Chances for apps 5-9 years out of undergrad Forum

[jpal13]

I am 31. I have work exp so of course that is a plus. But are schools age-ist on any level?

171/3.77 so maybe older candidates with good LSAT makes difference?

[JamMasterJ]

I am 31. I have work exp so of course that is a plus. But are schools age-ist on any level?

171/3.77 so maybe older candidates with good LSAT makes difference?

I don't know of any school being against older applicants, and several, NU, Stanford, Harvard, really like work experience.
The place where age (I've heard) can hurt you is with Biglaw bidding because sometimes they don't want to hire older people b/c they can't grind them as much as 27 year olds.

[jpal13]

That is a good point. So I might have a better chance at a good school but a worse chance at landing a good job. Sigh.

[spondee]

Nah, work experience (if you can spin/sell it) is a good thing for firms. You'll do better than the 23 year olds. I think work experience is a bigger boost in the job hunt than in the school application process.

[jkay]

Early 30s something here. 2L at a regional school. I scored a paying summer gig at my first choice law firm in a small market (where I hope to die), and I was later told it was in huge part because of my very relevant work experience for their practice areas. Going back this summer.

Others in my class with a few years of WE generally have done better than people straight from undergrad. If it's truly what you want to do, don't sweat your age.

[JamMasterJ]

WE will be a big benefit for the most part. All I was saying is that sometimes, large firms shy away from older applicants. You probably aren't old enough yet for that to be much of a concern though

[jpal13]

It is strange for me who was always the youngest one around to suddenly be the oldest. I am 4 years above the average of Northwestern (27) which I think has the highest average age.