6 EXCELLENT Reasons Why You Should Attend Law School

1. Career Variety Within the Legal Field- The law regulates practically every aspect of our lives. Whether it's the environment, education, or even music, the law pretty much regulates it. In addition to domestic laws there might even be instances where international law comes into play. Thus, it's pretty much certain that there are laws that govern what you're interested in. For example, if you're interested in medicine but can't stand the sight of blood, you can try your hand in health care law; if you're interested in music but can't sing a note, you can try music law; if you're interested in airplanes but afraid of heights, you can try aviation law. Whatever interest you have, just know that you can always tie it into the law.
   
   
2. Degree Flexibility Outside the Legal Field- A legal degree is very useful even if you don't wish to practice law. Because law school teaches you basic skills such as analytical thinking and writing, many other sectors welcome law school graduates. Lawyers have been businessmen, consultants, nonprofit directors, motivational speakers, educators, and politicians. The legal degree is probably one of the most versatile degrees you can get. You just can't go wrong.
   
   
3. Prestige- No other profession is as prestigious as the legal profession. People tend to respect attorneys, their opinions, and their knowledge. Although there are a million and one jokes about attorneys, most people have legal problems and therefore need some form of legal representation. In addition, law graduates are one of the most famous and well-respected individuals in the entire world (e.g. Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Hillary Clinton, just to name a few).
   
   
4. High Salaries- We live in a capitalist society so it's no coincidence why the legal profession is so attractive -- money. Depending where you practice, you can make a six figure salary as a first-year associate. While money is not everything, it does help to pay off school loans and help out family. Even if you do end up working in the lower-paying public sector for a couple of years, you can always go into a private law firm to make that hefty salary. In addition, as plaintiff's attorneys, you can make plenty of money. Have you ever heard of those large jury verdicts? It's not uncommon for those attorneys to get 30-40% of those verdicts for their legal fees.
   
   
5. Great Sense of Empowerment- Since we are a society of laws, those who know the law wield power. When you know your rights under the law, you can battle the landlord who tries to unfairly evict a tenant or you can sue that vendor who reneged on his contract.
   
   
6. Great Sense of Personal Fulfillment- Helping people feels good. As a lawyer, you will encounter people with big problems. Someone wants to regain custody of their daughter; another might be facing jail time for a crime he didn't commit; or someone wants to recover money from the hospital that botched a surgery. No matter the situation, a lawyer is needed to help navigate the client through the legal system. In many situations the lawyer is more than just a lawyer, he is a counselor, an advisor, and a friend. It feels good to know that you've helped someone out of a tough situation. Chances are that that person will always be grateful to you.
   
   

6 HORRIBLE Excuses That Should Not Prevent You From Attending Law School

1. Money- This is probably the single greatest myth that deters many prospective students from attending law school. Don't get me wrong, law school is expensive -- it can cost up to $150,000 for the entire three years -- but the price tag should not deter you from attending. First, there are several scholarships out there to help finance your education. In fact, many law schools offer need and merit-based scholarships. Second, you can also take out low-interest loans to help finance your education as well. That's what most students do. Most importantly, you should view your legal education as an investment. With a law degree, you will greatly improve your job prospects and income potential.
   
   
2. Intimidation- This is another reason I hear among many prospective students. Many believe they lack the intellect to thrive in law school and the legal profession. I want to tell you something -- law school is entirely doable. All it takes is steady preparation and confidence. While law school is far from a cake walk, it's not as bad as commonly perceived. I think the reason many people fail to do well in law school is from the anxiety rather than the actual difficulty of the course work.
   
   
3. Poor LSAT Scores- Many people of color know they don't test well and they believe that a poor LSAT will prevent them from attending law school. When I first took an LSAT practice exam with KAPLAN, I scored a 120 out of a possible 180. I was decimated. I thought there was no way I'd be able to attend law school. I did much better on my practice exams, but I still lacked confidence. In fact, I didn't do spectacular the first time I took the LSAT (I had to call three times just to make sure; I was in obvious denial!). I was decimated with my score (I am a perfectionist), but I continued to apply because I felt my application was strong: I did well at school, had excellent recommendations, and strong extra curriculars among other things. I did do better the second time around, but I knew my LSAT score was the weakest part of my application.
   
   Thus, if you know you don't test well or if you have a poor LSAT score, make sure you improve your grades as much as you can. Also, try to strengthen other parts of your application. You may also want to try to explain your poor score. If you historically don't test well but excelled in school, let that be known as well. The more information you can provide to the admissions folks the better. Nonetheless, if you really want to go to law school, your LSAT score shouldn't dissuade you at all.
   
   
4. Racism- We all know that racism exists in all aspects of American society. Therefore, as a person of color, it is safe to assume that you will encounter racial discrimination in law school and the legal profession. I can't tell you how many incidents in which I have encountered racist professors, law students, and other attorneys (I have so many stories I should write a book!). At the end of the day, however, you must persevere despite these setbacks. You will be a stronger person in the end, believe me.
   
   
5. Lack of Time- This is one excuse I hear all the time. This excuse is very popular among those who work a few years after graduating from college. With hectic schedules and responsibilities, many would-be attorneys keep putting off law school. They see the application process as an endeavor that they have no time for. While most of us would like more time to do things, chances are that we will never have the time to do everything. Therefore, we must prioritize. If law school is truly important, you must find the time to research law schools, study for the LSAT, and complete applications. You might have to stay up a little later or shorten that vacation time, but you will be happy once those acceptances start rolling in.
   
   
6. Age- You should never use this excuse. While the average age of incoming law students is around 24 years, that doesn't mean you are barred from attending law school. Actually, many law schools like having more mature students among their ranks. Why? Because older students tend to be more focused than their younger counterparts and have more life experiences that can enhance the law school experience for all students. Therefore, when applying to law school, just know that age ain't nothing but a number.