Sure, I had fun too (Georgetown law, DC!). But then after graduation, life began to go downhill for quite a while. Actual practice is nothing like being a student. Please see my videos for more information about my travails as a lawyer.
I loved it too. Studying for finals was stressful, but I loved nearly all my courses. I also really enjoyed being around so many intelligent people, both students and professors. And I met some of my closest friends.
Not only depression but pelvic dysfunction too which is a rare syndrome. I have been having this pain for years and there is no conventional doctor that can help me with a solution. I concluded that it is an existential disease. In the clinic I go to for therapy, I saw many lawyers suffering from this terrible pain caused by stress.
Pros: Learn Critical Thinking Prestige Wealth Cons: Expensive Don't make much money out of law school, hard to find work, can live comfortably middle-class Work-Life Balance Personal problems such as depression Tips: Talk to lawyers to see if law is right for you If you are going into law to fight for something specific, think about how realistic that actually is Find out what lawyers in your desired career path actually do Do not go to law school because you don't know what you want to do after undergraduate school
It depends on the lawyer. Most lawyers make more than the national median salary. But few lawyers make lots of money. And those that do tend to work incredibly long hours.
You may not be making that much money if you can’t get into a good law school. That’s not to say that it’s impossible because people have made lots of money despite coming from an unknown school, but the law profession generally puts a lot of emphasis onto the name brand of your school. This is important to know, don’t think that you’re destined for a 6 figure career just got because you got into any law school. Pretty much any college grad can get into some law school somewhere granted he/she takes the LSAT and gets at least a few questions correct.
@@Learnlawbetter just like the writer who wrote "Jurassic Park".He graduated from medical school.However,he didn't practice as a doctor.He earned big killing! Not bad to major in law! You can change the world effectively and wisely, or at least you can secure your own rights. Law only helps those who master it.
I do not usually comment on videos, but this was truly the BEST video I have seen about law school thus far. Objective information that points to the realities of the course of study, without outright crushing dreams. I appreciate that balance greatly.
Let me put this on my list of future topics and think about it. The reality is that there are lawyers that do all types off work, in just about every field. I was taking the train into DC some years ago, and I started talking to the person next to me. She was an attorney who did work for the NItrous Oxide (i.e., "laughing gas") association. That's when it dawned on me how varied the legal profession is.
Hey CodDoctor, why doncha become a Medical Doctor, then at least you won't starve. Three kinds of law: criminal (protecting liberty interests), civil (all about the moolah), and poverty law (your own).
my dad graduated top of his class from the University of Texas School of Law and did very well for himself. He went to work as a tax attorney for Western Petroleum (now World Fuel Services) and was making $250k a year in the 90s which is unreal
Studying law isn't just about monetary gain. Lawyers uphold social and economic justice and the rule of law. It's unfortunate society views success in terms of financial success.
It’s a broad field. First, there are different taxes that one can specialize in: federal, state, local, or international. Then there are tax types: income, sales, property, etc... Most tax attorneys do planning, but some do litigation.
It took me earning my MBA to realize I was running from my passion for law bc I was scared of failing at many steps along the journey of law school. This week I made the decision to just jump into it with no hesitation😄
I honestly don't know if law school taught me more critical thinking than my BA. I felt swamped in the reading most of the time, to the point that I did not feel I had time to reflect on it much. I usually felt guilty about not reading everything and this hampered my class participation, and I was scared of being wrong. The essays in exams helped but were no different to BA essays, and the time pressure made them feel rushed and sub standard. I know if I had given myself over completely to study I would have enjoyed law school more, but I couldn't stand spending so many hours in the dry, dry material. Law school taught me resilience more than anything else.
@@Learnlawbetter I was a history major, so I suppose I wrote a lot of essays. The exams I had in law school were a mixture of essays, which did not feel new, and case problems, which were genuinely different and made me think. I suppose the "step-by-step" process I had to use in those problems, of checking the legal boxes until reaching a grey area, helped to develop my critical thinking, but I don't think I lacked that ability to think things through before law school. Maybe to other people those thought processes do not come so naturally. My main problems came from studying consistently and staying motivated, something I never really nailed.
@@Learnlawbetter I don't know why but I can help thinking a lawyer who says that he has much better critical thinking skills than a cohort of PhDs is a tad self aggrandizing. I would love to see this guy walk into a room of science and engineering graduates and see if this shit flies...
Thanks for sharing some candid remarks about the legal profession. It's nothing like how TV shows and movies present life as a lawyer. We aren't always handling big, interesting cases and having trials all the time (unless you do criminal law). Glad you touched on the stress and depression rampant in our profession, as well as the bad job market.
this really helped me choose what i want as a career, as a senior in high school, it’s tough to figure out what i want to do in life. but now i know law school would not be a good fit for me, thank you for the video! (:
Phycology and law these are my two choices as well, hows your phycology major going so far and what do you plan to do, are you planning to get a PhD in the future?
Wished I came across your videos before law school. Nothing really prepared me for the rampant depression and anxiety caused by a legal recession in the market, and I finished my degree feeling extremely disillusioned with a legal career. Decided to work in an international law firm, and the problems were amplified, especially since you’re expected to be on call 24/7. It’s a great area to get into if you really love the grind and the challenge, but sadly not many people last too long or get out healthy. Really concise and comprehensive video, thank you.
Yeah it’s a no for me...I’ll be better off helping my community through the nonprofits I have planned. Good luck to everyone who goes to law school. A close relative recently got their law degree. That ish takes hard work! Best wishes! This video was VERY helpful. Thank you.
Professor Baez, thank you so much for the amazing content found on your channel. I’ve been binge watching your videos ever since I applied to the University at Buffalo School of Law for the fall semester last month. I know it’s not the greatest law school or carry any weight to many, however, it’s close to home and it’s low tuition (25,000) was incredibly attractive. Today, I received an email informing me of my acceptance! So overjoyed to start this new chapter in my life. Reading many of the books you have recommended in other videos! I look forward to future videos :) Have a blessed day.
Congratulations on the acceptance. Being price conscious and close to home are two good things. Thanks for watching. Been swamped, but just finished editing a new video which comes out on Wednesday.
Life lesson for anyone who wants to do law and not become a lawyer, a degree in law takes you anywhere, it takes you far in business, HR, leadership and management roles, and it makes you sick out from the crowd. I did a UK law degree so it only cost me about 30 grand nowhere near the US amount, and if I did it in Scotland it would have cost me 10 grand.
I'm honestly so grateful that law school in my country is free. I've never really thought of it even being an obstacle, but you talking about student loans and such really puts it in perspective
The education is free to you, but it’s not free. Your neighbours are paying for the education. The problem in the US is that the government subsidizes an unlimited amount of student loans. Over the last few years, a few people are graduating from medical school with over $1 million in student loans.
