Is a law school as hard as they say?

What is so hard about law school and medical school?

• people always say how hard medical school and law school is. Here is why they are easy: Medical school: All you need to know is the parts of the body. Memorize all 100 or so bones ...show more

• Answer:

  There are more attorneys than there are legal employment positions. We simply already have way too many Legal Professionals. http://abovethelaw.com/2010/01/this-week-in-layoffs-01-23-10 Warning> Jobs in the field of Law are drying up fast!! This no longer is a good field to invest time and/or money into. This is a SHRINKING, crumbling, and dying vocational field. Many, many reasons. The field of Law has a mystique that actually exceeds reality. The field of Law is a vastly overrated career - especially by television.<< There are many myths regarding the field of Law: **myth: working as a Lawyer is mentally challenging (Actually, most work as an attorney involves mountains of routine paperwork: research, cite checking, drafting documents, and document review. Attorneys need to write down and track EVERY activity they do, all day long [in 6 to 15 minutes increments, depending on the billing system] - a painstaking but necessary task - handling details is a large part of working as a lawyer), **myth: being an attorney is thrilling, high-powered, and glamorous (remember: television is FICTION - the fictional lawyers on TV are ACTORS - the majority of work that an attorney does, does not happen in a courtroom), **myth: law students think that because they are good at arguing they will become great attorneys (Actually being a great attorney is more in one's ability to mediate between differing sides and bringing them to agreement/compromise. Many people mistakenly think that being an attorney is about the ability to argue. Actually, a successful attorney is defined by his/her commitment to the PEACEFUL resolution of disputes. Lawyers are actually: mediators, advocates, negotiators, advisors, evaluators, and peaceful intermediaries between clients.), **myth: as a lawyer I can correct injustices (actually legal decisions are more about reaching compromises than about right vs. wrong), **myth: guaranteed financial success (actually when salaries are compared, you also need to account for cost-of living expenses [most large law firms are in large cities - the bigger the city, the more cost-of-living expenses will be], payment of debts accrued while attending law school, and time needed to build a client base. Many large law firms require lawyers to work 60-80 hours per week. There are a FEW attorneys that earn a lot of money - but MOST attorneys just about make a living. Most attorneys do not make as much money as most people think. Also, remember: there are more attorneys than there are available jobs.). And then, to top it off, attorneys have to keep their client's information confidential. (You cannot use "juicy" tidbits that you have become aware of as fodder for the gossip circles.) Law is a more demanding profession than most people realize. It is not like what you see on TV. Cost of law school to be lawyer, approx $150,000+. Be prepared to take on a LOT of debt, if becoming an attorney is your "true", ultimate goal!!!<<< If you don't believe me, then: **Check out these websites: http://lawandletters.blogspot.com/2007/11/why-you-shouldnt-go-to-law-school.html http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/career-transitions/201009/considering-law-school-do-the-math http://www.abanet.org/lsd/legaled/value.pdf http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/career-transitions/201001/law-degree-and-nowhere-go http://lawshucks.com (A link to a website does not constitute endorsement.) **do a SEARCH here on Yahoo Answers to see what other posters are saying about the current status of the field of Law. **Talk to recent law graduates. Ask them what success they are having finding employment opportunities.<<<<<<<<<<<< **Read this book: >"So You Want to be a Lawyer?" by Marianne Calabrese and Susanne Calabrese (ISBN 0-88391-136-1). If you want a JOB when you are done with your studies, consider and look into the fields of: >>>Healthcare<<<, Information Technology, Law ENFORCEMENT, environmentalism, emergency planning, accounting, education, entertainment, utilities, home-car-commercial-industrial repairs, vice industries, clergy, and/or debt collection. I spoke to a career counselor from Jobs and Family Services, and HE told me that these areas are where the jobs are, and future job opportunities/availability....and scholarships. Good luck. (This is based on my current knowledge, information, belief, and life experiences. This was intended as personal opinion, and not intended to be used as legal advice. Please be careful and do your research.<<< You DID ask the question here on Y/A. I am just trying to help you.)