Law School
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Law School is a graduate school degree designed to develop knowledge about the law and eventually become a lawyer. This degree is also called the Juris Doctor (J.D.) Law degree.
What type of individual usually gets this degree?
A law degree is typically designed for those that wish to practice law and become attorneys/lawyers. However, many people say that having a degree in and an understanding of law can be very beneficial for business and other applications as well.
Necessary things to know about Law School:
How long does it take to complete?
A typical law school program takes 3 years to complete if taken on a full-time basis.
What exams do I need to take before applying?
Law school’s require applicants to take the LSAT.
What experience is expected from Law School applicants?
Law school’s require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree (completed undergraduate/college). While some strong candidates can get into top law programs straight after college, it is often a good idea to get some relevant work experience before applying for law school.
Some examples of relevant work experience include (but are not limited to):
- Paralegal/Legal Assistant
- Research/Analyst working for a Professor, Politician, etc.
- Investment Banking
- Consulting
Average cost of a Law School?
The cost varies depending which university you attend, but one can expect to pay anywhere between $85k and $150k to complete a three year program.1https://www.collegeavestudentloans.com/blog/how-much-does-law-school-cost-average-law-degree-tuition-costs/
What skills are you expected to gain from Law School?
All programs are structured slightly differently, but tend to include the following coursework/subject matter:
- Torts – Learn about harmful and illegal acts under civil law.
- Contracts – Learn the law governing the system of conditions and obligations a contract represents, as well as the legal resolutions available when contracts are breached.
- Civil Procedure – The study of the often complicated rules that explain who can sue whom, and how, when, and where they can do it.
- Property – The laws governing the purchase, possession, and sale of property in the U.S.
- Criminal Law – Law related to crime.
- Constitutional Law – “Con. law” emphasizes issues of government structure and individual rights.
- Legal Methods – Aka “Legal Research” or “Writing or Elements of the Law.” This subject is designed to help you acquire fundamental skills in legal research, analysis, and writing. 2https://www.princetonreview.com/law-school-advice/first-year-curriculum
Most Common Industries and Jobs of Law school graduates:
Some common industries/types of jobs for graduates of law school include (but are not limited to):
- Law firms aka private practice
- Business (can be any sort of business-related role at a law or not-law related company)
- Government & Military
- Public Interest
- Judicial Clerkship
What are some challenges of doing a Law program?
- Expensive – This program costs a lot of money and it sometimes is difficult to spend that much money.
- Competitive/Stressful – Getting into law school is competitive, and so is being successful in law school. It often is a lot of work and pressure to perform well is be stressful.
- Takes time – Not everybody has the luxury to not work a full-time job for 3 years. Sometimes is difficult to take time off from work to continue your education.
What are some benefits of doing a Law program?
- Build Critical thinking skills
- Meet very smart, hard-working people who will likely be successful down the line
- If you have been working for some time, it can be nice to go back to school and have a change of pace (and refocus your future/career path)
- Opportunity to learn about the law
- Gain significant credentials by having a advanced law degree
- More Job opportunities
Typical Salary of first-year graduate?
Salaries vary a lot depending where the graduate decides to work. If they go into the private sector and work for a company like a law-firm, U.S. News Data shows that the average salary is ~$88k.
However, if you go into the public sector the average entry-level salary is much lower (~$55k). 3https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/paying/articles/2018-07-26/what-type-of-salary-you-can-expect-with-your-law-degree
Should I go to Law School?
If you are interested in becoming a lawyer/attorney and/or want to become a bit of an expert in law, you should consider getting your law degree. While it takes 3 years and a bit of money, gaining a law degree significantly adds to ones credentials and opens many opportunities for them, especially legal careers.
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