Learn Law Better yeah this is a great post. People need to quit this “free” talk. It’s subsidized. Also, I 100% agree that we’d see a huge drop in schooling costs if the federal government quit subsidizing the schools and their prices. But financing is psychological. If the price of Law school was $20k a year and you had no one to finance it, you’d likely be a lot less likely to dive in. But instead we tell kids that it’s only a loan payment of $860 a month a few years in the future, and they sign the dotted line. I really liked this video for younger people than I, who may be interested in law school. You come off as extremely friendly, but honest
After working in law firm for almost 4 years, I think this is the most sincere video that everyone must watch before decide to go to law school!! People want to enter to this career because of high return but they don't know how suffer they will get from working. Thank you for making this video.
Hey LBL, I appreciate your honesty and your organized though process. This type of material is hard to find and it most certainly is needed. Thank you !!!
I want to pursue my studies in law school because I want to deeply understand the law. I know it's not that easy but what really motivates me is that what can I do to help not only myself but for others also as they're being neglected in the due of process of the law while others abused it.
This is super helpful. I want to go to law school, already completed my LSAT but I’m taking a year off to work and save money. I got my undergrad in political science but couldn’t find any work in that field other than research assistant. I think it’s best to take time off to save up, or maybe retake your LSAT to get a better scholarship so it helps with cost. Also get an idea of what law you want to go into. I’d like to be an entertainment attorney because There are so many rappers who need legal representation when it comes to brand deals and contracts. You have no idea how many people I know who are in talks with record labels and have no idea what even a contract entails. I took 2 contract courses in my undergrad and kind of fell in love with the idea of drafting contracts. Find what you like about law there are so many different avenues
I absolutely loved this video. You've presented really convincing arguments on the benefits of attending law school, as well as becoming a lawyer in general. Thank you.
The last part I disagree with somewhat. Anyone who has worked retail in college knows that it will break you down mentally and you won't get further ahead financially, especially if you have student loans from undergrad or live on your own. I think doing your research and sitting on your decision is a great idea but being stuck working a low paying, part time service and going nowhere in life isn't worth it from a strategic perspective. The longer you work a crappy job the more likely you're screwed for life.
i’ve always wanted to be a family lawyer and this is quite informative. money has never been much of a thought for me but as long as i’m getting a decent enough salary then i’m fine with that tbh
I'm 14 and being a lawyer is something I always kind of wanted to achieve when I would be done with high-school despite the disadvantages. Still sort of researching so this was useful.
15 and same. I’m almost positive I want to become a lawyer but I have no idea what I would major in for my four year college degree and the entire process is a bit confusing…needless to say lawyer TH-cam videos is becoming a new hobby of mine
You could also suggest that a youngster attend a real trial from beginning to end, just to see how tedious it is compared to a legal drama in a movie. Once at a social event, Samuel Johnson said "I would be loath to speak ill of any person who I do not know deserves it, but I am afraid he is an attorney."
Very few lawyers interact with the public. There are many lawyers who work for corporations or the government, and tend to be shy. Might be harder to get that first job though.
1000000000% yes. Most lawyers and law students are NOT socially skilled. Most I have encountered and worked with are very introverted, anal, and socially awkward. If I had dispell the biggest myth about being a lawyer, it's that they are smoothe, outgoing, and fast talking. Most are decidedly not this way! Of course there are exceptions and they probably stand out because they fit the stereotype, but it is a grossly inaccurate stereotype in general.
@@pulp735 I think this stereotype was further exaggerated by the law shows lol especially law and order & suits series personalities!! Some lack common sense, emotional intelligence, and people skills that I've met.
I didn't go to law school because of a video I saw on YT: "If you're not 100% you want to go to law school, don't go." I took that to heart, and I'm glad I did in retrospect.
I found it really helpfull thank u,im 11 th grader i was thinking ab architecture since i was kid but few months ago doubt kicked in and i thought about law school.thanks for ur advice
finally ... I just want to be a lawyer. can you do more videos about how one can be trained into critical thinking or something like qualities of a law student
I'll have to think about this a bit more. Right off the bat, I recommend that you read the Socratic Dialogues by Plato. Read through them carefully, and follow Socrates arguments. He slowly builds up a case, until he traps his opponents. This will show you how to start thinking a few steps ahead of others, which is what you need to do in law school.
PhD graduates are critical thinkers, in order to complete their dissertation they have to create a new contribution to their field of study. You can't do that without a lot of critical thinking
He said he met with thirty Ph.D.'s. Does anyone-- one of the commenters, possibly-- know the fields in which these people held doctorates? I'm a high school math teacher, and I must say, the quality of scholarship in the education field is embarrassingly bad.
I got into law school but i currently work fir the government. I don’t know what to do - I feel like I have stability in my job (70k) a year but I feel like being a lawyer will allow me to help others and have a more fulfilling career .
No guarantees in life as to what will happen after law school. Ask yourself is this new path something I want to follow, and will I regret not following it 20 years from now. Also, talk to a few lawyers and ask them what the practice of law is like-a typical day.
Spot on with this video. Very honest and accurate. I'm a young lawyer myself and it's too late for me to reverse that, but at least anyone else who is considering pursuing this career path can benefit from these points. It wasn't worth it for me and I've joined the military and have had to go back to university to get qualified in a different profession. I have a video about my experiences too, which were (spoiler alert): just as dismal as this video puts it.
@@lawreadyforthis-syl-1130 I'm an Army officer (recently promoted to Captain) and while I'm infantry trained, I work for the Legal Corps, so the degree did come into some use, I suppose.
It can be stressful. The issue is that we bill by the hour, so it becomes easy to work too many hours. But by setting boundaries it doesn’t have to be stressful.
The majority of politicians are lawyers. In 2018, there are over 1.2 million lawyers in the United States and just over 30,000 students will join the legal profession. Now, not every lawyer wants to become a politician, but many do. Also, if you want to run for office, you need to think about incumbents in the jurisdiction. So to answer your question, becoming a lawyer will help. But it's still very hard. If by your question you only mean getting a job in politics, like a staffer on Capitol Hill, then your chances of getting in become better. Though still lots of competition.
K W.S There are politicians with no law degree. You may wanna research the backgrounds of politicians who currently have a position you think you’d be interested in pursuing. It always helps to be knowledgeable in history, sociology, economics, law, and debate tactics to prepare for a political career. Don’t forget the volunteer work to better the community and show that you care.
Hi! First of all, thank you for taking the time to produce these videos, they're really helpful. I am 29 years old and work as an in-house translator for State Farm (a lot of grammatical analysis, research and editing in a cubicle). I'm thinking about applying to law school next year. Any advice for someone my age? Do you know people who started this late and who have successful careers? Is it a good idea in your opinion? To give a little bit more context, I have a B.A. in Applied Languages from the Université de Lyon in France (graduated in 2012) and I immigrated to the U.S. 3 years ago (from Bolivia which is where I'm from). I now live in Dallas, Texas. Moreover, I would have to get a loan to pay for it all.
You are still young enough to have a full and fruitful legal career. As you know, there is an oversupply of lawyers. There are still many jobs, but you would be much better off at a top law school. Make sure you spend lots of time preparing for the LSAT, and take a prep course.
