Working During the School-Year, 2L and 3L Forum

[ChristianR]

Hey all,

So I'm balancing a school in DC (more expensive), vs. one in the Midwest at half the price. I definitely want to work in DC after graduation, probably in the federal government, so I know that internships would be very helpful to obtaining one of those jobs. A benefit the DC school has is the opportunity to intern/extern during the school year with agencies, obviously because it's in DC.

My question is - is it feasible to work during the academic year, and still get good grades as a 2L or 3L? How many hours would they even expect you to work while you're in school? I just want to figure out if it is possible to balance work and law school, especially if you want to do a journal as well. I'm just wondering how much I should weigh the value of "being in DC during the school year", because it's so expensive and I would want to get my money's worth for going to school there.

Thanks! -Christian

[lacrossebrother]

Yea my grades went way up because working makes you think about the law better. Worked about 20 hours

[Catsinthebag]

I second laxbro. Depending on your school and whether you're getting school credits, your hours may vary, but it's absolutely doable and even encouraged.

[totesTheGoat]

My question is - is it feasible to work during the academic year, and still get good grades as a 2L or 3L?

Yes

How many hours would they even expect you to work while you're in school?

Depends on the job. I've worked 40 a week some semesters (and taken a part-time school load), I've worked 30 a week some semesters (and taken a full-time school load). I know plenty of people who work 20 a week and take 15 credit hours. My personal advice is to set expectations with a potential employer at 15-20 hours/week. Once you start creeping above 30, a whole host of negative things start happening.