Law School Now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP if you are good at sales you can make a FORTUNE.

What kind of sales are you in? It seems like you would be better served by looking at your own industry and then seeing whaty you need to do to maximize your income - perhaps a change of company or industry is all you need?

Yes...This is possible, but then I feel I would have to get the MBA. My cousin graduated from Oxford with her MBA and failed her first statistics final. When she came home, I happened to be in my Statistics undergraduate class (which I got 100% in - yes, my proudest moment), and the shit she was learning was exactly the same thing I was learning. An MBA is only good for someone who doesn't have any business acumen, but I will get overlooked because I don't have it.

I would rather not say what industry but my industry is wack. I am going to make some calls however to some of the bigger companies out here. Maybe I move home, take a small cut to get into these companies, but it is so hard to get in. I will work on it. Would love to work at Volkswagen. Argh!

[Anonymous]

This is one of the stupidest ideas I've ever heard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The legal job market is terrible and will be even more competitive for a 39YO single mother who is looking to be a first-year associate.

Did you take the LSAT? You probably won't get into a T14. I'm sure you're smart and capable, but most people who take the LSAT don't get into a T14.

You'll be stuck going to Catholic or AU for sticker price. Terrible idea at any age, much less at 36 with a baby on the way.

If you want to further your education, think about what professional certifications might help you. Project Manager. Or APR.

I look 24 If that is any consolation, but in all honesty thanks. I will look at some other options. I never planned on doing anything but Criminal Law. I am a hustler, and I would have clients all day everyday. But that is just me. I know this Bankruptcy attorney that is killing it. Hey I would do that. I am more about the money than anything.

How old you look has absolutely nothing to do with it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am in Sales and Marketing. I make $100K. I am 36. I am pregnant and due in August. $100 is not going to cut it. (Single Mom), at least not for me. I often think about law school, but wouldn't want to take a cut in pay. I would have to take a cut in pay wouldn't I? What can I do to advance my career. I am finding it hard to cross over into higher paying industries...like marketing for a law firm (they pay very well). I just feel I need to make around $150 to $175 in order to really afford DC alone with a baby. I have been saving money for months now...hoping to buy a house out right in Florida within the next year (Tampa), but do I really want to raise my kid in Florida! I am a native to DC. This place is awesome. I just don't know what to do.

You would take a cut in pay, if you found a job at all (open question).

You do not need $150+ to raise a child in this area. You just don't.

So obi one...Where do you live? Break down the pay for me as you see it. I need a two bedroom eventually...so you tell me how I can stretch $100K using the marginal tax brackets with only a standard deduction.

I live in Silver Spring. Our household income is $120K and we are doing just fine, with two kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP if you are good at sales you can make a FORTUNE.

What kind of sales are you in? It seems like you would be better served by looking at your own industry and then seeing whaty you need to do to maximize your income - perhaps a change of company or industry is all you need?

Yes...This is possible, but then I feel I would have to get the MBA. My cousin graduated from Oxford with her MBA and failed her first statistics final. When she came home, I happened to be in my Statistics undergraduate class (which I got 100% in - yes, my proudest moment), and the shit she was learning was exactly the same thing I was learning. An MBA is only good for someone who doesn't have any business acumen, but I will get overlooked because I don't have it.

I would rather not say what industry but my industry is wack. I am going to make some calls however to some of the bigger companies out here. Maybe I move home, take a small cut to get into these companies, but it is so hard to get in. I will work on it. Would love to work at Volkswagen. Argh!

You do not need your MBA. You need to improve your sales track record, get a solid client base and then shop yourself around. Period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am in Sales and Marketing. I make $100K. I am 36. I am pregnant and due in August. $100 is not going to cut it. (Single Mom), at least not for me. I often think about law school, but wouldn't want to take a cut in pay. I would have to take a cut in pay wouldn't I? What can I do to advance my career. I am finding it hard to cross over into higher paying industries...like marketing for a law firm (they pay very well). I just feel I need to make around $150 to $175 in order to really afford DC alone with a baby. I have been saving money for months now...hoping to buy a house out right in Florida within the next year (Tampa), but do I really want to raise my kid in Florida! I am a native to DC. This place is awesome. I just don't know what to do.

You would take a cut in pay, if you found a job at all (open question).

You do not need $150+ to raise a child in this area. You just don't.

So obi one...Where do you live? Break down the pay for me as you see it. I need a two bedroom eventually...so you tell me how I can stretch $100K using the marginal tax brackets with only a standard deduction.

I live in Silver Spring. Our household income is $120K and we are doing just fine, with two kids.

