Can You Hold a Job and Work in Law School?

⚖️ Do you need a great lawyer? I can help! legaleagle.link/eagleteam ⚖️
It seems like I've been talking a lot about how expensive law school is.
So it's natural for students to want to reduce those costs. One way is to get scholarships aka free money.
Free money is great. In fact, free money is my favorite kind of money. But that's not an option for some law students.
So one option that students often ask me about is working during law school.
The allure is obvious: make a little money to defray the cost of school (or to make a little spending money). Getting a job doesn't require financial need. Nor does it require special academic performance.
So a job could open up some opportunities that might not be available in the context of scholarships.
More money is always good, so what could go wrong?
A lot can go wrong.
I recorded a video that talks about how much can go wrong if you prioritize the wrong things in law school, second job included.
Getting a job while being a full time law student is being penny-wise and pound-foolish.
========================================================
Get our Ultimate Pre-Law Checklist (FREE) here ➜ www.legaleagleprep.com/prelaw Learn learn how to get ready for law school, the 5 things you must do the summer before law school, and more . . .
========================================================
★ Got law school questions? Ask in the comments!
★ Say hi on Facebook: ➜ / legaleagleprep
★ Tweet at us on Twitter @LegalEagleDJ
--------------------------

[@mirasga]

I was consistently in the top 10% of the class and my name a common sight on the top exam scorers list. When I started working my grades dropped significantly.

[@xHeartHeartbreakx]

I appreciate the honesty. I dropped my job for a semester in college and saw my grades fly up. I honestly didn't expect it. I thought because I was doing what "everyone else is" that I was just dumb. Long and behold most of my classmates don't have full time jobs.

[@wendybabendy]

I've always worked full-time and went to school and yet somehow graduated with honors + - I didn't have a choice. I know law school is different, but I have NO doubt I will do the same, because I WANT it... not for any other reason than for ME to see "distinction" on my diploma. I do nothing for anyone, except myself. Never have, never will.

[@user-kz3db9zw5z]

@@wendybabendy Must not be tied down with a young family.

[@roberto8650]

I study law and work two jobs. I can't tell you how much I wish I didn't have to work to maintain myself. I envy my classmates. I've still managed to maintain some pretty good grades, but I feel I could do a lot better if I could focus entirely on learning the law. A shame.

[@LegalEagle]

Full time law school?

[@roberto8650]

Yes. Plus little sleep during the semesters.

[@fozzyozzy1030]

Roberto how do you do that? How did you develop the ability to handle that sort of load?

[@roberto8650]

Hi Fozzy Ozzy. I like that name! Anyway, I'd say the answer to your question is necessity. I grew up in a poor family, so I started working as soon as I could. I worked all the way through my science degree, worked for a while as a teacher, and currently work during law school (which, in Spain is a 5-year LL.B.+LL.M.) -- I may choose then to do an LL.D. I've never had the option to NOT study and work at the same time. Has this affected me? No doubt. I've never had much of a social life, I'm tired, and I've lost out on a lot of youth. Would I have done things differently if my family had been able to pay for my housing, etc.? Almost certainly.

[@04sportstud]

I thought there was a time restraint on how much you could work? Is that not the case? I know some law schools that won’t allow working more than 15 hours a week. So, make sure your school is cool with the extra work

[@happybat1977]

Thus, the more economic capital you bring into law school, the more institutionalized capital, in the form of better grades, you will leave with. You will go on to win even more economic, and social capital from a more prestigious job. And you will be able to support your children economically so they can reap the same benefits. And this is how inequality reproduces itself.

[@op3129]

re inequality: yes. exactly that. there's more ways inequality pushes more inequality (I worked as an SAT tutor for over-privileged kids for horrifying amt per hour ... bc I knew how to game it) but YES, you're absolutely right: the ability to pay for (law) school via parents' money is institutionalized SYSTEMIC problem.