I usually don't recommend that people become lawyers, EXCEPT: (1) if the individual is somebody who impresses me as especially competitive, the kind of person who would argue over the price of a loaf of bread at the supermarket if there was some real chance that maybe the bread actually might have been mis-priced for some reason; or (2) the person is a superior engineer / engineering student or comparable technical or scientific type who impresses me with such intellectualism that they might enjoy patent or intellectual property law. People who are too idealistic or even merely too judgmental and/or not competitive enough way too often eventually become very unhappy as lawyers (and typically sooner rather than later).
I definitely want to get a J.D. however I’m not entirely sure I want to be a practicing attorney. Maybe public defender - I know it doesn’t pay well, but it’s needed I guess. Lots of options. Thanks for the video! It was very helpful.
Sean Milko I have lots of respect for those that become public defenders. I would have a problem defending the guilty, especially if they were not convicted. So my hat’s off to you for considering doing this important work. Make sure to keep costs down so you can afford to go into this line of work.
Thanks for making the wonderful and realistic video. Can you please mention, which side of law one should pick, if one wants to travel more than sitting behind a desk?
Most lawyers sit behind a desk all day long. A friend of mine started with the Navy JAG corp, where the Navy moved him from base to base--he would spend a few weeks at one base, handle the legal issues, then on to the next base. Another possibility is working for a non-profit that does litigation. That might get you some travel for trial work. As you become more senior, there are non-profit positions that are primarily fund raising, so you go to different cities to speak to various groups.
You said you would get back to the topic “wealth” and tell us more about it in a moment. This definitely helped me a lot. I am a sophomore in high school and I want to become a lawyer:))
Very few lawyers become wealthy, which unfortunately is why many go to law school. Most lawyers live comfortable lives in the middle class, unless they have to borrow all of the money for their education.
Hello fellow lawyer, nice to see your video about law school. I'm from the Philippines and I am a lawyer but I chose an off court path. I'm in the education and academe sector though I practiced in a short time here. My father was a trial lawyer and he wanted me to pursue the legal profession. However, teaching was my first love, so when he unfortunately passed away, I discontinued practice and began teaching in the college level. Law school is definitely tough but I got motivated by my father. God bless you sir.
Hello Prof, can you make a video about how age or maturity helps in law school? Thus does age matter in law school and what is the best age to get into law school?
From a cognitive standpoint, age 25 is the best age to attend law school. This is because the human brain doesn’t fully develop till age 25. As people get older law school gets harder-think over 40. May have to work harder but can definitely succeed.
In terms of ways to keep law school affordable, you didn't mention the option of taking a few years after undergrad to serve as an Officer in the Armed Forces. Beyond giving access to the GI Bill which is nice (but should never be a person's primary reason for joining the military. you should join the military because you want to be in the military), very few other options can provide a new college grad with as much leadership experience and responsibility out-the-gate like a commission in the Army or Marine Corps can.
Currently in my second semester of law school and I've yet to hit 20 years old. Here in my country, we can take law as an undergrad degree. I read books and even worked at a law firm before going into law school, but even then I was feeling unsure if this was for me. Right now though, I'm enjoying my studies so I don't regret my decision. I guess no amount of preparatory work beats actual studying in figuring out if law school suits you, but you'll never know if you never try. Good luck to those who are considering whether to enter law school!
Not sure what you mean. In the United States, all JD programs must be earned at American law schools. A few other countries, like Australia, are offering JDs, but I don’t know too much about those.
Thanks for the video! I am trying to figure it out if law school is the way. This helped me a lot. I live in Europe, we don't have to pay any students debts, which is nice. But I still have no idea about what proffesion will be the best for me. I love that law school is kinda universal in this. Anyway thanks again, I am closer to making my final decision.
Most lawyers love talking to students. Ask a few for some time to chat, then ask them what their typical day looks like. Too many people go into law for the wrong reasons. I wish you well on your journey.
Learn Law Better I just finished reading the book One L, and I was wondering how you would avoid, cope, or overcome “burning out” in law school? Possibly as a video idea!
This was GREAT. I start with law school this year and i don't know what to expect, because i don't know somebody who finished law school so do you have some advice for me about how to start and what to expect at the beginning. In addition to that i don't go to law school because i wanted that, but i don't hate it because i want go become diplomat so it is not bad for me to study law, and in my spare time i also study languages.
Good video. A nice, concise overview. However the BIGGEST FACTORS you need to concern yourself with if you want to be a Lawyer are 1.) There is no work life balance and 2.) Lawyers have a high rate of depression largely due to the lack of work-life balance and high job stress. These are the two major factors that you really need to come to terms with if you want to be a lawyer. If you can cope with these two then go for it. Everything else will fall into place. Law school is difficult but extremely do-able. The most difficult factors will be the lack of fun, free time and a negative environment. If you're okay with those then you should be able to handle it just fine :) I'm not minimizing it, I'm just zeroing in on the biggest negative factors, which are actually quite severe. But the actual work is not especially difficult, just very time consuming and will eat into your free time. If you were able to get into law school or did well on the LSAT, then the actual intellectual concepts shouldn't be that difficult. However it will be time consuming trying to sort through a bumbling, awkward lecture given by a bad professor, of which my school had many. Also, depending on where you go, the other students are usually pretty sharp and the curve in a lot of classes can be extremely tight. For example, your essay answer on a law exam may be a very solid one, but there's only a small number of people who can get the As. They can be really hard to get and this is tough for students used to getting As in the rest of their education career.
This was not my experience in the practice of law. I worked with good, decent people who genuinely tried to help each other. Also, I worked for the government, so the work-life balance was excellent. I suspect that many people look for higher paying jobs, where life can be more cut-throat. I suggest looking for a different employer if someone finds nasty people where one works. Also, much of how we experience life is internal. This means learning how to deal with our feelings and reactions.
@@Learnlawbetter Thanks for the reply. I realized I posted a flurry in a short period that may have been slightly misleading. I am glad to hear your perspective. I am sure there are many others who have had similar experiences, which is encouraging! I do appreciate your perspective and I am big fan of your videos. I think the best resource for future lawyers is to realize that there are indeed a multitude of experiences within the legal profession. The profession has a good, bad, and ugly side to it that future students would be wise to learn about as diligently as they can before deciding to embark on such an endeavor. For students reading, these are a great resource. Reach out to all types of attorneys and legal professionals and do not be afraid to be honest! Be polite and courteous of course, but don't shy away from difficult questions! Good luck :)
What if debt doesn’t scare me off? What if reading and writing is what I crave versus the lack of stimulation I’ve had in my 20s? What if I’ve already had depression/substance abuse 😂 not funny but, handled it. What if I don’t watch courtroom dramas and want to see nothing but the inside of a text and find factual, useful information to sway a case? What if I never gave my brain a chance in high school and during my half-assed college approach? I find it unnerving to even mention the idea of law before people are down my throat with criticism. If you’re scared off by nay-sayers, wouldn’t that be a sign that law ISN’T for you? Sink or swim. Thanks for the pointers, sir!
Good post. Why always the emphasis on law school, what about becoming a lawyer? If you don't know anything about becoming a lawyer, law schools are an expensive place to spend your time. I don't believe law schools are place that teach you about being a lawyer just about how to think like a lawyer.
