It seems like everyone these days is planning to go to law school. It doesn’t matter if they’re in Spanish, philosophy or civil engineering – they’re all going to law school.
To which I ask: Why, in the ripe realm of academia, is everyone turning to law? Why aren’t students opting for experience in teaching or public service after graduation? What does this say about our generation?
The law school frenzy has become an epidemic. On campus I am inundated with “Free LSAT Seminar” fliers. Signs invite me to attend pre-law society and pre-law fraternity events. “How to Get into Law School” titles line the bookstore shelves.
On my way to class in the Public Policy building, I see well-dressed, coolly poised law students. It’s all a constant reminder that everyone is doing it, so why shouldn’t I?
The problem isn’t that students opt for law, but that so many of them aren’t passionate about it. They speak of “maybe” going to law school as if it’s based on a whim. Friends confide that they are going into law to “stay safe.” From what? The outside world?
The priorities of many are painfully obvious. It was explained best by a girl I overheard in Jimmy’s Coffee Shop as she was consoling her friend: “What does it matter if (name of law school) is ranked first or second or 10th?” She proceeded to explain that, upon becoming a lawyer, it wouldn’t matter: “All that matters is the money and the experience.”
There is often a fear of going into the workforce with a “measly” bachelor’s degree. Spoiled students expect to earn $75,000 a year, and stay in school not for higher learning but for higher earnings. A degree in law is seen as a sound investment – more like valuable stock than valuable knowledge.
But money can’t buy happiness, and those not passionate about law will find themselves unhappy in their careers.
Don’t be afraid to do what you love and be the best at it. Students who secretly have career interests outside of law are forgoing their desires and perhaps their greatest possible contributions to society by going to law school.
Students mistakenly believe that because they have college skills – writing, reading, research and debate – they will fall easily into the role of lawyer.
What they don’t realize is that research is extensive, cases are often dry, and work can be cutthroat – and that doesn’t go away after graduation. If years of reading legal jargon for hours each day sounds boring, it probably will be.
Take away the Prada briefcase and the $100,000-plus salary, and what’s left is a life dedicated to work. If you’re still enthusiastic, that’s great. If not, you might want to look into other options.
So what can you do instead of going to law school?
Taking advantage of internships in college lends insight to career opportunities and helps weed out career myth from career reality. A couple years of full-time work experience in the real world is a great idea, even if you plan to pursue a higher degree later on.
If you’re a sheltered college student afraid of looking for a job, there are a number of wonderfully structured programs for those with bachelor’s degrees, such as Teach for America, the Peace Corps, Americorps and others.
The world is full of possibilities, many of which surpass law as viable options. Embrace being young and capable of change: teach in the inner city, build houses in Thailand, help create a community center in an African village, start a business with your best friend, or assist a politician with a campaign you believe in with a campaign.
Take the time to paint, write, act, travel, build, create, innovate, find a cause, or explore new options. Life is too short to hide behind a briefcase.
Thompson is a third-year English student.