Is 68 too old for law school?

[Anonymous]

In what sense? If you are asking if you are likely to earn back the money you borrowed to attend law school working as a lawyer, maybe not. If you are asking if you will enjoy the practice of law, sure, quite possibly, if you pick a good practice area.

[Anonymous]

Reputable JD programs are meant for a certain kind of attorney, but let me tell you, as a 73 year old attorney, who went to law school at the age of 69, I have more work than I can handle. Wisdom, being able to weed through the BS of day to day interactions, and focus on the issues, is a HUGE asset. I have seem several millenial attorneys from "prestigious law schools" fall by the wayside due to stress, etc. Go for it!! Age limits no one, unless you let it!!

[Anonymous]

I love that perspective. Not the OP but love seeing people motivate others and support them. We need more of that in the world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love that perspective. Not the OP but love seeing people motivate others and support them. We need more of that in the world.

but think of the cost. Most law schools are now $106k+ a year. $318k. and you're taking the placd of someone who coukd practice 60+ years. Also, your brain just isn't as sharo at that age than it was in youth

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I say not too old. If you want to do it, do it. If you turn out to be a decent attorney maybe you could then run for president. Don't let anyone tell you you're too damn old for anything. I'd say the only thing you have going against you is your need to crowd source this decision on DCUM, that's a bad sign.

Naivety

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love that perspective. Not the OP but love seeing people motivate others and support them. We need more of that in the world.

but think of the cost. Most law schools are now $106k+ a year. $318k. and you're taking the placd of someone who coukd practice 60+ years. Also, your brain just isn't as sharo at that age than it was in youth

If the person can afford it, why not. Even if the person is not as sharp as they once were it is law school, sure lots of reading but not quantum physics, so not really mentally challenging.

As far as taking someone’s spot, the 68 year old could practice for a decade or two. The youngster whose place you believe they are taking could get hit by a bus a week after graduation.

If you can afford it and get accepted then go for it.

[Anonymous]

What age do you want to retire?

[Anonymous]

Keep in mind this is a year-old post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, thank you. I wanted to be an attorney -- in particular, a public defender. I don't need to make money. But if the thinking here is no, I'd accept that. Thank you.
-- OP

You're too old. You wont graduate until you are in your 70s. It's a steep learning curve for the first 2 years. You won't be competent until your mid 70s.

There are other things you can do to help incarcerated people. Stop with the romantic notions of being a white knight and go find some other way to help.

[Anonymous]

If money is not an issue and you have a real passion, I would do it just for the sake of doing it. If nothing else taking the classes could be fun/interesting. Getting employment may be another story but whatever good you can do in the time you have left … Why not?

You’re never too old to learn but it may be an uphill battle getting hired because age discrimination is real.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:yes, its too old but primarily because it's not very interesting as a "field of study". And tuition is very expensive. And there's plenty of ageism among attorneys (I am a 65 year old retired attorney)
However, if you really must try to become a "criminal law attorney" you should go for it.

If you are just interested in the law, take university classes in related fields such as "history of law". or "US Constitution" or even criminology

Attorney here - highly disagree. I think it is a fascinating field of study - worthy if you never practiced law a day in your life. Not just con law - everything helps you understand the systems about which our society is built. I do think that it would be difficult to start a legal career in any field - public defense included - at age 71. If you are independently wealthy and would not be relying on this to pay any bills, then perhaps. But a good education is invaluable at any age.

[Anonymous]

OP, what did you decide? I hope you applied.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love that perspective. Not the OP but love seeing people motivate others and support them. We need more of that in the world.

but think of the cost. Most law schools are now $106k+ a year. $318k. and you're taking the placd of someone who coukd practice 60+ years. Also, your brain just isn't as sharo at that age than it was in youth

Compared to whom? The person who couldn't spell na·ive·té? If OP has the money to spare, why not?

OTOH, if they really want to make a lasting impact, they could sponsor/subsidize a couple of kids and get a written commitment that they would spend 10% of their work hours for the rest of their career to help the demographic OP wants to help, pro-bono.

[Anonymous]

I love the idea of a life-long learner and my plan as a retiree is to go back to school in something I really care about.

If I were you, I'd go sit in one of the second floor court rooms in Rockville and watch the public defenders work. They often go through 6-8 cases in an hour and barely have time to go to the bathroom. I've worked in the court system and have so much respect for people who are dedicated and good at it. It's a particularly difficult job with a very high burnout rate--the highs are high and the lows are the lowest of low.

You might really enjoy a social justice oriented social work program. There are a lot of jobs within the court system for social workers and the MSW is a broad degree with incredibly interesting classes and an opportunity to do meaningful field work as you are working toward the degree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love the idea of a life-long learner and my plan as a retiree is to go back to school in something I really care about.

If I were you, I'd go sit in one of the second floor court rooms in Rockville and watch the public defenders work. They often go through 6-8 cases in an hour and barely have time to go to the bathroom. I've worked in the court system and have so much respect for people who are dedicated and good at it. It's a particularly difficult job with a very high burnout rate--the highs are high and the lows are the lowest of low.

You might really enjoy a social justice oriented social work program. There are a lot of jobs within the court system for social workers and the MSW is a broad degree with incredibly interesting classes and an opportunity to do meaningful field work as you are working toward the degree.

I should add to this--I have a MSW and some of my absolute favorite classmates were the people coming back as a second or third career. So much wisdom and interesting perspectives to share! We all benefited from the wide age range in the classroom.