Should I Go to Law School? Forum

[altai]

Excuse me if this is an inappropriate post or has been discussed ad nauseam - I have spent some time reading these forums but usually finish more confused than I started...

The major contender at this point (aka the only school that has offered me substantial $$) is

Michigan w/ $105k (unconditional)

I will try to negotiate with Berkeley (send them an email tomorrow) to get some $$ (at this point they have not offered me anything)

If I go to Michigan (or Berkeley will budge and offer a comparable amount) then I do not have to take out loans - my family can pay the difference (though I am fully expected to repay them, obviously this is a completely different ballgame than 8% interest).

I am not deadset or committed to the law. I worked for three years (since UG) in biological research and felt that a master's or PhD was not the path for me. I applied to law school mostly to "see what would happen." Since then, I have spent much time reading the endless articles about "Why Lawyering Sucks." Most of my family works in law. I know I wouldn't last more than a few years in BigLaw - but I think I could last a few years (for the $ and experience). Non-profit work seems too much of a gamble to bet on. I think my personality and life history will pose a problem for BigFed.

This leaves the traditional holy grail of in-house, State/Local jobs, and non-traditional legal employment. (Please let me know if I'm missing something!)

-If you're going to work in a corporation, why do it as a lawyer? If you can find an industry you like where upward mobility is possible, would having a law degree (and some years of experience) be that much of a leg up vs. starting entry-level and hustling?

-I live in a state and metropolitan area where the state and city attorneys have large departments that handle incredibly cool cases. BUT this seems like a very small market to aim for.

Sorry for the essay. I realize I am in a very fortunate position. Still, I am having intensely ambivalent feelings about going to school. If anyone has any advice or perspective, please share. Thank you.

[Rigo]

I am not deadset or committed to the law.
...
I am having intensely ambivalent feelings about going to school.

Don't go. It will always be there if you change your mind, but don't go if you're feeling like this.

[star fox]

Probably would say NO with all your personal hesitations. COA, expected ROI is one thing but you gotta actually live your life.

[jjcorvino]

Go to business school instead.

[Johann]

Go to business school instead.

[cavalier1138]

Nope.