You are correct. Law schools taught practical skills till up through the late 19th century. Legal education changed when Harvard Law School Dean Christopher Columbus Langdell changed legal education. He believed legal education should be based on science rather than practice. So to this day, most classes use the case method that he pioneered. Law schools need to teach more practical skills.
This is an excellent question! It mainly comes down to two factors: prestige and student body. Over the last hundred years, certain law schools like Harvard, Chicago, and Georgetown have developed reputations as great schools. This has led the students with the highest LSAT scores and GPAs to apply to them. But the faculty at most law schools look the same and teach the same.
Make sure you prepare the right way for the bar exam. When I practiced in Virginia, which has an apprentice program, the bar passage rate was around 50%
I want to be an attorney but as an editor please make those side profile edits a little shorter. The reason is a good transition cut but you want to always have your focus on your subject head on to drive the mission to the users
It was a hard episode to make. At some level, I believe people should pursue their dreams and become what they want to become. But I've seen lawyers unable to practice law because of marketplace realities. One lawyer I ran into was working as an assistant manager at a self-storage place. Because there are more graduates than jobs, there will be those kinds of stories for some time. Even graduates from elite law schools are having problems finding employment right now.
I'm going but I continually think I'm not gonna hack it. Just the baby bar practice tests surprised me, I thought I'd have a better grasp by now. I have a massive case of imposter syndrome. 😳
I just started my freshman year of highschool, but I am already thinking about what I want to be when I grow up. I love politics, debating, and public speaking. Should I become a lawyer since they add up to one??
Most lawyers don’t do any of those things. While it is true that many politicians are lawyers, that’s more likely because lawyers work with the law and have the financial resources to run a campaign.
A small percentage of attorneys to trial work. Certainly there is some public speaking, but most of a trial involves preparation and then listening to witnesses and opposing counsel. There isn't much of a demand for full-time debaters.
@jacknjillzzz zzz I probably wouldn't go for those reasons. The people that go to law school because of the reasons you stated usually don't find a legal career satisfying. Legal work is not all that political; you will not be debating in the same way you do on your high school debate team or arguing about politics with your opinionated uncle during holidays. Public speaking is definitely a good one if you want to go into like civil work or something like that.
I like writing legal briefs. I took Business Law 1,2. I will look into volunteering with local lawyers before continuing my education.I have two Associate Degrees. I love to read, ask "Why" questions and think analytically. Would I be an asset to law school? A great lawyer?
I really appreciate you doing a video on the subject of, "Should I Go to Law School?" I recall in another video you mentioning that you went to law school at Georgetown? What are you thoughts on Georgetown's Law School? What was your experience like? Finally, as a working adult, I am curious to know your thoughts on Georgetown's Part-Time Evening Program? Any feedback provided would be greatly appreciated.
I believe that Georgetown is the only elite law school with a part time program. You will find that the education at the T14 are all about the same. What gives Georgetown an edge is location. It is blocks from the Capitol, Supreme Court, and numerous government agencies. This means that you get adjunct faculty who are agency leaders and great job opportunities.
I ended up liking this guy's personality in literally like 10 seconds how is that even possible?
it was the pillows
ikr
I liked him in the first second i heard him lol
\\
Same
@@ryanordmandy you're onto something there for sure.
Law school was probably the most fun 3 years of my life. Other lawyers look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them that.
Same here--loved my time in law school. Spent one additional year getting an LLM.
Sure, I had fun too (Georgetown law, DC!). But then after graduation, life began to go downhill for quite a while. Actual practice is nothing like being a student. Please see my videos for more information about my travails as a lawyer.
@Ankan.B Law school takes 3 years. You have to have a 4 year college degree first, though.
I loved it too. Studying for finals was stressful, but I loved nearly all my courses. I also really enjoyed being around so many intelligent people, both students and professors. And I met some of my closest friends.
Where did you go to law school?
"Depression and heightened suicidal behavior" already half way there 😂
L.B. Watson Haha this needs more likes!!
😂😂😂
Not only depression but pelvic dysfunction too which is a rare syndrome. I have been having this pain for years and there is no conventional doctor that can help me with a solution. I concluded that it is an existential disease. In the clinic I go to for therapy, I saw many lawyers suffering from this terrible pain caused by stress.
😆lol
Facts; I’ve got that disadvantage figured out. What’s next?
Pros:
Learn Critical Thinking
Prestige
Wealth
Cons:
Expensive
Don't make much money out of law school, hard to find work, can live comfortably middle-class
Work-Life Balance
Personal problems such as depression
Tips:
Talk to lawyers to see if law is right for you
If you are going into law to fight for something specific, think about how realistic that actually is
Find out what lawyers in your desired career path actually do
Do not go to law school because you don't know what you want to do after undergraduate school
is the money really true, I've heard lawyers make a very good income
It depends on the lawyer. Most lawyers make more than the national median salary. But few lawyers make lots of money. And those that do tend to work incredibly long hours.
I like
You may not be making that much money if you can’t get into a good law school. That’s not to say that it’s impossible because people have made lots of money despite coming from an unknown school, but the law profession generally puts a lot of emphasis onto the name brand of your school. This is important to know, don’t think that you’re destined for a 6 figure career just got because you got into any law school. Pretty much any college grad can get into some law school somewhere granted he/she takes the LSAT and gets at least a few questions correct.
@@Learnlawbetter just like the writer who wrote "Jurassic Park".He graduated from medical school.However,he didn't practice as a doctor.He earned big killing!
Not bad to major in law! You can change the world effectively and wisely, or at least you can secure your own rights. Law only helps those who master it.
I do not usually comment on videos, but this was truly the BEST video I have seen about law school thus far. Objective information that points to the realities of the course of study, without outright crushing dreams. I appreciate that balance greatly.
Thanks for commenting! Glad that my approach is useful.
I agree with you Nana, so much negativity out there regarding this profession.
@@Learnlawbetter if teaching law ever gets stale for you, I think making videos with valuable content is your next calling ; )
True
Could you do a video on different types of law? I want to go to law school but I’m not sure what kind of law to look into. Love the videos!
Let me put this on my list of future topics and think about it. The reality is that there are lawyers that do all types off work, in just about every field. I was taking the train into DC some years ago, and I started talking to the person next to me. She was an attorney who did work for the NItrous Oxide (i.e., "laughing gas") association. That's when it dawned on me how varied the legal profession is.
Learn Law Better Thanks so much!
Don’t go. Unless you are very passionate about a specific area of the law. Do. Not. Go.
Hey CodDoctor, why doncha become a Medical Doctor, then at least you won't starve. Three kinds of law: criminal (protecting liberty interests), civil (all about the moolah), and poverty law (your own).
Live in a homeless shelter for a year. You'll find out right lickity split which law school you should go to.
my dad graduated top of his class from the University of Texas School of Law and did very well for himself. He went to work as a tax attorney for Western Petroleum (now World Fuel Services) and was making $250k a year in the 90s which is unreal
He went to a great law school. Interestingly, those who work for large corporations can make lots more than those who work for Big Law.