[@MrPeperoni79]

Or you just learn German, move to Germany, study law basically for free, have guaranteed 140k+ Euro job (1700-1900 billables) at big law firms (in Germany ofc; Magic Circle, also American Stuff like Baker McKenzie) if you get the right grades (you will need those everywhere) without a myriad of traineejobs. Still plenty of work, but it depends on your effort and not on your parents wealth. Only thing is, German exams are quite hard and law works slightly different than US/UK. I am far from being a commie but the costs in the American system are unbearable if you do not have the right social background.

[@adlev21]

This system is built to make the rich richer, and the poor poorer. If you were born wealthy, you don’t have to worry about anything but law school, which gives you an advantage to be in the top 10%. However, people with families or children to support, who already are desperate trying to make the ends meet - don’t stand a chance.

[@Pants3]

I go part time to law school and work full time. I don’t have someone to support me 100% and I refuse to take out loans with interest. Best decision ever!

[@PrincessPearlEniego]

Hey there! I can totally relate to the video since I'm a working law student and I'm on my third year. I'm currently running a small business and although it might sound dreamy, things can get stressful at some days. If you have the means or you can afford to pay the tuition, I suggest you focus on studying full time especially on your first year since it will be your main foundation. Law school is a jealous mistress. It takes so much of your time and energy. Focus on the goal of becoming a lawyer.

[@aangitano]

It's Princess! What industry is your small business? I have a small consultant (medical billing) business and I am trying to decide if I should stop my contracts this August. The work is very easy for and I only have to be in class Mon-Thur (so I'd work on my clients work Fri & Sat). Did you have you business in your 1L years? Also--- congrats to almost being done!

[@PrincessPearlEniego]

aangita Hello there! Thank you! I'm currently running a small cake business and I've handled it since second year. As for my first year, I did work on the first semester as a banker but I stopped during midterms because it was getting stressful. Well, if that's the case, then you don't have to end your business. The key to law school is time management. If you can personally assess that you can handle the study and work load effectively, you don't need to make any more sacrifices. Just make sure you're certain about your availability especially during exam week because it can get really bloody. If you firmly believe you can do it simultaneously, you need not stop your business.

[@LegalEagle]

It's not impossible, but man it takes a toll. 1L is crazy enough with only law school to worry about. By 3L you pretty much know whats going on and you can probably govern your time accordingly.

[@LegalEagle]

Could you hire someone to do the work during your 1L year? If you could pick it up again in the summer, that would be ideal.

[@aangitano]

Thank you both for the advice. Princess -- whoa! a bakery! I bake desserts for fun and for years my friends and family told me to open a shop. I breifly worked at a bakery and realzied that was not for me. I love making desserts for people but it was so much pressure to decorate! >_< Kudos to you for starting a business while in law school. LeagleEagle -- My work is sp specefic I really wouldn't be able to hire and train anyone in time. The work is very simple for me and I dont get stressed about what I am actually doing. Though I could see myself getting stressed out due to lack of free time. I am just extremely worried about carrying a mountain of debt. Luckily my school's tuition isn't as bad as others (considering it's still an excellent institution) but after crunching the numbers, it's creeping close up to the $100k. :O

[@Checkersss]

I just got accepted into a law school, and now I'm watching all these videos. It's so exciting to finally be accepted!

[@op3129]

congrats! and good luck!

[@user-si3jr3nn7o]

i hope you aren doing well

[@UncleKosta]

Same here!!! I got two acceptances last week and am binging these vids :) And of course, I'm trying to figure out if I can keep my well-paying, low-effort job during 1L...

[@davesony4614]

Congrats, GL!

[@allisonsulouff6966]

It’s good advice to utilize your resources if you have the luxury of not working at all while going to school, but for me and probably a lot of people, that isn’t an option. I’m 27 with a full-time job as a paralegal and I’m starting a weekend JD program in just a week. I’m super excited about it and encourage everyone to follow their dreams! Hard work is all a mental game- if you think “this is gonna be hell”, it will be. I’m trying to focus on the positive which is that being able to go to law school at all is a privilege that we are very lucky to have.

[@aalegalfocus]

That's great. Your work experience probably put you far ahead of the other students!

