Alternatives to law school

[Anonymous]

if she's certain she will not switch to a business major, then she should have some skills where she is able to demonstrate her ability to handle/manage data and data analysis - perhaps a minor or double major in something like stat or econ where she will have acquired valuable skills.

she could realistically position herself to work in any industry/field

[Anonymous]

1) The Hill

2) Check federal positions on USA Jobs.

3) Masters in Public Administration

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:if she's certain she will not switch to a business major, then she should have some skills where she is able to demonstrate her ability to handle/manage data and data analysis - perhaps a minor or double major in something like stat or econ where she will have acquired valuable skills.

she could realistically position herself to work in any industry/field

Yes - the quantitative side is the most in demand now. Substantive expertise you pick up along the way.

[Anonymous]

my dd graduated in 22 with a poli-sci degree and now is a senior associate in Private Equity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DD is a college sophomore. Currently a poly sci major with previous intentions of going to law school after undergrad. After speaking to attorneys and learning about the rigors of law school and the pressure of having a high gpa, studying for lsat etc as well as the high costs associated with lsat prep, law school, bar exam etc she is not keen on going to law school anymore. She is a very bright, personable girl. Not stem oriented at all and not artistic. She is not interested in changing majors to business as she is not a fan of accounting, finance etc classes that are prerequisites for the major. What do you recommend for a high paying but fulfilling career that won’t saddle her up in debt or drain her well being. She loves the concept of being a lawyer like arguing, talking with people, etc but just don’t want to go through 3 years after undergrad. She goes to a college in nyc so I know internships there are plenty but is also undecided of what kind of companies to apply to intern in if she is so undecided about her future.

She doesn't have to figure it all out at 19. Keep the major she loves, do internships,graduate , apply for Fulbright, Peace corps type programs, hopefully she'll have a clearer vision in few years. Money shouldn't drive long term life decisions. Its not wise to settle for soul sucking professions like accounting, device sales etc. which aren't compatible with who she is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:my dd graduated in 22 with a poli-sci degree and now is a senior associate in Private Equity.

This^. Your major doesn't limit you, your ability, effort and connections does.

[Anonymous]

A nephew who graduated with an IR degree five years ago is having a ball working at NPR. It's interesting work with interesting people and though money isn't a lot, its decent and benefits are really good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A nephew who graduated with an IR degree five years ago is having a ball working at NPR. It's interesting work with interesting people and though money isn't a lot, its decent and benefits are really good.

*He turned down lucrative wall street jobs and has zero regrets about that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Work a couple of years at Enterprise rent-a-car.

They like college grads.

Enterprise is famous for hiring high school grads without college degree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mortgage broker or title agent? I also agree with the PP who said car sales.

This is a good white collar job for someone who is willing to show up for work and do the task but doesn't want to be taxed mentally.

[Anonymous]

Explore MSW (social work)programs. It’s a super flexible degree and there are a variety of career outcomes. Yes, some social workers end up going into low paying social services jobs, but others can be private practice therapist, public policy experts, or non profit organization management.

[Anonymous]

I’m actually pursuing a late in life MSW at BC and it’s a 2 year program with academic classes and year long internships at the same time. So you are both learning and obtaining a degree alongside of building work experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can sort of do whatever you want with a law degree. If she wants to become a policy expert and work for the federal government, lawyers are taken a bit more seriously than non-lawyers.

Tell her to go into the federal government and get the feds to pay for her law degree. So many people do that here in DC via part-time programs at George Mason, AU, GW, etc.

If she gains some regulatory experience in the federal government, she can still end up transitioning to Big Law later in life and making really good $$$. It's just an alternative path.

Noo. This is TERRIBLE advice. Ignore it please!

PP here: I've spent nearly 15 years in FIRREA agencies and a number of my colleagues have gone to law school part-time, with the agency footing a solid chunk of the bill. Sure they come out with some debt, but they were making good money while going to school part-time and could pay a decent chunk every year with their earnings. Just live cheaply and get a roommate, do it in your 20s.

Now, whether this option is good for OP's daughter is another matter. But personally I know about a dozen people (Millennials) who got their law degree this way and financially they are way ahead of the rest of their generation, including those lawyers in the General Counsel's office who racked up over $200K in debt to go to T10 programs.

+1 I know people in this situation too--there are multiple schools in the DMV that offer part-time evening law school programs and people just chip away from it with course reimbursement after course reimbursement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DD is a college sophomore. Currently a poly sci major with previous intentions of going to law school after undergrad. After speaking to attorneys and learning about the rigors of law school and the pressure of having a high gpa, studying for lsat etc as well as the high costs associated with lsat prep, law school, bar exam etc she is not keen on going to law school anymore. She is a very bright, personable girl. Not stem oriented at all and not artistic. She is not interested in changing majors to business as she is not a fan of accounting, finance etc classes that are prerequisites for the major. What do you recommend for a high paying but fulfilling career that won’t saddle her up in debt or drain her well being. She loves the concept of being a lawyer like arguing, talking with people, etc but just don’t want to go through 3 years after undergrad. She goes to a college in nyc so I know internships there are plenty but is also undecided of what kind of companies to apply to intern in if she is so undecided about her future.

What ever she decides. do not go to law school unless top 10 full stop. I practised law for 19 years and it is not worth it if you will not graduate from the top 10. Most likely top 7. We will need maybe half as many lawyers and paralegals in the near future.

Disagree. My ls was top tier, but near the bottom of it, and I have had an amazing career. I don't see the need for lawyers dropping so drastically that those graduating from, oh, say Georgetown or UNC or Notre Dame, aren't going to have careers.

[Anonymous]

Compliance for any industry that is heavily regulated - insurance, med device, Pharma for example
Also Labor Relations specialty in HR - no law degree needed, lots of regulations, tons of negotiations.