Do you rent? Are you sending your kids to public school? Did you buy before the bubble? Are they in any Foreign Language classes? Instruments? Sports? Arts?

I just don't see how you can do it. Can you break down your income?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP if you are good at sales you can make a FORTUNE.

What kind of sales are you in? It seems like you would be better served by looking at your own industry and then seeing whaty you need to do to maximize your income - perhaps a change of company or industry is all you need?

Yes...This is possible, but then I feel I would have to get the MBA. My cousin graduated from Oxford with her MBA and failed her first statistics final. When she came home, I happened to be in my Statistics undergraduate class (which I got 100% in - yes, my proudest moment), and the shit she was learning was exactly the same thing I was learning. An MBA is only good for someone who doesn't have any business acumen, but I will get overlooked because I don't have it.

I would rather not say what industry but my industry is wack. I am going to make some calls however to some of the bigger companies out here. Maybe I move home, take a small cut to get into these companies, but it is so hard to get in. I will work on it. Would love to work at Volkswagen. Argh!

You do not need your MBA. You need to improve your sales track record, get a solid client base and then shop yourself around. Period.

This is a marketing manager job at Hilton which I am overqualified for. MBA mentioned for a manger. Not required, but preferred.

You are specifically responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards:
Researches and helps to identify business opportunities and reports findings and conclusions to upper management.
Manages the objectives for the department/project and how those objectives are going to be accomplished.
Establishes priorities and delegates work to team members accordingly, while ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
Works with key stakeholders and departments (HHonors program team, promotions, direct marketing, etc.), structuring the resources and activities of the department/project so objectives are accomplished.
Disseminates, organizes and communicates regarding assignments and projects within the department/project team.
Evaluates and streamlines business processes to maximize efficiency and effectiveness within the department.
Manages the cross-functional links between departments.
Adheres to measurements of program objectives to ensure effectiveness, usage and awareness.
Implements and manages departmental processes.
Since being founded in 1919, Hilton Worldwide has been a leader in the hospitality industry. Today, Hilton Worldwide remains a beacon of innovation, quality, and success. This continued leadership is the result of our Team Members staying true to our Vision, Mission, and Values.
To fulfill this role successfully, you must possess the following minimum qualifications and experience:
Minimum of four (4) years marketing experience preferred, partner/channel marketing experience preferred.
BA/BS in Sales/Marketing or business related field, MBA a plus.
Proven success with planning and leading marketing projects from concept through implementation.
Ability to multi-task and handle multiple programs at the same time.
Proven project management experience working under multiple deadlines.
Willingness to dive into the details and demonstrate results.
Proven ability to generate results in a dynamic, highly complex environments.
It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:
Hospitality experience a plus.
Supervisory experience advantageous.
Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The legal job market is terrible and will be even more competitive for a 39YO single mother who is looking to be a first-year associate.

Did you take the LSAT? You probably won't get into a T14. I'm sure you're smart and capable, but most people who take the LSAT don't get into a T14.

You'll be stuck going to Catholic or AU for sticker price. Terrible idea at any age, much less at 36 with a baby on the way.

If you want to further your education, think about what professional certifications might help you. Project Manager. Or APR.

THANK YOU FOR THIS! SO MUCH!

I have found out my next step!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP if you are good at sales you can make a FORTUNE.

What kind of sales are you in? It seems like you would be better served by looking at your own industry and then seeing whaty you need to do to maximize your income - perhaps a change of company or industry is all you need?

Yes...This is possible, but then I feel I would have to get the MBA. My cousin graduated from Oxford with her MBA and failed her first statistics final. When she came home, I happened to be in my Statistics undergraduate class (which I got 100% in - yes, my proudest moment), and the shit she was learning was exactly the same thing I was learning. An MBA is only good for someone who doesn't have any business acumen, but I will get overlooked because I don't have it.

I would rather not say what industry but my industry is wack. I am going to make some calls however to some of the bigger companies out here. Maybe I move home, take a small cut to get into these companies, but it is so hard to get in. I will work on it. Would love to work at Volkswagen. Argh!

You do not need your MBA. You need to improve your sales track record, get a solid client base and then shop yourself around. Period.

This is a marketing manager job at Hilton which I am overqualified for. MBA mentioned for a manger. Not required, but preferred.