[@mattrose99]

I know Im late, but if ur okay updating how did full time work & part time school work out? Its what I would need to do since I cant move back home for 7 years to go through college

[@martgatz75]

I work as a law clerk part-time while I go to Law School full-time. I haven't had any issues with handling school and I've got some extra money on the side. I only work two days a week though.

[@aalegalfocus]

Glad it has worked well for you!

[@bilalbhuttiali1411]

Honestly yeah. Legal eagle might just trying to get us to play safe. But there may be nothing wrong with 2 days of work thats at MOST 10 hours accumulative. Im going for a 1 yr LLM so I need the leg up for work opportunities

[@robertovalle655]

This is amazing! Best set of videos I've ever seen...

[@christiankneupper7011]

I interned with an attorney who worked on the side. She did like dorm security or something, very low key quiet so she used that time to study while getting payed at the same time

[@JohnArmwood]

It is easy to say not to work while you are in law school. Some of us had no choice. I did not work the first semester but I worked part-time to survive from the second semester of the first year to graduation. Obviously, you had the privilege of not working, good for you. I clearly understand your perspective and ideally, you are right. Some of us did not have the choice. You obviously had a societal privilege that some of us did not have. Yes, I went to a top twenty law school. Working was not a choice. Loans were insufficient bt the third year. It is said that some people don't realize their privilege. Duncan Kennedy was right and you have proved his point in "Legal Education And The Reproduction Of Hierarchy. I still have my copy of that pamphlet nearly forty years after I purchased it just before entering law school in 1984.

[@netoobioha6317]

Bro. Relax. He’s giving advice. No need to act like a victim instead of just giving a different perspective that doesn’t have to bash his awareness or intellect.

[@user-mp3fj6xt9w]

I think there can be something therapeutic about work- suitable work, minimally during 1L, but not ruled out- maybe just four hours a week. It can help you stay grounded and in touch with the real world; can be good for mental health. It can be a welcome contrast to any elitist and "theoretical" -type atmosphere at school. Just keep the work time minimal.

[@ChristophProbst]

I have a freelance paralegal job that takes a few hours per month, but I used to have far more hours. I had to seriously cut back shortly after I started a law reader program. I couldn't work and retain the information. I felt so guilty and inadequate cutting back on hours, but I have to focus on the studies so I can pass the bar. It made me feel better to recognize that most law students don't work and study the law at the same time.

[@kevintorge5739]

Wish I had known this before graduating Law School. For all of you guys out there, I completely​ agree with LegalEagle here.

[@dudebro5423]

Objection, I have gone to your site for the free law checklist several times, and have only gotten responses trying to sell your pre law workshop.

[@LeonardMannMannsWorld]

I was lucky I had a mother who supported me all the way. I am now a lawyer, and teaches law in some law schools. But many law students here in the Philippines are working while in law school to support themselves. Many succeeded and eventually became lawyers, and I am so proud of them!

[@UncleKosta]

"...getting into the state run monopoly, that is the attorney's bar." As a libertarian and a 1L in September, that statement made me smile so hard...I subscribed immediately. You said so much with those few words...

[@jameskile5113]

Great advice but how do you pay for rent/gas/food without a job? You can take the debt on the loans but the grocery store still isn’t free

[@LegalEagle]

Law school loans include tuition and living expenses. Same deal in college.

[@jaymelee]

That worries me too. I’m a teacher but want to go to law school. I have car payment and rent and insurance to think about and thought about law school as a part time student.

[@jaymelee]

MissZoey007 lol yes I have my degree and I am fully certified in my state to teach. I just really like law especially constitutional law

[@addisonmorton2348]

MissZoey007 don’t be rude, plenty of people go to law school long after finishing undergrad when I was in high school one of my teachers left and went to law school even though they were 39

[@misse1228]

Just have your parents pay for it. That's totally an option for everyone. And if you didn't get a full-ride scholarship to attend law school, then that just means that you are stoopid and not cut out for law school.

[@Doctorgoodegg]

Im working full time, full time law student in a top tier school. I am doing fine. But thanks!

