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Reasons to Apply to Law School During a Recession
by Jill CohoeOctober 30, 2009
I decided I wanted to be a lawyer many years ago. As a child, I couldn't imagine anything more exciting than standing up in a courtroom and arguing in front of a judge. Now, as the time has come to finally make my dream a reality, I have to disregard the bombardment of comments I receive from friends and colleagues who question my decision because of the economic downturn. For instance, "Is it really worth it to accumulate that much debt to pursue a career in an industry that is downsizing?" is a question I am asked repeatedly. While this is a valid argument, there are several reasons for pursuing a law degree, despite the recessed legal job market.
Law School teaches skills valuable for advancing in any career or industry
Ask any law student what they spend the majority of time doing in law school and I guarantee you will get one answer: reading and writing. While your acceptance to law school is contingent on already having strong writing skills, law school teaches you to critically analyze documents you read, then respond with analytical writing expressing multiple viewpoints. While this type of analysis is imperative for the practice of law, it will also provide you with an advantage in many different fields, including sports management, contract negotiation, talent management and more.
You don't have to apply your law degree to the field of law
While this reason goes hand-in-hand with the above-mentioned reason, I feel it is important enough to merit a mention of its own. Many successful people attend law school and then completely switch gears and pursue a different career path. A law degree is impressive no matter which industry you are interested in entering. For instance, several editors of The New York Times have earned law degrees. No matter which career you decide to pursue, the skills learned in law school will be applicable and will help you advance. Furthermore, potential employers will look positively on your possession of a law degree; this demonstrates that you are a hard and capable worker who was able to maintain a rigorous schedule for three years.
The Recession isn't going to last forever
Currently the legal profession has taken an economic hit. Firms that have been around for over a hundred years have shut down, young lawyers are being laid off, and people who have recently passed the bar are unable to find jobs. As intimidating as it may be to further your education in a field that is not currently thriving, it is important to remember that times change and this will eventually pass. Law school is three years long - in 2012 the economy is predicted to be on the path to recovery. If law is your true passion, do not let economic circumstances stand in the way of your goal.
Furthermore, although jobs are limited, there are still jobs available. Work extremely hard while in law school and graduate with top grades. This will improve your chances of finding a job tremendously. Get hired as a summer associate in between school years. Many law schools hire summer associates with the intention of re-hiring them full time once they pass the bar.
Law School is a Great Networking Opportunity
Many opportunities will present themselves to you while in law school. Your professional network will expand, not only with your peers, but also with your professors and alumni. If you enroll in an online law degree program, you can still coordinate and attend live networking sessions with classmates, professors and potential firms you want to work for--the world is your oyster! Attend as many alumni networking events; you never know when someone you met there could help you find a job further down the road!
Connect with Jill on LinkedIn.
