Reply to Am I crazy to consider law school in my mid-50s?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I went to Stanford Law School; graduated in the '80s.  I had a couple of classmates who were in their 50s -- interesting, smart, friendly people who had raised kids and had considerable success in other careers before law school.  They were always prepared for class -- because they never went out drinking the night before -- and they brought to our class discussions a much-needed measure of humility and wisdom -- something that the rest of us -- mostly in our 20s or early 30s -- sorely lacked.  They've both had good experiences practicing law, though not with big firms -- they had no interest in that (evidence of their older and wiser perspective).  So, can you go to law school in your mid-50s?  Sure, but you've got to go to a pretty darned good school (which is, BTW, the same advice I give to 20-somethings, including my own DS).  That doesn't sound like it's in the cards for you, OP, given your financial situation and ties to this area.

So, what is it about law practice that calls to you?   Do you want to be the zealous advocate?  The trusted and discreet advisor?  The wise mediator who helps to cut through problems and find common ground?  There are lots of other jobs where you can play that role; a few examples -- fundraisers are advocates and so are hospital ombudspersons; guidance counselors are trusted advisors and so are financial planners;  divorce mediators help people in life transitions get on with the next chapter.  All of these jobs would require you to start by doing research (another aspect of law, of course), interviewing folks who do these jobs and maybe shadowing a few of them.  Then, you could move on to volunteering in one of two positions.  You might need to pursue a certificate program or master's.  I have law school classmates who have segued to some of these careers, following this exact path.  Perhaps this would work for you, but, no, don't go to a mediocre law school.  Nobody should do that.

HTH and best of luck, OP!    [/quote]

Thanks for this post, PP! Very positive and helpful! [/quote]

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