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Applying to law school is time-consuming and expensive, as is attending law school. Before you dive into the process of applying, it is important to engage in both research and reflection to determine whether law school is the right fit for you.
Everyone arrives at the decision to pursue law school for different reasons and at different times in their lives, so although there is not one “ideal” reason to attend law school, you should first reflect upon your reasons for wanting to attend law school and what truly interests you about the legal profession. It is also recommended you discuss your reasons with the Legal Pathways advisor.
If you are considering law school, have you:
- Thought long and hard about your motivations for applying to law school? Do you want to go to law school because you truly want a law degree?
- Not sure? Contact Legal Pathways to find out about doing an informational interview with an attorney or law student to learn more about what it means to be a lawyer!
- Taken the time to understand the financial commitment involved in attending law school?
- Attend a workshop about paying for law school or check out the financial education resources available at AccessLex!
- Researched different areas of law and thought about what you might want to do with a law degree?
- Need help thinking about what you might do with a law degree? Check out the book “24 Hours with 24 Lawyers”: Profiles of Traditional and Non-Traditional Careers”!
- Done enough research to have realistic expectations about the application and admission process, experience of attending law school, and life as a lawyer?
- A great way to learn more about what the practice of law is like to participate in the Legal Pathways Mentorship Program and be matched with a practicing attorney!
- Talked to current law students and people who practice law and asked them how they decided to attend law school?
- Need help connecting to UW Tacoma alumni who are current law students? Reach out to pathway@uw.edu for assistance!)
- Sat in on a law class by reaching out to the law school's admissions office and tour a law school?
- Done an informational interview with a lawyer, job shadowed, or participated in an internship in a legal setting or related field (government, non-profits, politics, etc.)?
Resources:
- Law School Tool Box Podcast Episode 74: Should You Go to Law School?
Today we are talking about a very important topic — who should go to law school? People have a variety of reasons for going to law school, but the real question is — should YOU go? We’ll help you figure that out. - AccessLex Student Loan Calculator
- 10 Questions to Ask Before Applying to Law School
- What Can I Do With This Major - Law
- What do lawyers do?
- What do new law school graduates earn?