[@caulidream]

😲,what's your secret?

[@Doctorgoodegg]

@@caulidream being organised, and enjoying the learning.

[@anthonydelatorre1217]

@@Doctorgoodegg you're a beast, good luck as time goes on 👍

[@Vashtibucket]

I am going to have to be employed full-time during law school, so I have to know: How many hours per day/week do you dedicate to your full-time job? And how many hours do you dedicate to law school per day/week? Do you have a standard M-F 7-5pm type of schedule for work? How many hours do you dedicate on the weekends? Also how much do you sleep?

[@Doctorgoodegg]

Update: Im switching to part time 😅😅😅

[@Inuyashalover4ever]

I love your videos! can you please do videos regarding the LSAT, applying, etc.

[@LegalEagle]

You're in luck. This week's video is all about how I got into law school including my issues with the LSAT. Check back in a few days.

[@icnansoir2987]

I worked my 1L year. I worked part time and I was a full time student. I slept 5-6 hours. It was stressful but I needed the money for food and rent. I was jealous of my classmates who could at least relax a few hours Friday nights.

[@jamesward6735]

"I've seen marines have mental breakdowns in law school..." I've seen marines have mental breakdowns in the line at chick-fillet.

[@maciejbaranowski7053]

I studied law in Poland for five years. I started working as an intern in small and big law firms, on the fourth and fifth year of studies. I gained an experience which helped me this year in passing a bar exam and become the law attorney.

[@Zekonos1]

same thing applies to engineering... 7 courses is a lot, and after classes you always have assignments and labs... some people can do it, but your grades will suffer.

[@pronouncedgooglewithat]

Worked 50+ hours a week as a judicial clerk for a Superior Court in CA...job was incredibly demanding, so I couldn't brief or study while at work. I never had time to ruminate on the big picture of each class, the interplay among rules and concepts, or prepare meaningful briefs. Accordingly, my grades were street trash. Somehow, I managed to graduate. I had a lot of catching up to do for bar prep, so as you can imagine, it took a few attempts, but I passed. That being said? It's not fatal to your cause if you're a full-time student and carrying a 40-hour a week practical experience elective, otherwise known as a job. If you don't have to work while in law school, count your blessings. Don't give in, and don't give up. You might stumble your way through to a J.D. however, you'll be better equipped, especially emotionally, for the workload of being an actual attorney.

[@inunkag4ever]

I am considering law school at NCCU in Durham, NC. They have a night program that is 4 years instead of 3. Most of the students work and the tuition is a HUGE fraction compared to Campbell Law School or UNC in the area. NCCU is extremely prevalent for attorneys even in the full-time program. Almost every judge in my county is from NCCU and most of the defense attorneys or prosecutors. I am also currently working in law enforcement so many of the legal terms are not new to me. Some of my friends from working in courts (attorneys and judges) have said I would not have any issues in law school. It really depends on the person.

[@labor.law.]

Legal Eagle totally rocks!

[@jai3047]

Thank you that was helpful.

[@robbiem4624]

I am watching this and thinking: It does depend on the individual, where they went to law school and where they want to go with it. Some people do well and work, and want to live and work in a small town and do not want that corporate hustle and bustle life.

[@aalegalfocus]

Exactly. Every student is different wih different abilities, needs & priorities.

[@christinewood3473]

This is terrifying to me. I’ve been working so hard to pay my way through undergrad so that I wouldn’t have debt.

[@Wiggyam]

Christine Wood Good luck, lets just hope Sanders gets elected

[@christinewood3473]

William Lillevik ha well I’m voting for Warren but I get your point. Let’s hope either one.

[@TheFrontyer]

@@Wiggyam There is no chamce he will ever manage to make schools free in America. Just not going to happen. Unless of course, you want shit achools and pay 20% more tax. Which in the long run will be more expensive then your loans.

[@sar2794]

Frontyer oxford and Cambridge are the best schools in the UK and some of the best in the world, but they cost a fraction of what a mediocre public university costs in the US. Funny how this logic you’re spouting doesn’t actually bear out in the real world.