You are specifically responsible for performing the following tasks to the highest standards:
Researches and helps to identify business opportunities and reports findings and conclusions to upper management.
Manages the objectives for the department/project and how those objectives are going to be accomplished.
Establishes priorities and delegates work to team members accordingly, while ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
Works with key stakeholders and departments (HHonors program team, promotions, direct marketing, etc.), structuring the resources and activities of the department/project so objectives are accomplished.
Disseminates, organizes and communicates regarding assignments and projects within the department/project team.
Evaluates and streamlines business processes to maximize efficiency and effectiveness within the department.
Manages the cross-functional links between departments.
Adheres to measurements of program objectives to ensure effectiveness, usage and awareness.
Implements and manages departmental processes.
Since being founded in 1919, Hilton Worldwide has been a leader in the hospitality industry. Today, Hilton Worldwide remains a beacon of innovation, quality, and success. This continued leadership is the result of our Team Members staying true to our Vision, Mission, and Values.
To fulfill this role successfully, you must possess the following minimum qualifications and experience:
Minimum of four (4) years marketing experience preferred, partner/channel marketing experience preferred.
BA/BS in Sales/Marketing or business related field, MBA a plus.
Proven success with planning and leading marketing projects from concept through implementation.
Ability to multi-task and handle multiple programs at the same time.
Proven project management experience working under multiple deadlines.
Willingness to dive into the details and demonstrate results.
Proven ability to generate results in a dynamic, highly complex environments.
It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:
Hospitality experience a plus.
Supervisory experience advantageous.
Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

I agree wrt MBA. Many jobs I am overqualified for say they "prefer" an MBA. I am almost 34--I am not taking on any school debt at this point. But there is plenty of room for qualified workers with skills and a BA or BS. That market will shrink, though. It is disheartening.

[Anonymous]

OP, I know how you can significantly increase your HHI without going into any debt: find a wealthy husband.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am in Sales and Marketing. I make $100K. I am 36. I am pregnant and due in August. $100 is not going to cut it. (Single Mom), at least not for me. I often think about law school, but wouldn't want to take a cut in pay. I would have to take a cut in pay wouldn't I? What can I do to advance my career. I am finding it hard to cross over into higher paying industries...like marketing for a law firm (they pay very well). I just feel I need to make around $150 to $175 in order to really afford DC alone with a baby. I have been saving money for months now...hoping to buy a house out right in Florida within the next year (Tampa), but do I really want to raise my kid in Florida! I am a native to DC. This place is awesome. I just don't know what to do.

You would take a cut in pay, if you found a job at all (open question).

You do not need $150+ to raise a child in this area. You just don't.

So obi one...Where do you live? Break down the pay for me as you see it. I need a two bedroom eventually...so you tell me how I can stretch $100K using the marginal tax brackets with only a standard deduction.

It's Obi Wan. FYI.

Thanks. It is? Too funny. I never knew that. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obi-Wan_Kenobi

I prefer ob gyn kenobi.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I am going to go ahead and just take law school off the radar.

What I do find interesting is that while maybe you guys are right...most people just want to tell you not to do something rather than go for it.

Again, you are probably right, but no one at all looked at anything positive. I guess that is part of the reason why I am so lost.

The majority of people on this board are lawyers. We are negative about your prospects because we are in the industry now and have been watching it decline for years. More than that, we all know dozens of people like you (and, honestly, people who are better positioned to take a big risk) who went into law school debt, failed to get a job, and now wish they'd never gone to law school.

Junior employees routinely ask me for letters of recommendation or other help getting into law school, and I tell every one of them to find another path. But nobody listens: each thinks she will be top of her class and magically succeed where thousands of others are failing. Well, only one person can be top of each class and in this market, even that person can't find a job. There is a whole lost generation of lawyers who did not get legal jobs during the recession and probably will never get them now: you'd be competing for work with them, as well as with your classmates, as well as with those of us who have been employed as lawyers for years and also want whatever work you're trying to pull in.

I wish you luck, but you will find more luck out of law school than in it.

[Anonymous]

OP - I am single mom who is a few years older than you and at times I wish I had gone to law school.

I have a HHI $110. That's enough to live on but private school is out and so is living in a house close in or in the city (I have a condo but I am ok with that bc a house it too much for me)

In terms of switching careers, in the next few years, you will really need flexibility and an understanding boss or you will be super stressed. I don't know of many people who can make a big career change at this age without being able to devote 110% to it to get up to speed and to get positioned in a way to be taken seriously in the new field and move up.

[Anonymous]

I am a single mom living on $50K per year. We are doing fine on it. Really. OP- You will be so sleep deprived for the first few yrs, the money would be wasted on going to law school. I would stick with your routine b/c you will need something predictable when you have a baby.

[Anonymous]

I'm living on 70K as a single mom in DC, was 55K when DD was born a few years ago. We're good.

Filing head of household will help some with taxes. Home prices and interest rates are still low in many local areas so there are deals to be had.