Studying law isn't just about monetary gain. Lawyers uphold social and economic justice and the rule of law. It's unfortunate society views success in terms of financial success.
What does a tax attorney do?
It’s a broad field. First, there are different taxes that one can specialize in: federal, state, local, or international. Then there are tax types: income, sales, property, etc... Most tax attorneys do planning, but some do litigation.
Ok boomer
It took me earning my MBA to realize I was running from my passion for law bc I was scared of failing at many steps along the journey of law school. This week I made the decision to just jump into it with no hesitation😄
That’s great! Hope you do well. The MBA will provide some context for you in some courses.
That’s it. I’m doing it . I’m becoming a lawyer
I honestly don't know if law school taught me more critical thinking than my BA. I felt swamped in the reading most of the time, to the point that I did not feel I had time to reflect on it much. I usually felt guilty about not reading everything and this hampered my class participation, and I was scared of being wrong. The essays in exams helped but were no different to BA essays, and the time pressure made them feel rushed and sub standard. I know if I had given myself over completely to study I would have enjoyed law school more, but I couldn't stand spending so many hours in the dry, dry material. Law school taught me resilience more than anything else.
Interesting. What was your BA major? Most undergraduate exams are different from law school exams.
@@Learnlawbetter I was a history major, so I suppose I wrote a lot of essays. The exams I had in law school were a mixture of essays, which did not feel new, and case problems, which were genuinely different and made me think. I suppose the "step-by-step" process I had to use in those problems, of checking the legal boxes until reaching a grey area, helped to develop my critical thinking, but I don't think I lacked that ability to think things through before law school. Maybe to other people those thought processes do not come so naturally. My main problems came from studying consistently and staying motivated, something I never really nailed.
@@Learnlawbetter thank you for the reply by the way
@@Learnlawbetter I don't know why but I can help thinking a lawyer who says that he has much better critical thinking skills than a cohort of PhDs is a tad self aggrandizing. I would love to see this guy walk into a room of science and engineering graduates and see if this shit flies...
Thanks for sharing some candid remarks about the legal profession. It's nothing like how TV shows and movies present life as a lawyer. We aren't always handling big, interesting cases and having trials all the time (unless you do criminal law). Glad you touched on the stress and depression rampant in our profession, as well as the bad job market.
this really helped me choose what i want as a career, as a senior in high school, it’s tough to figure out what i want to do in life. but now i know law school would not be a good fit for me, thank you for the video! (:
What did you decide on ?
Yaseen I chose to go into the field of psychology and eventually become a psychiatrist (:
Phycology and law these are my two choices as well, hows your phycology major going so far and what do you plan to do, are you planning to get a PhD in the future?
@@yadiraesquivel3041it’s been 4 years. Please update us
Wished I came across your videos before law school. Nothing really prepared me for the rampant depression and anxiety caused by a legal recession in the market, and I finished my degree feeling extremely disillusioned with a legal career. Decided to work in an international law firm, and the problems were amplified, especially since you’re expected to be on call 24/7. It’s a great area to get into if you really love the grind and the challenge, but sadly not many people last too long or get out healthy.
Really concise and comprehensive video, thank you.
The practice of law is full of dysfunction😥
Yeah it’s a no for me...I’ll be better off helping my community through the nonprofits I have planned. Good luck to everyone who goes to law school. A close relative recently got their law degree. That ish takes hard work! Best wishes!
This video was VERY helpful. Thank you.
Professor Baez, thank you so much for the amazing content found on your channel. I’ve been binge watching your videos ever since I applied to the University at Buffalo School of Law for the fall semester last month. I know it’s not the greatest law school or carry any weight to many, however, it’s close to home and it’s low tuition (25,000) was incredibly attractive. Today, I received an email informing me of my acceptance! So overjoyed to start this new chapter in my life. Reading many of the books you have recommended in other videos! I look forward to future videos :) Have a blessed day.
Congratulations on the acceptance. Being price conscious and close to home are two good things. Thanks for watching. Been swamped, but just finished editing a new video which comes out on Wednesday.
Life lesson for anyone who wants to do law and not become a lawyer, a degree in law takes you anywhere, it takes you far in business, HR, leadership and management roles, and it makes you sick out from the crowd. I did a UK law degree so it only cost me about 30 grand nowhere near the US amount, and if I did it in Scotland it would have cost me 10 grand.
Don't agree. The Ivy League MBA is the key to all that in the 🇺🇸
Thanks for the tip. I'll have to look into that. I'm passionate about the law, but not sure I would want to be a lawyer.
So I'm going to go to SCOTLAND or UK.
@@rogervonstruve6065meh i disagree. I work with cpas and lawyers. Let’s just say they don’t see MBA grads with much prestige lol
I'm honestly so grateful that law school in my country is free. I've never really thought of it even being an obstacle, but you talking about student loans and such really puts it in perspective
The education is free to you, but it’s not free. Your neighbours are paying for the education. The problem in the US is that the government subsidizes an unlimited amount of student loans. Over the last few years, a few people are graduating from medical school with over $1 million in student loans.
Learn Law Better yeah this is a great post. People need to quit this “free” talk. It’s subsidized.
Also, I 100% agree that we’d see a huge drop in schooling costs if the federal government quit subsidizing the schools and their prices. But financing is psychological. If the price of Law school was $20k a year and you had no one to finance it, you’d likely be a lot less likely to dive in. But instead we tell kids that it’s only a loan payment of $860 a month a few years in the future, and they sign the dotted line.
I really liked this video for younger people than I, who may be interested in law school. You come off as extremely friendly, but honest
I used to take law classes I failed the class,but I learned alot!
After working in law firm for almost 4 years, I think this is the most sincere video that everyone must watch before decide to go to law school!! People want to enter to this career because of high return but they don't know how suffer they will get from working. Thank you for making this video.
Great video! Spend time walking around with a lawyer---litigator, criminal lawyer and an estate or tax lawyer.
Hey LBL, I appreciate your honesty and your organized though process. This type of material is hard to find and it most certainly is needed.
Thank you !!!
Glad I can help. And if you have ideas for new videos, send me a shout out.
I want to pursue my studies in law school because I want to deeply understand the law. I know it's not that easy but what really motivates me is that what can I do to help not only myself but for others also as they're being neglected in the due of process of the law while others abused it.
This is super helpful. I want to go to law school, already completed my LSAT but I’m taking a year off to work and save money. I got my undergrad in political science but couldn’t find any work in that field other than research assistant. I think it’s best to take time off to save up, or maybe retake your LSAT to get a better scholarship so it helps with cost. Also get an idea of what law you want to go into. I’d like to be an entertainment attorney because There are so many rappers who need legal representation when it comes to brand deals and contracts. You have no idea how many people I know who are in talks with record labels and have no idea what even a contract entails. I took 2 contract courses in my undergrad and kind of fell in love with the idea of drafting contracts. Find what you like about law there are so many different avenues
Sounds like you have a good plan. To improve your LSAT score, keep doing practice exams-you can improve by figuring out how to answer the questions.
