Are You Considering Law School? A Lawyer’s Perspective after 25 Years of Practice

Steve Black

As someone who has been a lawyer for 25 years I can tell you that law school can be one of the best decisions you make because of the wide variety of opportunities it can create for you.

If you have looked into law school and are on the fence, I would suggest you go for it. The skills you’ll acquire like critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate effectively will serve you well in any career. A law degree opens doors to more than just traditional legal practice. Many lawyers transition into business roles and become executives, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, some become journalist, work in public policy, government, politics, or academia.

Another important point: Unless you’re aiming to work at a top-tier firm, most accredited law schools will do. The name of the school on your diploma doesn’t carry as much weight as you might think, especially after your first year or two of practice. Most law firms care more about your experience, work ethic, competence, and ability to retain existing clients and get new clients than they do about where you went to school. I can count on two hands how many people asked me what law school I went to during my first five years of practice, and on three fingers how many people have asked since then.

If the traditional three-year full-time program of law school doesn’t fit your lifestyle, you have options. Many schools offer part-time and evening programs that can accommodate people who are working or have family obligations. These programs take longer to complete but allow you to balance law school with other aspects of life.

And finally, starting law school is not an irrevocable commitment. You can start and, if it’s not for you, pivot. There’s no shame in realizing that the law isn’t your calling and deciding not to finish. Yes, you may have paid some tuition but the decision not to continue is, in itself, a form of professional clarity and I suspect you will have picked up some meaningful skills during the time you were there.

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