Occupational Outlook: Lawyers/Law School Forum

[miss-yang]

I am considering a transition/shift in my career track.

Currently:
M.S.
Licensed to practice in social work
4/5 years into the field
28 years old
Single/No family

I am starting to notice a keen desire to engage in policy related work and less desire to advance my career in what I went to school for, what a shame.

I’m not adamant about law school but I’d like to figure out of if it’s a good investment of my time, studying and aiming to score a reasonable score and attend law school on the premise of scholarships/fellowships. The chances are probably very low and highly competitive but before I even consider it… thoughts?

Stay put or make a move.

[lymenheimer]

I am starting to notice a keen desire to engage in policy related work

Have you thought about MPP or looking into the policy side of MSW work? I know quite a few lobbyists who are MSWs (as their prominent title).

[miss-yang]

After discussing some of these thoughts with friends and fellow colleagues who are attorneys themselves, I was warned not to go into law school. Instead, they made similar recommendations and suggestions regarding public administration or public policy. This is going to sound irrational and somewhat self absorbed but after going to graduate school, investing time/energy/money into the whole process... I really need my next 'school' decision to support a long-term career track. To be fair, I am not practicing within the "traditional" social work realm of things (and I don't want to) but rather, public administration related roles. I could technically drop the whole social work license and continue to do the work I do but in an effort to strengthen skills and capacity to advance on this track, I'm wondering if I need to go back to school.

[lymenheimer]

Maybe someone here has gone this route and can answer your question (I'm a 0L so I don't know for sure), but I don't think law school will get you where you want to go, at least as described in this thread. It seems that MPP or MPA would make for better preparation for your goals. Whether it will support a long-term career track is up for debate, but I'm just not seeing law school as fulfilling your first desire (opening/advancing you up to policy).

[miss-yang]

That's valuable and affirming of what others have said.