background in
law will enable them to negotiate the deals they encounter in their
jobs more effectively.
Job Security
Although there are very few jobs that remain secure in today's economy,
the fundamental role that legal systems play in our increasing global
working world is striking. Certainly a law degree has become a
necessary prerequisite for a great many jobs that could have been done
without legal expertise 20 years ago. Your training and skills can
allow you to stay employed and prepare you for a variety of situations.
Personal
Experience
You may have other, personal reasons for choosing law school. Often,
people have experienced first hand the power of a
training in law through involvement in lawsuits, divorces,
adoption procedures, or the settlement of an estate. Whatever your
particular reasons for wanting to obtain a law degree, be sure you're
clear about why you want to travel down this road, and don't lose sight
of your personal investment in the process.
Sound exciting so far? If you enjoy
thinking, writing, solving problems, negotiating compromises, and
advocating on behalf of people or causes, then law school will be a
good fit for you. If you'd rather have someone else tell you how to
solve a problem or how to think about a dilemma, then you might find
that law is not the profession for you. Think seriously about the
"fit;" be honest with yourself as you contemplate your future
career. Be sure that you have chosen the right destination before you
begin planning your trip.
This article was adapted from Kaplan
and Newsweek's Law School Admissions Advisor.
Pick up a copy for more advice on getting into law school.
More Information
Learn more about law school admissions at www.kaptest.com/law.
Learn about Kaplan's LSAT programs at www.kaptest.com/lsat.
Enroll in a Kaplan course at www.kaptest.com/enroll.
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