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So, I just finished a summer in the oilfield as an engineer intern for one of "the big four." It looks like I'd be successful out here, so I'll be applying here after graduation and starting out at six-figure compensation and approximately 10% annual increases in salary. However, I've wanted to be an attorney since I was 19 and, despite the great financial outlook of my current situation, I want to follow my dream of being an attorney after six years, or so, in the oilfield.

Does anyone advise against this from a career standpoint, or is it too early to tell where the legal field will be in six years?

Will my work experience be appreciated by oilfield or IP lawyers and law firms? I'm quite worried that the lack of prestige in my job will hurt me when applying to relevant law firms, regardless of the type of that work experience—most lawyers who I've found who deal with oilfield law suits don't have any oilfield experience, but they have a prestigious resume.

Since I couldn't work in the oilfield while going to law school, what would be a good job to transfer to while going to law school? I was thinking of applying for a patent examiner position and going to law school part time when getting hired as one. Would that be a smart move?

I know how important going to a good law school is, as well as getting the best LSAT score one can get, so I will definitely be looking for ways to capitalize on that, as well.

Let me know if I'm being naive or idealistic about anything.

Thanks.

you are putting law on a pedestal. just stay with this. why would you leave 6 figures for 3 years of no income and then getting back to 6 figures where you were at but now the low man on totem pole instead of experienced in the oilfield.

19 year olds are idiots. its better to advice to do the opposite than follow plans devised at that age. you have a good gig. ride it out.

JohannDeMann wrote:you are putting law on a pedestal. just stay with this. why would you leave 6 figures for 3 years of no income and then getting back to 6 figures where you were at but now the low man on totem pole instead of experienced in the oilfield.

19 year olds are idiots. its better to advice to do the opposite than follow plans devised at that age. you have a good gig. ride it out.

But . . . but . . . I like words . . . and stuff.

so read supreme court opinions or something. if you hate your job, reassess. but this is not smart.

Kafkaesquire wrote:

JohannDeMann wrote:you are putting law on a pedestal. just stay with this. why would you leave 6 figures for 3 years of no income and then getting back to 6 figures where you were at but now the low man on totem pole instead of experienced in the oilfield.

19 year olds are idiots. its better to advice to do the opposite than follow plans devised at that age. you have a good gig. ride it out.

But . . . but . . . I like words . . . and stuff.

This is not good enough a reason. If I had your options, I would not be going to law school (and I'm headed to H).

A probable scenario out of law school for you is firm -> in-house with an engineering/oil company. After 6-10 years, you're back where you started, except with a six-figure debt and a similar or smaller salary than had you stayed put. Just stick with engineering.

My financially savvy side is agreeing with the advice I've gotten from the Internet so far, which is to stick with what I have.

Maybe I'll wait until my investments bring in 50K annually and pay for law school themselves : P