[@op3129]

there are two kinds of jobs: - make good money (I waited tables in HS - which would be insane while in not-HS) - basically "being present" but minimal money I chose the second for undergrad (and later, grad), purposely taking the "screw" shifts no one else wanted (early morning, Fri/Sat nights) ... but could study/read while on job. nk: the more hours I worked (at these "desk-sitter" jobs), the better grades I got. *NOT ALL JOBS ARE CREATED EQUAL.*

[@VictorLopez-vc6cf]

I’m not a pre-law student, but I still love these videos! Haha.

[@jingerstorm]

same.

[@halonianj9]

Hey Legal Eagle, (and law students) did you or do you know of anyone who went to law school while in the military reserves? If so does it seem doable or was the person struggling too much to justify attending the full time program?

[@Dagothdaleet]

I am considering attending law school for a career in estate planning. Thank you for the advice

[@THEdavehogue]

Nice reference to Bob Loblaw's Law Blog lol

[@kqatsi]

I went to a law school in the Chicago/Columbia/NYU range, and I worked part-time throughout law school. I had to, or else we couldn't afford to buy food, clothing, etc. for my daughter. The loans were intended to cover *my* living expenses, not hers. Sometimes it's just necessary.

[@arcusmc]

So that's why mostly rich kids become lawyers and statistically do better. Makes since. No longer thinking of law school anymore, since I have to work for a living.

[@user-mp3fj6xt9w]

Maybe you'd consider law school part-time at night?

[@jorgeluisdiazpinedo8164]

Very good advice, if you cant handle it, retire, work, and came next year...

[@savannahnalls2099]

I am considering working while doing law school out of necessity but it would not be my first choice. In undergrad, I worked full time while going to school and getting two bachelor degrees full time. I was able to maintain straight A's before I started working full time. (I took college classes at night while in high school but as soon as I graduated high school I got a full time job). As soon as I graduated HS and started working full time, my grades dropped. I still was able to graduate with a 3.7 Major GPA and a 3.54 cumulative GPA which is good considering the circumstances, but I feel like I do not have the opportunity to go to top law schools because of my income level which is unfortunate. Of course, I will crush the LSAT, but I am scared law schools would look at my GPA and pick someone else who may have a higher GPA but did not have to go through the struggles I did. I have the heart and I want to succeed so badly .I even have law firm experience as my full time jobs were in the legal field either with medium sized law firms, advocacy groups, or the government. I know if I work hard enough I can achieve anything but I do see my situation as a disadvantage.

[@aalegalfocus]

You can explain your situation in your personal statement. It sounds very impressive that you managed all that. Good luck!

[@yaralove2704]

It's sad that it's not option for some people but i believe if you can take your time jobless at uni is one of the great things because after it you can't really have such opportunity to be jobless again and live some off days feeling young and stupid instead of being serious most of time And the fact that after being graduated you will feel somewhat having more time than when you where study so if that's an option for you live your life and take your time and have fun with your youth but be aware of job facts from time to time so you can have realistic hopes and dreams for after graduation and you make sure that this job is what you really hope to have

[@raiderzilla3882]

I have three questions bro. first, how long did it take you to pay off your debt? Second do you have the job you wanted? And if not are you happy were your at? thank you

[@vitoanania6042]

one of the best videos

[@pattifinnesq]

Sustained. I worked full time on Wall Street, and had 2 babies while in law school part time. I took a speed reading course. I listened to audios of my classes while I slept...I had a 3.1 grade average. My employer paid my tuition. It was hard.

[@krazyky4729]

i thought you were gonna talk about about the pros AND cons?

[@DsgSleazy]

You can't decide them from the info you learned from the video?

[@tylertaber8512]

Well that’s not great news. I’m a single dad going to law school next year haha. These videos are great though, very enjoyable and motivating!

[@johnlilley9363]

How’s it going for you?

[@op3129]

update?

[@Vashtibucket]

How did it go?

[@wafflegm]

What do you think would be the average time off of school? Start of class to end would be nice. Thank you.

