There has been a lot of negative talk about lawyers and law school. With the current economy, people are having trouble finding jobs in any fields including law. That is why many people are wondering whether going to law school is still worth the time and money. The answer to that question is yes. Law school is still worth it because it offers a number of benefits like any other advanced degree. Below are some of the benefits that can be reaped from attending law school.
Getting into Law School is not as hard as you Think
It is easier to get into law school now than it was in the past because fewer people are applying. With fewer people applying, law schools have to admit a higher percentage of applicants to keep the number of students the same. This means that even if you don’t have as high on an LSAT score as you would have liked or if you slacked off one semester at college, you have a better chance of getting into a quality law school than you would have just a few years ago.
Employment Opportunities
Many graduates struggle to find jobs. In fact, the unemployment rate for new graduates in 2010 was nearly 10 percent. However, many lawyers have an easier time finding an employment. The unemployment rate for lawyers in 2010 was 1.5 percent. Additionally, studies have shown that nearly 88 percent of lawyers were employed within six months of graduation in 2010. As with any advanced degree, your opportunities for employment will expand.
High Salary
Lawyers are among the most highly-paid professionals. In 2010, the median salary for a lawyer was $110,000. Keep in mind that many lawyers are making much more than that. The average starting salary for a lawyer in 2010 was $63,000.
The Student Loans are Really not that Bad
Law school is expensive, and most students are required to take out loans to cover the cost. However, the student loans may not be as bad as you think. You may be able to make reduced payments. You may also be able to get your student loan debt forgiven after you have practiced for 25 years. There are also many different scholarships or stipends available to law students, so find out if you are eligible for those before making a decision not to go.
Diverse Practice Areas
You will have the opportunity to specialize in different areas after you have earned your law degree. Employment law, real estate, criminal law and personal injury are examples of some of the areas that you can specialize in after you graduate. You can also consider going into politics or any other field where law is involved. A law degree is not limited, it gives you many options for employment.
Being A Lawyer Can Be Rewarding
Most lawyers are satisfied with their jobs. Being a lawyer can be very rewarding. Not only does it pay well, but it also allows one to develop skills that will benefit him or her in other areas of life. Furthermore, being a lawyer gives one the opportunity to help others. If you aren’t sure whether or not this field is for you, you should visit a quality law firm like Kelsos and talk to the attorneys and watch how they work. This may help you get a better idea of whether or not you want to become an attorney.
Despite the fact that law school has received a lot of negative attention, it still may be a worthwhile investment for you. Lawyers have the opportunity to have a career that pays well and is very rewarding. You can go through the pros and cons, but if being an attorney is really what you are passionate about, it’s probably a good idea to go ahead and go for it!