I absolutely loved this video. You've presented really convincing arguments on the benefits of attending law school, as well as becoming a lawyer in general. Thank you.
The last part I disagree with somewhat. Anyone who has worked retail in college knows that it will break you down mentally and you won't get further ahead financially, especially if you have student loans from undergrad or live on your own. I think doing your research and sitting on your decision is a great idea but being stuck working a low paying, part time service and going nowhere in life isn't worth it from a strategic perspective. The longer you work a crappy job the more likely you're screwed for life.
i’ve always wanted to be a family lawyer and this is quite informative. money has never been much of a thought for me but as long as i’m getting a decent enough salary then i’m fine with that tbh
Law is a business. Either you work for someone else and make less money, or try to run your own business.
Wow. When he said he only had 7 payments left after 20 plus year . It really dawned on me where I’m at .
I'm 14 and being a lawyer is something I always kind of wanted to achieve when I would be done with high-school despite the disadvantages. Still sort of researching so this was useful.
15 and same. I’m almost positive I want to become a lawyer but I have no idea what I would major in for my four year college degree and the entire process is a bit confusing…needless to say lawyer TH-cam videos is becoming a new hobby of mine
Highly recommend majoring in psychology
My cousin went to Law School, but then went into Investment Banking right after graduation.
Over saturated job market high tuition rates at least in California where I live
You could also suggest that a youngster attend a real trial from beginning to end, just to see how tedious it is compared to a legal drama in a movie.
Once at a social event, Samuel Johnson said "I would be loath to speak ill of any person who I do not know deserves it, but I am afraid he is an attorney."
This was a brilliant video. The best on TH-cam and it’s not even a competition. Keep up the great work, you earned a new subscriber.
Can you still become a lawyer if you're shy or reserved? I'm interested in law but I'm worried that it may not fit my personality.
Very few lawyers interact with the public. There are many lawyers who work for corporations or the government, and tend to be shy. Might be harder to get that first job though.
1000000000% yes. Most lawyers and law students are NOT socially skilled. Most I have encountered and worked with are very introverted, anal, and socially awkward. If I had dispell the biggest myth about being a lawyer, it's that they are smoothe, outgoing, and fast talking. Most are decidedly not this way! Of course there are exceptions and they probably stand out because they fit the stereotype, but it is a grossly inaccurate stereotype in general.
JUST DO WHAT THE HELL YOU WANT TO DO.BE CRITICAL,AND LEARN CRITICAL THINK'ING,THAT IS 86% OF BECOMEING A LAWYER☼
@@pulp735 I think this stereotype was further exaggerated by the law shows lol especially law and order & suits series personalities!! Some lack common sense, emotional intelligence, and people skills that I've met.
This is such a great question!
I didn't go to law school because of a video I saw on YT: "If you're not 100% you want to go to law school, don't go."
I took that to heart, and I'm glad I did in retrospect.
I found it really helpfull thank u,im 11 th grader i was thinking ab architecture since i was kid but few months ago doubt kicked in and i thought about law school.thanks for ur advice
4:42 exactly what I want to do lol
I'm a bit nervous now of the legal recession
There are many job openings, but there is a glut of lawyers. You need to figure out how to get top grades to position yourself for a good job.
Chopper Morton Take off the tinfoil hat, and stop typing in all caps
finally ... I just want to be a lawyer. can you do more videos about how one can be trained into critical thinking or something like qualities of a law student
I'll have to think about this a bit more. Right off the bat, I recommend that you read the Socratic Dialogues by Plato. Read through them carefully, and follow Socrates arguments. He slowly builds up a case, until he traps his opponents. This will show you how to start thinking a few steps ahead of others, which is what you need to do in law school.
+Learn Law Better ok thanks a lot
PhD graduates are critical thinkers, in order to complete their dissertation they have to create a new contribution to their field of study. You can't do that without a lot of critical thinking
He said he met with thirty Ph.D.'s. Does anyone-- one of the commenters, possibly-- know the fields in which these people held doctorates? I'm a high school math teacher, and I must say, the quality of scholarship in the education field is embarrassingly bad.
His blanket statement that phds are not trained to think critically calls into question his own ability to think critically.
I got into law school but i currently work fir the government. I don’t know what to do - I feel like I have stability in my job (70k) a year but I feel like being a lawyer will allow me to help others and have a more fulfilling career .
No guarantees in life as to what will happen after law school. Ask yourself is this new path something I want to follow, and will I regret not following it 20 years from now. Also, talk to a few lawyers and ask them what the practice of law is like-a typical day.
Spot on with this video. Very honest and accurate. I'm a young lawyer myself and it's too late for me to reverse that, but at least anyone else who is considering pursuing this career path can benefit from these points. It wasn't worth it for me and I've joined the military and have had to go back to university to get qualified in a different profession. I have a video about my experiences too, which were (spoiler alert): just as dismal as this video puts it.
What job in the military have you switched to?
@@lawreadyforthis-syl-1130 I'm an Army officer (recently promoted to Captain) and while I'm infantry trained, I work for the Legal Corps, so the degree did come into some use, I suppose.
lostbeyondpluto that’s really cool congrats. I’m in the USMC!
@@lawreadyforthis-syl-1130 that's awesome! and thanks :)
One of the best videos out there. Can you make another video doing even more deeper on each topic? Mostly pros
I'm passionate and very interested in learning law, but I've always had the impression that it would be a very stressful and time consuming career.
It can be stressful. The issue is that we bill by the hour, so it becomes easy to work too many hours. But by setting boundaries it doesn’t have to be stressful.
This video made me realize I actually want to be a lawyer. Despite the all the bad sides, I know it’s my calling.
That’s excellent! Good to know the good and bad of any decision before you make it.
Do you think its worth going to law school if your end goal is to work in politics ?
The majority of politicians are lawyers. In 2018, there are over 1.2 million lawyers in the United States and just over 30,000 students will join the legal profession. Now, not every lawyer wants to become a politician, but many do. Also, if you want to run for office, you need to think about incumbents in the jurisdiction.
So to answer your question, becoming a lawyer will help. But it's still very hard. If by your question you only mean getting a job in politics, like a staffer on Capitol Hill, then your chances of getting in become better. Though still lots of competition.
K W.S There are politicians with no law degree. You may wanna research the backgrounds of politicians who currently have a position you think you’d be interested in pursuing. It always helps to be knowledgeable in history, sociology, economics, law, and debate tactics to prepare for a political career. Don’t forget the volunteer work to better the community and show that you care.
K W.S Ask Ben Shapiro , the genius 😌
60% of all US presidents are lawyers. Case closed.
What type positions can you get as a politician? Please respond
Outstanding insights and very down to earth recommendations and pros and cons for any prospective law school student
Hi! First of all, thank you for taking the time to produce these videos, they're really helpful.