[@nadamustafa512]

Im started to call myself a legaleagle 😭😭😭

[@LegalEagle]

Nice. Do it!

[@caitlin8160]

@LegalEagle are there ever instances you would recommend the part time program?

[@elmateo77]

I'd say it depends what kind of job. Should you take on a job as a fry cook to help cover part of your $50,000+ a year law school expenses? No, absolutely not. The small amount you'd make wouldn't even put a dent in your student debt, and you're better off focusing on school. Just take out student loans instead and pay them off after you graduate. If you can get a job doing something at a firm you'd like to work for later or in a company related to the field of law you're studying where you can meet people could that be worth it? Maybe...

[@DLTD]

sigh... when i was younger i had a chance to follow a career in law. families can suck sometimes. You should make a video for parents who might want to increase the chances to kick ass early in life. thats really where were headed it seams. lost of talent. anyways, maybe like where would you want you're kids to go to middle school or what to like to read and definitely what NOT to do! those are great to learn the easy way. lol thanks for you efforts you are an uplifting man

[@grizzlycountry1030]

*IF YOU'RE AN ADULT STARTING A NEW PATH YOU WILL NEED TO WORK.*

[@mauricedrew3150]

Of course ya can! Its work but you can do it!

[@pav-el4047]

I've been watching legal eagle for like a year now since I'm going to law school and my dad just sent me this video 🤣🤣

[@neocomp92]

20 hr per week work is the same limit applied to UK study visas

[@feythinsane]

How do you feel about part-time law school? A program that is designed to let students work and support themselves seems ideal, but also less prestigious and less commonly offered.

[@dylanmcdaniel4314]

You mentioned transferring at the end of the video. Could you do a separate video on that? Thanks

[@aalegalfocus]

Transferring is a good idea only if one is transferring way up into a T14 school, imho. If a student is already #1-5 in his/her class, s/he will already have a good chance of getting a good job, as opposed to becoming in the middle or bottom of the class of a slightly higher-ranked law school.

[@dylanmcdaniel4314]

@@aalegalfocus My aim is to be accepted into a top 40 law school, and then transfer up after 1L. Thanks for the feedback

[@ChanningWearsSunscreen]

the way the shirt defines his chest as he uses his hands

[@mfunc7095]

how about us in Australia where we dont get student loans for living expenses, my law degree will also cost only 40 grand total over the whole thing and its a 0% interest. Also we dont go to "law school" like you guys do we dont have to go to college beforehand we go straight from high school to law degree

[@deeanna8448]

I worked holidays and summers in veterinariary school because I couldn't afford not to. Does law school have holiday and summer breaks? Between 3rd and 4th year, we did not have a break, so I could not work the summer. To make up a little for that, I worked some weekends and evenings during 3rd year. It was incredibly difficult even though it was only 10-15 hours per week.

[@floyd7820]

That thumbnail is perfect

[@Speedy4B52]

I have a very part time job. I teach ESL for 2 hours max each day. My minimum job requirements are 6 hrs of work each week. I’m debating if I should take a leave of absence or just work the bare minimum each week. I’m truly conflicted, I need/want the money and there is no stress. But I want to be in the top 10% so I can transfer to my dream school.

[@LegalEagle]

I wouldn't want to lose two hours a day in my 1L year. Later years maybe.

[@Speedy4B52]

LegalEagle I really appreciate your response. I value your opinion. I am going to take off until the winter. Work during the break and then take off again in the spring.

[@emilfilipov169]

Need or want? Because there is a pretty big difference between these 2 words.

[@JTBlotzer]

I'm hoping to attend law school part time beginning in the next couple years. I would prefer it, financial requirements won't allow me to attend full time.

[@kingjames4886]

being a lawyer is such a rich kids club >.>

[@confucheese]

Those rich kids still have to work their asses off though.

[@kingjames4886]

I'm sure it's hard to fill your fathers shadow... you really don't need to though. he already bought you into law school and will die before you do.

[@confucheese]

Is this addressed to me? I’m not in law school and I go to a pretty average university.

