Do I want to study law?

Graduate School Law School
1

<p>Hi everyone!
after lurking for many years (2007) I have finally decided to post a thread of my own!</p>

<p>As a preface to this wall of text I would like to note that the purpose of this thread is to help me decide if law would suit me as well as I think it will.</p>

<p>I am currently in my second year of undergrad studying architecture, and have recently decided to seriously face the question, "what am I going to do with my life?"</p>

<p>As a student I am confident in my ability to excel at any subject, so it has been difficult to decide which subject I enjoy the most. I shine most in subjects that involve logic and critical thinking such as math and physics, but I want to be careful not to confuse subjects I am good at with what I actually enjoy.</p>

<p>When I chose architecture I did it because I thought it would be similar to physics and challenge my sense of logic. However, I came to realize that architecture leaned closer to the spectrum of art. Nevertheless, there is some intense problem solving involved in architecture so I decided to stick with it and choose something that required more concrete problem solving in grad school such as civil or mechanical engineering. </p>

<p>After some soul searching I decided that what I enjoy doing most is conquering mentally challenging problems in a competitive manner. Though I have never played, I think chess would be my type of game. I enjoy playing games with set rules that I can use to predict my opponent's moves and then react accordingly until i defeat them. I know it sounds mean, but that's really the best way I can put it.</p>

<p>From what I've read, law can be one of the most intellectually challenging and exciting career paths and I am hoping that it is what I have been looking for.</p>

<p>So, do you guys think I want to be a lawyer?</p>

<p>Here is a list of attributes I have that I think would make me a good lawyer:
analytical/logical
quick learner
good with words
competitive
good researcher</p>

<p>in order to get a better feel for what law school is about i've taken an lsat practice test off the kaplan website and scored perfectly with more than half the time remaining.</p>

<p>Another thing to note is that I suffer from ADHD. It didn't bother me much at first, but my condition is worsening so it is sometimes difficult for me to remember things I read, unless they are of interest of me. I figure that if I study law I will be able to maintain interest, since every detail I miss can mean one more tool I don't have at my disposal.</p>

<p>Sorry if this post is a little scattered and thanks in advance for your help!</p>

2

<p>Practicing law, studying law, and being interested in law are all very different. If you can, take a class on law (not in the philosophy department) while you are still an undergrad. Try to work in a law firm, DA or public defender’s office, etc. one summer. Just because your skills are aligned with those of successful lawyers does not mean you will enjoy practicing law or be a successful lawyer.</p>

3

<p>Take Yale’s advice and find an internship with a law office. And you can go to law school with any type of degree; it’s the GPA and LSAT numbers that matter, so you don’t need to make a decision now.</p>

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<p>Hmmm…interesting.</p>

5

<p>Agree that LSAT, law school and practicing law are wildly different endeavors. Some superb law student friends were not very good lawyers while some so-so students are fabulously effective and successful lawyers. To my mind, to enjoy being a lawyer, you generally need to enjoy problem-solving and communicating across diverse constituencies. in firm work, the first 5 years perhaps are a tremendous grind and can be mind-numbingly dull – a lot of time when you are in you mid to late 20s. </p>

<p>I second the advice that you explore te work itself. Law school can be fun, and I cherish the friendships and eperiences from that time in my life – but is only three years. Given the job dissatisfaction among lawyers across so many different areas of practice, you should do your research. </p>

<p>good luck.</p>

6

<p>Willy, it sounds like you’d be suited for science and/or engineering. You’ll have ample opportunities to tackle some interesting problems on a daily basis. </p>

<p>With law, contrary to what the media portrays, you’ll spend enormous amounts of time reading documents and doing grunt work. The rest of your time is spent filling out forms and more forms. It’ll drive you nuts.</p>

7

<p>Some superb law student friends were not very good lawyers while some so-so students are fabulously effective and successful lawyers.</p>

<p>This is very true. I agree with others who say try to work in a law firm one summer. That’s going to be a tough thing to do, I think, unless you can work for free and consider it an “internship.” Try to get exposure to as many different areas as possible. You may find patent law interesting.</p>

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<p>" in order to get a better feel for what law school is about i’ve taken an lsat practice test off the kaplan website and scored perfectly with more than half the time remaining."</p>

<p>Bro you got an 180 on your diagnostic test? If so your logic apparatus seems to be very well suited for law.</p>

<p>And btw, the LSAT is not suppose to and certainly does not “get [you] a better feel” of law school.</p>

<p>Go to [Top</a> Law Schools](<a href=“http://www.top-law-schools.com%5DTop”>http://www.top-law-schools.com). That website is much better than collegeconfidential. It’s strictly law while cc is more for undergrads.</p>

<p>Good luck</p>

9

<p>“in order to get a better feel for what law school is about i’ve taken an lsat practice test off the kaplan website and scored perfectly with more than half the time remaining.”</p>

<p>Rofl. </p>

<p>Not only is this impossible, Kaplan does not have a LSAT practice test on its website.</p>

10

<p>Hello, I just was law school and practicing law are wildly different endeavors. it is sometimes difficult for me to remember things I read, of interest of study law.</p>