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.