I am 29 years old and work as an in-house translator for State Farm (a lot of grammatical analysis, research and editing in a cubicle). I'm thinking about applying to law school next year. Any advice for someone my age? Do you know people who started this late and who have successful careers? Is it a good idea in your opinion? To give a little bit more context, I have a B.A. in Applied Languages from the Université de Lyon in France (graduated in 2012) and I immigrated to the U.S. 3 years ago (from Bolivia which is where I'm from). I now live in Dallas, Texas. Moreover, I would have to get a loan to pay for it all.
You are still young enough to have a full and fruitful legal career. As you know, there is an oversupply of lawyers. There are still many jobs, but you would be much better off at a top law school. Make sure you spend lots of time preparing for the LSAT, and take a prep course.
I usually don't recommend that people become lawyers, EXCEPT: (1) if the individual is somebody who impresses me as especially competitive, the kind of person who would argue over the price of a loaf of bread at the supermarket if there was some real chance that maybe the bread actually might have been mis-priced for some reason; or (2) the person is a superior engineer / engineering student or comparable technical or scientific type who impresses me with such intellectualism that they might enjoy patent or intellectual property law. People who are too idealistic or even merely too judgmental and/or not competitive enough way too often eventually become very unhappy as lawyers (and typically sooner rather than later).
Thanks for this video!
It is a good thing, and then April we will have the Interdiction Trust to distinguish us among our peers.
I definitely want to get a J.D. however I’m not entirely sure I want to be a practicing attorney. Maybe public defender - I know it doesn’t pay well, but it’s needed I guess. Lots of options. Thanks for the video! It was very helpful.
Sean Milko I have lots of respect for those that become public defenders. I would have a problem defending the guilty, especially if they were not convicted. So my hat’s off to you for considering doing this important work. Make sure to keep costs down so you can afford to go into this line of work.
Thanks for making the wonderful and realistic video. Can you please mention, which side of law one should pick, if one wants to travel more than sitting behind a desk?
Most lawyers sit behind a desk all day long. A friend of mine started with the Navy JAG corp, where the Navy moved him from base to base--he would spend a few weeks at one base, handle the legal issues, then on to the next base. Another possibility is working for a non-profit that does litigation. That might get you some travel for trial work. As you become more senior, there are non-profit positions that are primarily fund raising, so you go to different cities to speak to various groups.
This is a brilliant video. Thank you for keeping this posted.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love your short and very informative videos; straight to the point. Thank you
You said you would get back to the topic “wealth” and tell us more about it in a moment. This definitely helped me a lot. I am a sophomore in high school and I want to become a lawyer:))
Very few lawyers become wealthy, which unfortunately is why many go to law school. Most lawyers live comfortable lives in the middle class, unless they have to borrow all of the money for their education.
My favorite vedio on YT so far! Thanks for this!
Glad I could help.
Hello fellow lawyer, nice to see your video about law school. I'm from the Philippines and I am a lawyer but I chose an off court path. I'm in the education and academe sector though I practiced in a short time here. My father was a trial lawyer and he wanted me to pursue the legal profession. However, teaching was my first love, so when he unfortunately passed away, I discontinued practice and began teaching in the college level. Law school is definitely tough but I got motivated by my father. God bless you sir.
Great to hear that you found your passion. Too many people go into law only to find it's not for them.
I loved this video! Very objective. Also, the pillows were a great touch!
Glad you like the pillows!
Hey you are one of the first few lawyers that spoke and made sense👍Look forward from r your next video
That's awesome. And thanks for watching.
Could you do a video where you interview different kinds of lawyers that are still in practice.
I was thinking about that earlier today. Thanks for the reminder to seek out a few lawyers.
Hello Prof, can you make a video about how age or maturity helps in law school? Thus does age matter in law school and what is the best age to get into law school?
From a cognitive standpoint, age 25 is the best age to attend law school. This is because the human brain doesn’t fully develop till age 25. As people get older law school gets harder-think over 40. May have to work harder but can definitely succeed.
Court experience and reading more pleadings and law books could learn you more
It depends.
LOL!!!
Thank you very much for your objective video, really helped me to understand better the subject.
Wonderful structured video
In terms of ways to keep law school affordable, you didn't mention the option of taking a few years after undergrad to serve as an Officer in the Armed Forces. Beyond giving access to the GI Bill which is nice (but should never be a person's primary reason for joining the military. you should join the military because you want to be in the military), very few other options can provide a new college grad with as much leadership experience and responsibility out-the-gate like a commission in the Army or Marine Corps can.
Currently in my second semester of law school and I've yet to hit 20 years old. Here in my country, we can take law as an undergrad degree. I read books and even worked at a law firm before going into law school, but even then I was feeling unsure if this was for me. Right now though, I'm enjoying my studies so I don't regret my decision. I guess no amount of preparatory work beats actual studying in figuring out if law school suits you, but you'll never know if you never try. Good luck to those who are considering whether to enter law school!
A few of my JD students earned their first law degree in foreign countries as undergraduates.
@@Learnlawbetter Could you share information on international JD programs?
Not sure what you mean. In the United States, all JD programs must be earned at American law schools. A few other countries, like Australia, are offering JDs, but I don’t know too much about those.
Learn Law Better I’m Australian. Our JD is equal to a bachelor of laws.
Thanks for the video! I am trying to figure it out if law school is the way. This helped me a lot. I live in Europe, we don't have to pay any students debts, which is nice. But I still have no idea about what proffesion will be the best for me. I love that law school is kinda universal in this. Anyway thanks again, I am closer to making my final decision.
Most lawyers love talking to students. Ask a few for some time to chat, then ask them what their typical day looks like. Too many people go into law for the wrong reasons. I wish you well on your journey.
You're super helpful thank you for making these videos!
Thanks! If you have any ideas for new content feel free to let me know.
Learn Law Better I just finished reading the book One L, and I was wondering how you would avoid, cope, or overcome “burning out” in law school? Possibly as a video idea!
Very informative video thanks
This was GREAT. I start with law school this year and i don't know what to expect, because i don't know somebody who finished law school so do you have some advice for me about how to start and what to expect at the beginning. In addition to that i don't go to law school because i wanted that, but i don't hate it because i want go become diplomat so it is not bad for me to study law, and in my spare time i also study languages.
Could you do a video in which you talk about immigration law and the specifics of that career path. Great videos !
Thanks for the idea. Let me think about that one.
I’m going to law school because my family owns a law firm and I want to inherit and run the place.
Hey! I loved this video. Could you please make a video about US law schools for international students?
Sounds like a good idea. I’ll place it in my list of future topics.
This helped me a lot! Thank you for doing these videos
Glad I could help. And if you have any ideas for new videos please send them along.
Good video. A nice, concise overview. However the BIGGEST FACTORS you need to concern yourself with if you want to be a Lawyer are 1.) There is no work life balance and 2.) Lawyers have a high rate of depression largely due to the lack of work-life balance and high job stress. These are the two major factors that you really need to come to terms with if you want to be a lawyer. If you can cope with these two then go for it. Everything else will fall into place. Law school is difficult but extremely do-able. The most difficult factors will be the lack of fun, free time and a negative environment. If you're okay with those then you should be able to handle it just fine :) I'm not minimizing it, I'm just zeroing in on the biggest negative factors, which are actually quite severe. But the actual work is not especially difficult, just very time consuming and will eat into your free time. If you were able to get into law school or did well on the LSAT, then the actual intellectual concepts shouldn't be that difficult. However it will be time consuming trying to sort through a bumbling, awkward lecture given by a bad professor, of which my school had many. Also, depending on where you go, the other students are usually pretty sharp and the curve in a lot of classes can be extremely tight. For example, your essay answer on a law exam may be a very solid one, but there's only a small number of people who can get the As. They can be really hard to get and this is tough for students used to getting As in the rest of their education career.
