1. "tests were based not on the material you studied but how you could apply it to examples never-before or previously discussed."
That describes law school exams pretty well.
2. "My small online sales business was going very well and by the start of my senior year, as a one man show, I was clearing well net into six figures and working very little."
Why would you abandon this to go to law school? Best-reasonable case scenario you will be clearing net six figures just barely and working a very lot. And that's not in a solo firm, that's in a big law firm. Best-reasonable case scenario in a scenario where you start practicing as a solo attorney immediately
after law school are much, much less. And that's with lots of hours and lots of risk.
3. "I've saved up a pretty penny."
Take that money and invest it in things besides a law degree. 3 years of interest as well as 3 more years of your high income will put you in a much better place.
4. "I think back to the 8th grade when I first screened Otto Preminger's 'Anatomy of Murder' (1959). Now one of my favorite films, the delicate intricacy of the story and the masterful performance of Jimmy Stewart as attorney Paul Biegler and the great lengths he went to get his client completely exonerated for protecting his wife after she was raped. forever cemented itself in my mind."
I can't emphasize this enough. Real practice is nothing like the movies. You're not going to be Jimmy Stewart or Atticus Finch. Actual practice for young associates and most associates is more something like what you would perceive a librarian, accountant (or other office desk job), or writer. Lots of research and writing.
5. "My goal with the money I have set aside is to start my own practice /A SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP/ as soon as I get out of Law School."
starting your own law firm right out of a law school is not an ideal situation. First, you have no idea how to actually practice law
after law school (yes, it is kind of hard to believe). Law school does not train you for the actual day to day practice of law. I can't emphasize that enough. Even if you pull it off, you face likely not very much money and high risk.
6. "I've always enjoyed working FOR and BY myself and plan on keeping it this way to minimize the headaches."
Again, don't go to law school. You aren't going to be reducing any headaches by working for and by yourself.
7. "Most of them very independently wealthy and some famous."
Someone who is rich and famous isn't going to hire someone fresh out of law school with no estate planning experience, especially if we are talking about a rich and complicated estate. And don't forget, you're not just providing a plan for assets, you're also planning for tax avoidance, for healthcare, and for end of life. It's much more complicated than you imagine.
8. "Some of them have even appointed me sole trustee of assets in their last will should they pass."
If it is a will, then they named you executor or administrator or something along those lines. Only if it is a trust will you be a trustee. As an aside, make sure to consult a lawyer when you become trustee as you face liability from this fiduciary position.
9. "If a school begins reviewing October 2014 and the HARD deadline is MARCH 1st 2015, is there any benefit in getting your application in early?"
Yes, almost all schools do rolling admissions, so it is generally considered slightly easier to get in if you apply while more spots are available.
Sam_Spade wrote:My story:
--------I graduated from college two years ago as a Chemistry major. The Graduate Chemistry program at my university was one of the top 5 in the country (so you can begin guessing where I went). Beginning my junior year I realized that I was more skilled with e-commerce and business -however it was too late to switch into another major so I staid the course. I got through it, but the upper levels of the chem program were amongst the most challenging ventures I've took part in. The program was designed to flunk you and tests were based not on the material you studied but how you could apply it to examples never-before or previously discussed. My small online sales business was going very well and by the start of my senior year, as a one man show, I was clearing well net into six figures and working very little. Upon graduating I brought on more and more clients. Most of them very independently wealthy and some famous. I am fortunate that for the last two years my parents have allowed me to live in a wing of their house all by myself; so as you can probably imagine I've saved up a pretty penny.
Becoming an attorney has something that's always been at the back of my mind. I think back to the 8th grade when I first screened Otto Preminger's "Anatomy of Murder" (1959). Now one of my favorite films, the delicate intricacy of the story and the masterful performance of Jimmy Stewart as attorney Paul Biegler and the great lengths he went to get his client completely exonerated for protecting his wife after she was raped. forever cemented itself in my mind.
My business is based on all kinds of interaction with consumers whether it be product inquires, affairs, point of sale transactions and collections.
My goal with the money I have set aside is to start my own practice /A SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP/ as soon as I get out of Law School.
I have over 2,000 loyal customers on file and want to further tap into my own customer base by providing simple family based law needs; things like personal family matters, probate and estate planning. Some of them have even appointed me sole trustee of assets in their last will should they pass. I plan being licensed in those states to which I already have customers.
I've always enjoyed working FOR and BY myself and plan on keeping it this way to minimize the headaches.
Studying using Powerscore 6pack + PrepTests #40-Present.
MY QUESTION IS:
-If a school begins reviewing October 2014 and the HARD deadline is MARCH 1st 2015, is there any benefit in getting your application in early?
Looking forward to asking lots of questions and engaging in conversations with the forum as I continue to learn.
Cordially,
Sam_Spade======================================================
