<p>Whew, now my son is considering a degree in law. From Computer Science to Psychology to Computational Linguistics...and now law.</p>
<p>I've always thought he'd make a formidable attorney. He could always find loopholes in EVERYTHING, and nitpick every little detail, and win every debate!</p>
<p>He's very interested in Political Science, but responses on the other thread seemed to indicate Pol Sci majors don't make much $$, unless they go on to law school.</p>
<p>Could some of you attorneys & law students out there offer any tips, advice, suggestions? How many years? What's the workload like, realistically? How are the job options? Is it true that a fresh grad must put in horrendous hours while they're working their way up?</p>
<p>He's doing research into the possibility on his own, but I thought some ideas from some of the folks at cc might be insightful.</p>
<p>Any of the same info on the other degrees mentioned above, which have not yet been ruled out, would be helpful, also.</p>
<p>This has probably already been discussed on older threads. If you happen to know of one and can direct me, rather than reposting, that would be appreciated.</p>
<p>I'm sure there are lots of lawyer parents on here, but I'll offer a different perspective since I'm right out of law school (slightly over 2 yrs). I think the people who do best in law school and end up loving practice are those who by nature are critical thinkers -- liking research, writing, finding loopholes etc. It's far better to have those attributes than to be someone who says 'i can't get a job with an english degree, might as well go to law school' -- those are the people who end up leaving practice after a certain number of years. It's important to like practicing because the hours are horrendous if you are at a large firm in a city. Many will disagree but those types of jobs afford you the best experience and if you want to slow down and go to smaller firms, corporations etc., those with the large law firm experience are sought out. Another thing about law -- life is far easier if you go to a top school. Again, I'm not saying the best attys have to come from only 10 schools, but in terms of recruiting right out of school and even yrs down the road, your life will be a lot easier. I think the profession is coming to a point where you really have to question whether a degree from a lesser school is really worthwhile because it can be tough to get a high paying job (which isn't a requirement but ends up being necessary if you have loans). </p>
<p>I'm happy to answer other questions so feel free to post/PM.</p>
<p>Go read the law board. It's hard to get tone on a message board, but I assure you that's not meant to be sarcastic or rude. It's just I think you'll get a lot of information there.</p>
<p>My D very may well go to law school after getting her poly sci majpr/philosophy minor degreee</p>
<p>She doesnt' necessarily want to practice law in the tradtional sense, but wants to work for those in power, work to change laws, be an advocate, etc, and feels that having that degree will open doors because she will have the practical knowledge to do what she is passionate about</p>
<p>Oh, cgm, that is EXACTLY what my son wants to do! </p>
<p>Can you provide any specifics as to how she plans to accomplish those things? And is it possible to get a decent-paying job with just a Pol Sci major, without the law degree?</p>
<p>registered lobbyists and govt. (fiscal and public policy) analysts may sometimes have law degrees. i've met some employed in those fields and they do generally have a law degree. also, there are degree programs and certification programs in non-profit management that might be helpful for those seeking entry into those types of careers. internships with non-profits would likely be a plus.</p>
<p>cgm, what can your D do with a poly sci majpr/philosophy minor degree without going to law school?</p>
<p>He's not sure about going to law school. Posts on another thread seemed to indicate the financial prospects are very dim for a poly sci major by itself.</p>
<p>She can do quite a lot actually...and she wouldn't work for big business anyway, so a "business" degree is a waste for her</p>
<p>She went into poly sci and communications because that is what she wants to study, with the end goal being law school</p>
<p>She is currently in an internship program at her colleges radio station, she has volunteered for city government and will continue in that arena</p>
<p>She has her future lookng at non profit, groups like Amnesty International, working in broadcasting and journalism</p>
<p>Something that was brought to her attention was to specialize a bit in a certain part of the world- her interest is Eastern Europe</p>
<p>Also, she is taking classes in communications and social justice is one of the main focuses of her ECs</p>
<p>She doesnt' have any interest in science ie engineering, medicine, business degree and I have no doubt she will indeed become an advocate for others</p>
<p>"I think the profession is coming to a point where you really have to question whether a degree from a lesser school is really worthwhile because it can be tough to get a high paying job (which isn't a requirement but ends up being necessary if you have loans)."</p>
<p>Um..sorry, but not necessarily true in my experience. It's not really worth discouraging someone from attending law school by fostering the belief (akin to the undergrad myth) that big bucks are predominately available just to the grads of a certain, elite group of schools.</p>
<p>I know tons of lawyers who are making boat-loads of $$ and did not go to a top 10 school. And, they got these jobs (at huge firms) right out of law school. Conversely, my parents' attny is a Harvard grad who works at a tiny firm doing elder & tax law (not super lucrative). He's a great guy, though.</p>
<p>One thing--if your son knows what type of law he likes, there are certain schools that have particular strengths in that area. For instance, my law school (while technically not in the 'top 10' I suppose) is internationally known for their top-ranked trial advocacy program.</p>
<p>Further -- working for the gov't right out of school (e.g. SEC, DOJ, etc.) can make you highly sought-after by big$ private firms down the road (& the hours often won't be as killer as at a big firm, either).</p>