There’s no doubt it’s a grind, but if you get in, you should be able to get out. Like Muffin, I really enjoyed my time at law school, but I agree it’s not for everyone.
Thanks to all for the wise words so far. I had no expectation of being well paid fresh out of law school.
Oh, and by the way - if you can speak or understand Chinese, that would be a great help in certain areas of law on the west coast: commercial law, immigration law, and even some aspects of family law. So, your initial thoughts on how you would approach practising law strike me as promising.
Government work can vary; yes, Victoria is the capital, but I understand that BC Justice also has extensive offices in Vancouver, simply because of the size of the city. As well, hiring in government offices tends to be variable, depending on the economic cycle. If a government is going through a period of austerity, then it may be difficult to get taken on. Once in government service, however, jobs tend to be secure. Pay may not be as good as in private practice, but benefits like a pension plan (unheard of in private law firms) is one of the attractions of government work, as are the more regular hours and vacation time.
Not in Canada, but me (and also poster Really Not All That Bright) went back to law school as non traditional students. I was 34 when I started. I don’t regret doing it for a second.
First, you must have a plan as to what you will use you legal degree for. Thinking:
- Law Degree
- ???
- Profit!
will not work at all. There are many lawyers competing for many spots. I went out on my own right out of law school and am doing well. I think the one positive I have is that I was out in the “real world” and have life experiences and ideas to bring to the table that others who completed law school at age 25 and have been in the profession since then simply do not and cannot have. I am not tied to the typical way of thinking and although at times it has gotten me into a bind, on average it has been a great benefit.
If that describes you, and you are willing to take risks and be ballsy at times, it can work well for you. If you are looking to be hired at a prestigious firm, it definitely works to your disadvantage; they want young, single people who will be their devoted slaves for five to ten years. That wasn’t me.
If you go through with it, my first piece of advice is to pay absolutely ZERO attention to the career counselors at your school. Do your own networking. Those counselors are for the 22 year olds, not you.
Best of luck and don’t let your age deter you. Simply alter your strategy.
Thanks, that’s where I am right now, no expectation of some biglaw job and a lot of hours.
In my case, I was already a bit iffy on the idea of being a lawyer; I had heard a bunch of stories along the lines of “it’s not as easy to get a job as it used to be” (and that was 15 years ago!).
I liked attending university classes and I don’t mind taking exams, but I’m not so keen on writing papers and the like.
Probably a good call, then, on your part.
Writing is a big part of being a lawyer, whether barrister or solicitor. I write a lot of briefs and opinions.
I was 45 when I started–and I wasn’t the oldest. That honour belonged to a 55-year-old. Still, we had a number in their 30s and 40s.
Best job I ever had was working in a mine-mill. Making great big booms, feeding great big things tumbling about, what more could a fellow want?
Ah, found it! It took a little searching, but I posted the same question about ten or eleven years ago here, and you may find the responses useful, OP:
Well, there was that time I worked in a Brewer’s Retail warehouse, sorting empties. Throwing cases of empties around got me into the best physical shape of my life. But I’d have to say the most fun was driving an 18-wheeler.
As you can see, OP, some of us explored the alternatives prior to law school.
Yes, it must have been you I was thinking of.
Huh - I must have missed that thread the first time round. I remember you in law school, Spoons, but I don’t remember that thread. Lots of posters who aren’t here any more.
Oh and about the choice of schools: UVic is a good school, but you don’t have to get your law degree in the province where you want to practise. The curriculums are pretty standard across the country, to ensure portability. Personal reasons like family can be a sensible reason to prefer one school over another, as well as networking with the local firms if you want to work there eventually.
I went to school in Ontario and Quebec, but have practised entirely in Sask, without any difficulties.
Speaking of Law Schools, **Muffin **,what is up with Lakehead University’s new Faculty of Law? Has it had its first graduating class yet?
When I was in high school I wanted to be a constitutional lawyer. I still partially think that would have been a good career option for me, but I have no desire even to do the work, even if I got accepted at UBC, much less anywhere else. (I live in Vancouver, and have basically been told unequivocally by my partner and son that I can do what I want, but they aren’t moving.) I love school, research, studying, but I kind of like being home for my family more than that. I am an all or nothing sort of person, so the balance required to be a full time student and a mom/partner wouldn’t work for me.
It’s going well. The first class will graduate next June. Unlike all the other law schools in Canada, practicums are integrated into the Lakehead curriculum, so the graduates will not have to do further articling/apprenticing following graduation. (This gets them into the workforce a year earlier than other schools, which reduces student debt at the outset of their careers, and gives them one extra year earning top dollar at the end of their careers.) The founding dean is moving on, so if any Dopers want the job, send in your CV.
Muffin, is that no-articles thing good for all common law provinces, or just Ontario?
For temporary licensing, Common law provinces. (I never asked about immediate permanent licensing without first being licensed in Ontario. Might be in the text of the mobility agreement, but haven’t had time to read it.)
Looks like s. 33 of the mobility agreement would leave it up to the province being moved to by the graduate.
Well I’m writing my personal statement. It’s pretty meandering but I’m trying to give a good account of my life and downplaying the whole being an idiot in undergrad thing.
Is there any point in applying to US law schools?