OP, I'm a professor (not in law) and I was curious more about where your motivation is coming from--as there might be better courses of study that could meet them without the high cost/high pressure of law school. I've really enjoyed all the students who come back to graduate school in their 60s and 70s--they bring a lot to the class discussion and their aims often have a broader, more flexible scope rooted in life experiences. It's been really lovely to see the friendships that form between the generations too. Maybe with your interest in the criminal justice system you could pursue a degree in public policy or sociology? Maybe if you want more direct interaction--you could pursue counseling/social work?
I hear a "spark" in your motivation to be a public defender that may have broader roots. But if after a bit of thought you still think that it's really law school that you want to go to, and you have the means, I would go and talk to someone in a program near you. No reason not to take the first step. Good luck.

Our president is in his 80's. What is stopping you?

People who are working tend to live longer. Go for it.

Go For It

Mom has an RN coming around once a week from hospice. The RN is way over 80. She told me she has been working as an RN forever. She likes going to peoples homes for hospice as the workload is easier.

Anonymous wrote:

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

Don’t write off your dream so quickly.

While I applaud having dreams, particularly academic ones, I agree with those who have said that someone facing criminal charges needs more than an elderly novice attorney probably has to throw at their case. Having said that, I think you should see if you can take a few courses. Many universities allow seniors to audit for free or for a nominal fee — although I don’t know if this extends to law school courses. See how you feel about what’s required, including pulling a few all nighters and rote memorization. Take the LSATs or whatever you need to do. Then assess yourself every step of the way, and get feedback. If someone you loved desperately needed a lawyer, would you, as an elderly novice be a good choice?

I think you should only do this if the process of attending law school is one that you would find valuable. If the true value for you would only come after you have been accepted, slogged through 3+ years of law school, AND passed the bar exam, I’d probably suggest leaning into another — possibly legally adjacent— dream.

Anonymous wrote:Who is going to hire a 72-year-old lawyer?

This. PD jobs are competitive and have crazy hours. My best friend from college did it into her 40s but had to stop when she became a single parent.

My best friend from high school’s father got a law degree while we were in high school so probably late 40s/early 50s. He already had a federal government job and got a different one as an attorney after graduating/passing tbe bar.

Anonymous wrote:Who is going to hire a 72-year-old lawyer?

Plenty of Fortune 500 Company’s do, although those lawyers have decades of experience. I retired from the practice at 67, but many people should be able to be excellent lawyers well into their 70s.

Anonymous wrote:So, you have a strong urge to be an attorney, you're in the later stages of your working career and you've decided to rely on an anonymous message board about universities for guidance? Seems better than speaking with, I dunno, Public Defender's offices, lawyer, law firms.

They are throwing it out here where there are a vast array of folks, simply seeking feedback. They do not have their hand hovering our a check, contemplating signing off a semester of tuition.

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 are going to live 'till 90s. You have a long life ahead of you. Do it only if you have a scholarship or the tuition isn't a factor.

Anonymous wrote:I know a lady in her 80s who still practices real estate. Louise Hay started "Hay House" publishing house in her 70s. Follow your passion, OP. Its never too late.

I mean, for some things it is too late.

Who is going to hire a 72-year-old lawyer?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would becoming a court appointed special advocatefor minors in the system be something you'd be interested in?

https://www.casadc.org/volunteer

This is a great idea.
Or, if you really want to go to law school and can afford to go, then after graduation you could work in legal aid, helping people with the day to day stuff that really affects their life: landlord issues, small contracts, getting benefits that are owed to them.

Somebody who is looking at a criminal sentence deserves an experienced defender, and you don't have time to get really experienced, sorry.

If you go, think about this.

I mean, are you guys okay w lawyers who practice at all in the first 10 years out of school? The only time I dealt w criminal law was the 20 months following graduation

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

Don’t write off your dream so quickly.

Anonymous wrote:It's too old to be an attorney. It's a great age to go back to school. I know a retiree who basically collects masters in all the areas they wanted to study. He's loves being a professional student

That sounds like a retirement goal!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Would becoming a court appointed special advocatefor minors in the system be something you'd be interested in?

https://www.casadc.org/volunteer

This is a great idea.
Or, if you really want to go to law school and can afford to go, then after graduation you could work in legal aid, helping people with the day to day stuff that really affects their life: landlord issues, small contracts, getting benefits that are owed to them.

Somebody who is looking at a criminal sentence deserves an experienced defender, and you don't have time to get really experienced, sorry.

If you go, think about this.