[@roxx8182]

@@kingjames4886 as a UK law student, I go to one of the top universities but I'm not rich. My dad's struggling and he doesn't have much of an education. But at the end I'll be in a lot of debt. My studies and maintenance have been paid through a loan

[@namrathacherukuri4698]

Dude my family is not rich but I still got into Harvard Law School

[@zachagrakiller]

Do you think part time job can be managed while studying law for just covering the living expense .

[@seanam5729]

so are students supposed to just starve or take out loans to support themselves ? students who have parental financial support are indescribably lucky

[@shangli8641]

law school loans also pay for living expenses.

[@SinnedNogara]

Luckily UNM is only 17,000 for in-state residents. Hoping to get there one day.

[@jjlempz5866]

School in NM is cheap af. If you study hard for act you will get a scholadship also we have the lottery scholarship. Also law school and medical school at unm is reasonable inexpensive compared to other universities

[@op3129]

it really bothers me how much the binding on the fifth red book differs

[@farzonasamieva8207]

what about the undergrad debt? do we have to pay that off during law school or can we pay that off when we get our first job?

[@aka_tinalouise]

Ugh, honestly this is very discouraging. I HAVE to work but I want to be a lawyer sooo bad. I wish I went to college right after high school like my peers did, but I didn’t have the money and had to take care of my sister. Being a lawyer is something I’ve wanted ever since I was a kid and I’m finally working on my undergrad degree. Now it’s like I have to drop out because it’s IMPOSSIBLE to do my job and then sit for several hours to study.

[@ludvigjaniuk108]

"I've seen marines break down under the stress of law school"

[@christiankrog6885]

Believable

[@FlexSZN23]

An insult to the brave men and women who serve our country.

[@sheriftawfik471]

What about working part-time 14 hours a week while in law school full time still the same or no ?

[@a1038954]

I love the bloopers at the end.

[@roxx8182]

50,000 a year for law school??? In the UK it's 9,250 a year and I thought that was a lot!!!

[@BlueCosmology]

Don't forget in the UK you can go to law school fresh out of secondary school... In the US it's $50k a year for law school... After already spending $50k a year for 4 years on another degree.

[@Am-Not-Jarvis]

Look at the global ranking lists for best law schools

[@roxx8182]

@@BlueCosmology in the UK we go to law school after doing our A levels at a college / 6form which you do after secondary school. Then you apply to law school through UCAS. In the US how &when would you apply? Not sure I understand. You apply for law school to get your law degree only after getting another degree in something else??

[@BlueCosmology]

@@roxx8182 Yes, in the US you do a 4 year degree in something else first then apply to law school like I said.

[@roxx8182]

@@BlueCosmology that's actually unbelievable! Did not know that. What do you do before doing those 4 years? I'm studying law in the UK. We do 2/3 years studying 3/4 things like history, law and classical civilisation (all A level based) and those grades depend on getting into university. We don't even pay for that

[@DivaDre92105]

Is it worth going to Law School as an adult student that has life and work experience? There are Law Schools in LA that offer night classes for working adults.

[@jarvisaddison8560]

Yeah , I believe he's talking about people going full time , many law schools offer part- time school

[@zaria3401]

hey...do you have any mooting tips for law school?

[@LegalEagle]

Oh, that's a huge topic! I'm a champion moot courter, so I've got lots to say on that. I'll add that idea the list.

[@zaria3401]

LegalEagle Thanks!

[@youtubeuser9578]

Does it matter whether you attend a Cal State or UC if you want to get into one of the UC law schools?

[@LegalEagle]

Not very much. Law schools care mainly about your LSAT score and a little bit about your grades.

[@angiem7725]

But how are you gonna pay your cell phone bill? And your car insurance? Im just saying cause Im in the process of applying for gradschool and Im having a hard time deciding whether I should work or not. I live with my parents but I have personal bills, they provide food but its unhealthy food... do I want to gain 20 lbs?? lol

[@CountryLawyer]

I agree that you shouldn't work if possible. I was married with a kid when I went. I went part time, which is 4 years instead of 3 so the caseload is slightly less intimidating. I worked 40 hours a week all the way through and didn't even take any time off for bar prep. I made it work, but do not recommend it if you can help it. I had no life whatsoever, and probably averaged 4 hours sleep a night for the entire time.

