Is Law School for You?
Annually, US News publishes its rankings of higher ed institutions and programs. In its online content about graduate programs, I discovered an article by Frank H. Wu, entitled Why Law School Is for Everyone.
Within the article, Wu disabuses readers of the idea that the legal profession reflects the picture painted by Boston Legal or LA Law. A more accurate picture includes document review, research, deal making, ethical questions and billing clients - a more accurate and much less glamourous picture.
Dean Wu writes:
[I]n reality, legal reasoning demonstrates the power of rational thought…Professors are realizing that they ought to cultivate multiple intelligences, not limited to the technical logic of analogizing and distinguishing precedent and hypothetical fact patterns. They see that the Juris Doctor program at its best continues the well-rounded liberal arts curriculum, presenting an array of intellectual challenges…Whether [law-schooled individuals] ever appear in court or draft a will, they will have been well served by learning how to stand up and speak out. They have been inspired by a sense of civil rights as well as civic responsibilities. They are ready to become leaders.
I agree with Dean Wu that a legal education teaches its students rational thinking, reasoning skills, and prepares them to be leaders, and with the utmost respect for Dean Wu, I must disagree that law school is for everyone.
Rational Thinking and Reasoning Skills are for Everyone
Yes, law school continues the well-rounded liberal arts curriculum from undergrad. Yes, law school provides a lot of value to law students… but at what price?
The numbers are daunting - according to Forbes, the average law grad owes $100k in student debt. In Oct 2008, TaxProf Blog cited ABA numbers of $73k in student debt with fewer firms hiring and 30-35% fewer summer associate positions for 1Ls and 2Ls. The $160k starting salary no longer reflects reality for all but a few associates at big firms in major markets.
A liberal arts education provides an opportunity to learn and develop rational thinking and reasoning skills. Law school is but one way to further develop those skills. Other opportunities include management consulting, (funded) graduate programs, policy positions, engineering roles and entrepreneurial ventures. Both quantitative and qualitative skills apply in almost all instances.
Law school is only one of the many ways to develop critical thinking and reasoning skills. The ability to ask relevant questions, understand how facts fit into a relevant context and build a roadmap to achieve desired goals will serve anyone and everyone well. How one learns these skills depends on his/her context, life circumstances and actions.
For some, this means law school. Only you can decide if law school is the experience for you.
Please note - law school is an amazing intellectual, professional and social experience. Others have documented it, including Scott Turow in One L. A law degree from an accredited institution does confer special rights and privileges to its holder.