Am I too Late to Start Law? Forum

[tjf1]

I know this is a fairly common question, but it usually comes from people a little bit older than me.

I'm currently 25, and working in banking. After realizing this isn't the path for me, I started weighing my options, and decided to try and go back to original idea I had after high school - law.

The only problem is, I only have a two year degree, and I slacked off the whole time because, well, I was young and stupid, so my GPA was less than satisfactory. This means I would have to go back and start school from the very beginning, instead of just trying to get into UG. Based on my life the way it is right now, I would have to go to community college again, so I can still work, get a two year degree, go to UG for another two years, and then take the LSAT, then hopefully get into law school.

By my rough estimate, if everything goes well and is done on time, I should be around 33 when it is all said and done. Will I be too old? I'm not looking to work in any huge firms or get into big law or anything, I will be focusing on family law. I'm worried that I'll be at that age where I start to get discriminated against because of my age.

Is there anyone out there who graduated law school around the same time and had trouble finding a job?

Any advice / insight is appreciated

[BlendedUnicorn]

You're not too late but I'm also almost certain that getting into family law (or any law, really) isn't worth leaving the workforce for seven years.

[tjf1]

You're not too late but I'm also almost certain that getting into family law (or any law, really) isn't worth leaving the workforce for seven years.

Admittedly, that was another one of my worries as well. I know it is pretty low on the totem pole as far as law goes, but due to personal experiences, as well as experiences from people close to me, it is something I'm quite passionate about.

So (excluding my interest in family law), I won't be in too bad of a spot at 33? I won't be looked at as too old? (not that 33 is "old" but in regards to this field, having entry level qualifications at that age worries me)

[A. Nony Mouse]

Nope, not too old.

And frankly being a little older will probably give you more credibility/ability to work with clients in family law.

[Davidpuddy]

0L here, I'll be the same age when I get done. Definitely not too old. Real world experience probably gives us a leg up in school and in the workforce if anything.

[devilblue]

What banking gigs require only a 2 year degree?

[WheatThins]

Real world experience probably gives us a leg up in school

I can't imagine why this would be true.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Real world experience probably gives us a leg up in school

I can't imagine why this would be true.

Real world perspective can be helpful. I had a couple of profs tell me that that nontrads tend to handle the whole stress around grades/the curve better than KJDs.

Don't know that it goes *directly* to academic success though. There was no disproportionate representation of nontrads, say, making Coif at my school (though no disproportionate underrepresentation either).

[Future Ex-Engineer]

What banking gigs require only a 2 year degree?

I would expect heavily that banking doesn't imply IB in this instance - more than likely it's local bank teller-esque work or something along those lines

[popgoestheweasel]

.

[tjf1]

What banking gigs require only a 2 year degree?

You start out at the very bottom and work your way up. You don't start out making anything (I started as a teller, worked up to personal banker, then relationship manager). Some companies like to promote within, although it is most certainty not easy to move up. Still, it's just not something I'd care to pursue any longer. Too much demand, not enough rewarding work. I basically feel like I'm helping no one except a mega bank make more money, and I see very little from it.

[tjf1]

You don't need a BA at some law schools. They only require an associates.

That would be convienent considering I'm starting so late, but would they provide me with the right credentials to have enough respect when trying to find work? If I'm going to commit, I have to do it right

[Future Ex-Engineer]

You don't need a BA at some law schools. They only require an associates.

That would be convienent considering I'm starting so late, but would they provide me with the right credentials to have enough respect when trying to find work? If I'm going to commit, I have to do it right

Your job credentials after LS would be primarily based off your grades and the school you attend for LS. So, you'd need to look into what schools would allow you with just an associates.

[Davidpuddy]

Real world experience probably gives us a leg up in school

I can't imagine why this would be true.

I know personally my experience working in a demanding job has taught me a lot about time management, working with others, and discipline. I know I'll be a better student next year than I would have been as a KJD.

[popgoestheweasel]

.

[Damage Over Time]

Do not go to Cooley

[popgoestheweasel]

.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Do not go to Cooley

Why? They give tons of money

And no employment opportunities.

[cavalier1138]

Do not go to Cooley

Why? They give tons of money

And no employment opportunities.

Are we still humoring the troll?

The guy pretended to be a TJ student and then pretended to be a prospective student deciding between TJ and Cooley. I'm not quite sure what the schtick is now, unless it's just mentioning Cooley over and over again.

[A. Nony Mouse]

Do not go to Cooley

Why? They give tons of money

And no employment opportunities.

Are we still humoring the troll?

The guy pretended to be a TJ student and then pretended to be a prospective student deciding between TJ and Cooley. I'm not quite sure what the schtick is now, unless it's just mentioning Cooley over and over again.

Pretty sure they only commented in the deciding thread, to recommend TJ, and weren't deciding between the two. So bad advice, but not clearly troll.

(Doesn't mean they're long for this world, but 13 posts isn't a dire threat to TLS yet.)

[tjf1]

how about experience wise? I'm basically going to be entry level at 33. I'm assuming that will hinder me later on? only 7 years in the field and I'll already be 40. that kind of worries me a bit

[cavalier1138]

how about experience wise? I'm basically going to be entry level at 33. I'm assuming that will hinder me later on? only 7 years in the field and I'll already be 40. that kind of worries me a bit

You'll be fine. Work experience is only a positive factor when you're interviewing for jobs. I don't understand why you'd think it's a hindrance down the line.

[popgoestheweasel]

how about experience wise? I'm basically going to be entry level at 33. I'm assuming that will hinder me later on? only 7 years in the field and I'll already be 40. that kind of worries me a bit

What's your lsat?

[tjf1]

how about experience wise? I'm basically going to be entry level at 33. I'm assuming that will hinder me later on? only 7 years in the field and I'll already be 40. that kind of worries me a bit

You'll be fine. Work experience is only a positive factor when you're interviewing for jobs. I don't understand why you'd think it's a hindrance down the line.

my worry is, down the line when I do get experience, I may be passed / looked over because of my age

[cavalier1138]

how about experience wise? I'm basically going to be entry level at 33. I'm assuming that will hinder me later on? only 7 years in the field and I'll already be 40. that kind of worries me a bit

You'll be fine. Work experience is only a positive factor when you're interviewing for jobs. I don't understand why you'd think it's a hindrance down the line.

my worry is, down the line when I do get experience, I may be passed / looked over because of my age

I highly doubt it. Aside from that being illegal, you're not even in an age bracket where that would be a concern.