Jobs in law school Forum

[Tushbush]

I was wondering if most law students work somewhere during the semesters. I know most schools cap the hours you are allowed to work, but do many people decide to work at least some during law school in order to cover meals, gas, etc? Or do they take out loans for all that and focus solely on school. I'm not talking about SA positions or anything like that. Just some type of work. Can a current or former law student answer this?

[RickyRoe]

I am one of the few in my class that works part-time during the semester. I haven't found one other full-time student that does, but I am sure they exist. It isn't too big of a deal to work 5-10 hours a week, but anything more is pushing it. I bartend on Friday and Saturday nights to cover expenses, networking, and just for something different from law school. However, my school caps my hours at 20. I do feel at a disadvantage and just recently took a leave until the end of the semester, but if you are as afraid of the debt as I am then go for it.

[criminaltheory]

I believe the 20 hour max is an ABA requirement.

[Na_Swatch]

Definitely possible to work in law school... I wouldn't recommend it 1L year, but later on you can choose to work instead of other extra-curriculars. Now as a 3L I'm covering living expenses + a good chunk of tuition with a couple of part-time gigs.

[RickyRoe]

20 hours is the max that the ABA allows, and you will have to get that approved by your school. As a 1L I did it, but I regret it and I was considerably behind by the time I realized it and stopped working. Then again, I was working close to the max 20 hours at a very stressful bartending job, so I guess there is a wide spectrum of jobs that might be more practical for law school students. Finding an easier job-like at a parking garage or late night at a convenient store-where you can study while you work might be better, but those jobs also don't pay as well. I guess the point is it depends on the person and the job, but it will likely put you at a disadvantage against your classmates who aren't working.