Work PT, Law School FT...Is it possible? Forum

[evilgenius]

The non-profit organization that I work for has offered me the opportunity to stay on part-time as a "consultant" while attending law school. My hours would be very flexible, but I'd have to be in the office one day each week at minimum. Aside from the occasional conference call, the rest of my work I could do from home and at my own leisure. The pay is relatively decent and would lessen some of the debt that I'm taking on to pay for school.

I know conventional wisdom states that one shouldn't work during their 1L year, but is it impossible to work pt and do well in school? In this scenario could it work? If so how many hours are recommended (>10, 10-20, etc.). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[manbearwig]

The non-profit organization that I work for has offered me the opportunity to stay on part-time as a "consultant" while attending law school. My hours would be very flexible, but I'd have to be in the office one day each week at minimum. Aside from the occasional conference call, the rest of my work I could do from home and at my own leisure. The pay is relatively decent and would lessen some of the debt that I'm taking on to pay for school.

I know conventional wisdom states that one shouldn't work during their 1L year, but is it impossible to work pt and do well in school? In this scenario could it work? If so how many hours are recommended (>10, 10-20, etc.). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I know for Temple, and I thought it was the same for most, if not all, that you're not allowed to work during 1L. Like, I'm pretty sure the ABA doesn't allow it.

[evilgenius]

Really? That seems illogical. How are law schools able to offer PT programs if 1L's aren't allowed to work?

[wreckem]

The ABA does not forbid employment during 1L. They only have the restriction you cannot work more than 20 hours a week during school sessions unless you are a PT student.

Some schools do not allow you to work during 1L. Some limit you to no more than 15 hours. Some say you cannot but dont have a policy, they say you cannot to discourage employment. Others only follow the ABA restrictions.

10-15hrs a week isn't a whole lot. More so if you have a job where you can study while you work.

[evilgenius]

Just looked at the 1L employment policy of the school that I'll be attending (Cardozo). They say its "strongly discouraged". Now I'm torn.

[evilgenius]

Any other thoughts on this?

[gwuorbust]

Just looked at the 1L employment policy of the school that I'll be attending (Cardozo). They say its "strongly discouraged". Now I'm torn.

Cost/Benefit analysis that shit. Are the potential losses associated with working less than the value of working? If not, then don't work. If they are then go for it. What Cardozo 'suggests' doesn't really matter, what matters is how you can do in LS.

Now the reason Cardozo suggest not working is b/c most entering LS students don't know how much time they will need to invest to be successful. THAT is what matters and what you should consider as well.