This was not my experience in the practice of law. I worked with good, decent people who genuinely tried to help each other. Also, I worked for the government, so the work-life balance was excellent. I suspect that many people look for higher paying jobs, where life can be more cut-throat. I suggest looking for a different employer if someone finds nasty people where one works. Also, much of how we experience life is internal. This means learning how to deal with our feelings and reactions.
@@Learnlawbetter Thanks for the reply. I realized I posted a flurry in a short period that may have been slightly misleading. I am glad to hear your perspective. I am sure there are many others who have had similar experiences, which is encouraging! I do appreciate your perspective and I am big fan of your videos. I think the best resource for future lawyers is to realize that there are indeed a multitude of experiences within the legal profession. The profession has a good, bad, and ugly side to it that future students would be wise to learn about as diligently as they can before deciding to embark on such an endeavor. For students reading, these are a great resource. Reach out to all types of attorneys and legal professionals and do not be afraid to be honest! Be polite and courteous of course, but don't shy away from difficult questions! Good luck :)
Very informative thanks very much
Glad I can help.
Thank you so much for the clarity
Glad I can help.
What if debt doesn’t scare me off? What if reading and writing is what I crave versus the lack of stimulation I’ve had in my 20s? What if I’ve already had depression/substance abuse 😂 not funny but, handled it. What if I don’t watch courtroom dramas and want to see nothing but the inside of a text and find factual, useful information to sway a case? What if I never gave my brain a chance in high school and during my half-assed college approach? I find it unnerving to even mention the idea of law before people are down my throat with criticism. If you’re scared off by nay-sayers, wouldn’t that be a sign that law ISN’T for you? Sink or swim. Thanks for the pointers, sir!
Good post. Why always the emphasis on law school, what about becoming a lawyer? If you don't know anything about becoming a lawyer, law schools are an expensive place to spend your time. I don't believe law schools are place that teach you about being a lawyer just about how to think like a lawyer.
You are correct. Law schools taught practical skills till up through the late 19th century. Legal education changed when Harvard Law School Dean Christopher Columbus Langdell changed legal education. He believed legal education should be based on science rather than practice. So to this day, most classes use the case method that he pioneered. Law schools need to teach more practical skills.
What's the difference between the "top law schools" and I guess the " bottom law schools" if they are teaching the same thing!!??
This is an excellent question! It mainly comes down to two factors: prestige and student body. Over the last hundred years, certain law schools like Harvard, Chicago, and Georgetown have developed reputations as great schools. This has led the students with the highest LSAT scores and GPAs to apply to them.
But the faculty at most law schools look the same and teach the same.
@@Learnlawbetter thank you!
AND ALSO,THE BETTER THE SCHOOL IS SUPOSED TO BE,THE MORE $$$.IT WILL COST YOU.I GUESS.
The very top law schools are charging over $60,000 a year in tuition.
Very informative, I appreciate this video.
Glad it helped, and thanks for watching.
Yeah I am working on It's here in be lawyer
Good video. Especially about working in a law firm first in some capacity.
Yes, you should have an idea of what you are getting into before you spend lots of time and money pursuing this path.
That's been very helpful. Thanks a lot for the video.
I am so grateful that my state offers an apprentice program in lieu of law school.
Make sure you prepare the right way for the bar exam. When I practiced in Virginia, which has an apprentice program, the bar passage rate was around 50%
I've always wondered about the prospects for lawyers who go into business law. Any thoughts?
Business lawyers span everything from large corporations to solo practitioners. Those who go in-house can do very well.
I want to be an attorney but as an editor please make those side profile edits a little shorter. The reason is a good transition cut but you want to always have your focus on your subject head on to drive the mission to the users
Thanks for the advice.
This is all explained in the context of caution which is helpful, but can also be discouraging.
It was a hard episode to make. At some level, I believe people should pursue their dreams and become what they want to become. But I've seen lawyers unable to practice law because of marketplace realities. One lawyer I ran into was working as an assistant manager at a self-storage place. Because there are more graduates than jobs, there will be those kinds of stories for some time. Even graduates from elite law schools are having problems finding employment right now.
Very insightful. Thank you.
Best law school in the world
this helped a lot.
Excellent! I hope it helps you pick the right path for you.
Oh my gosh,u look like Angel from La casa de papel so much :O ( I'm a simple law student who likes to watch dalis)
Depression and substance abuse? That’s right up my alley!
get good at writing, speech, reading and critical thinking skills and you'll be the best lawyer no matter which school you go to.
I'm going but I continually think I'm not gonna hack it. Just the baby bar practice tests surprised me, I thought I'd have a better grasp by now. I have a massive case of imposter syndrome. 😳
Took me decades after law school to get over it.
Thank you for your help 👏
I just started my freshman year of highschool, but I am already thinking about what I want to be when I grow up. I love politics, debating, and public speaking. Should I become a lawyer since they add up to one??
Most lawyers don’t do any of those things. While it is true that many politicians are lawyers, that’s more likely because lawyers work with the law and have the financial resources to run a campaign.
@@Learnlawbetter oh. Do you happen to know any career that does involve public speaking and debating???
A small percentage of attorneys to trial work. Certainly there is some public speaking, but most of a trial involves preparation and then listening to witnesses and opposing counsel. There isn't much of a demand for full-time debaters.
@jacknjillzzz zzz I probably wouldn't go for those reasons. The people that go to law school because of the reasons you stated usually don't find a legal career satisfying. Legal work is not all that political; you will not be debating in the same way you do on your high school debate team or arguing about politics with your opinionated uncle during holidays. Public speaking is definitely a good one if you want to go into like civil work or something like that.
This is great. Thank you so much!
Glad it was helpful!
I like writing legal briefs. I took Business Law 1,2. I will look into volunteering with local lawyers before continuing my education.I have two Associate Degrees. I love to read, ask "Why" questions and think analytically. Would I be an asset to law school?
A great lawyer?
I really appreciate you doing a video on the subject of, "Should I Go to Law School?" I recall in another video you mentioning that you went to law school at Georgetown? What are you thoughts on Georgetown's Law School? What was your experience like? Finally, as a working adult, I am curious to know your thoughts on Georgetown's Part-Time Evening Program? Any feedback provided would be greatly appreciated.
I believe that Georgetown is the only elite law school with a part time program. You will find that the education at the T14 are all about the same. What gives Georgetown an edge is location. It is blocks from the Capitol, Supreme Court, and numerous government agencies. This means that you get adjunct faculty who are agency leaders and great job opportunities.