It's not just a question of the loans. Can you get a job when you graduate?

simple decision tree regarding law school:

Accepted into YLS, SLS, HLS = Go

Accepted into CCN with 50%+ scholly = Go

Accepted into MVPB with 75%+ scholly = Go

accepted anywhere else unless it is a regional leader AND you get massive scholly = don't go

Good luck with getting a gig doing plaintiff side environmental law. Most likely you will be defending oil spills.

So UVA or Michigan?

I would do a joint law/masters if possible.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does environmental law = pipe dream?

Because you either have to fight for a tiny percentage of jobs that actually are protecting the environment, for almost no pay OR you end up working for a huge corporation and using your background to help them legally destroy the environment. It's not a pretty picture.

+1

Environmental law is not what it seems.

Anonymous wrote:Why does environmental law = pipe dream?

Because you either have to fight for a tiny percentage of jobs that actually are protecting the environment, for almost no pay OR you end up working for a huge corporation and using your background to help them legally destroy the environment. It's not a pretty picture.

Why does environmental law = pipe dream?

Anonymous wrote:Is it a T14? Do you have some pipe dream of being an environmental lawyer?

OP here. It is a top 10 public, and yes, environmental law.

Personally, I reallly enjoyed law school. I liked the academics, and I learned so much about our country, and how the laws have evolved.

The loans are really tough, and so is working in Biglaw. I am one of the many who quit, and I am happy with my small firm now.

One thing I didn't realize before going to law school is how limiting it is. With a bachelors, you can go in many directions, regardless of major. With a business degree, that will help you in a lot of different jobs. But when you get a JD, it's hard to be something other than a lawyer. If you don't wish to practice, people still see the letters and are resistant to allowing you to do something else. So be mindful of that.

Is it a T14? Do you have some pipe dream of being an environmental lawyer?

You just answered it. You should go. So neat!

OP here. The law school I am aiming for is in my parents' hometown and I can live with them expense-free (at least rent/utilities and most food) all 3 years as well. My dad finished the basement with a bedroom suite and kitchenette.

The only reason I haven't gone yet was tuition. I've been working to try and save for that. The field I want to practice in is not exactly lucrative (I'm not trying to become a lawyer for the money) and that is why I haven't gone yet - didn't want to be a slave to my loans. Want to do what I love.

OP,

If you want to be a lawyer, of course. Is that what you want to do?

I think it also depends on why you want to go to law school. Jobs are not as easy to get these days, and it really depends on what you want to do with your degree.

I am a lawyer who clerked for a judge, then went to a big law firm, and now am at a government agency. Each of these jobs have pluses/minuses, and none are perfect (I am looking to move again because I have kids now and want to make more money to finance college/retirement). I went to a very good in-state school and graduated with less than $50k in debt, so that wasn't my biggest gripe. My biggest gripes of the law revolve around the firm - how you work nonstop and it's a somewhat bizarre environment. Same with my friends, though many of them felt trapped at the firm due to debt.

So, if you really are interested in learning about the law and are going into it with eyes open about job prospects, it is worth considering. But note, you said your relatives would pay for the tuition - what about room/board/books, etc.? That can add up too.

I want to go to law school. I am a few years out of undergrad and have been working in a law firm since graduating. A few members of my family have recently (generously) offered to fully pay in-state tuition for all 3 years. The biggest gripe I hear from law school grads is not being able to pay off their loans - I wouldn't have this issue. Should I finally get my ass in gear and seriously get ready to apply for fall 2015?