[@BrianFlomer]

What about people moving for law school? I am moving across the country to attend law school in a major city. If I don't have a job, I'm not sure how I'd afford rent or food. I would have no income, so how do you pay the expenses to survive? I'd much rather not work and focus on just school but there's no way to live there without income.

[@musashimiyamoto9035]

THATS WHAT YOU ARE TAKING LOANS OUT FOR REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@Tehgreatgamer]

Think this ship has sailed for me. Im already 25, and have two people and a house that rely on me. No college background, and too risky to take less hours on my job.

[@aspro6744]

You can still become a lawyer without law degree. Only one state allows it, and that is the state of California maybe take a look at that?

[@shangli8641]

@@aspro6744 that is also quite time consuming though. Also, the issue is that he doesn't;t have an undergraduate degree so he would have to go a long way to becoming a lawyer.

[@whs1073]

It doesnt sounds real. It also depends of the student learning capacity

[@JacobBroderick]

"Don't even think about it. And there are several reasons for this." There's some humorous irony in talking about it for several minutes after saying, "Don't even think about it."

[@op3129]

it's not irony. it's the "why" to "don't do it." (you okay, dude?)

[@Lulumoju]

I need some advice. I’m about to graduate top of my class as a double major from college (English and Business major). I got a full ride so I don’t have any debt and I have a good amount of money saved. I’m 22 years old. I know I want to go to law school, but I’m not sure if I should start working and get at least one year work experience as a paralegal or apply to law school and go straight from undergrad to law school. If I start working, I can start making money and continue to save (I would try to pay off the law school loans as soon as possible) and have more time to study for the lsat, but I would also delay my law school graduation until I’m about 27 years old. Advice anyone?

[@LegalEagle]

A couple things: getting paralegal or legal secretary experience doesn't really help that much for law school (it might help getting a running start in a law firm upon graduation, but not really law school itself). Yes, you can make money before law school, but you might also be delaying earning a lot more when you work as an attorney (opportunity cost works both ways). I went straight through.

[@user-mp3fj6xt9w]

I think taking time off before going to law school or grad school to experience the real world generally has it merits. You'd have to have to undergo paralegal training, too. The additional large amount of time and expense spent just for paralegal training may not be so worth it. You wouldn't make that much money working as a paralegal.

[@xj770HUN]

Well, if i go to university i will remember these tips. Even i go to mechanical engineer. I know not the same but i can find connections between the two.

[@op3129]

grades aren't nearly as important for mech engineers to determine life long earning potential. grades aren't UN-important for first job ... but first job doesn't close doors like it does for lawyers. (oddly, teachers in US continually need to cite GPA on application even after 20 yrs teaching)

[@xj770HUN]

@@op3129 Interesting thank you for the information! :D

[@op3129]

@@xj770HUN spouse went to a middling university. BUT he made the jump to "Big 6" tech consulting inside three years after graduating ... working with grads from MIT and Stanford. (I have MANY stories about those "credentialed" folks ...) that said, after 9/11, he applied to gov, wanting to help. at that point, he was 15 yrs out of college. IC won't even consider your application if overall GPA is under 3.0. not saying working for fed gov is your goal BUT ... every door shuts if your gpa falls below 3.0. and there's no way to fix that. and "keeping doors open" should be your goal. for IC (dunno about rest of gov) you also need AS A MINIMUM *_just for application to even be considered._* at least 3.3 gpa in your study field p.s. I never would have thought spouse would end up wanting to work for fed gov when we met, married, had kids 14 years before he did. keep doors open bc you can't know what's coming.

[@johnwrath3612]

This is probably sound advice but it overlooks a glaring flaw in the educational system. Only people who can afford to not have income (beyond a small stipend if you qualify) can afford to go for a year let alone 3 years without an income and while incurring massive debt: rich kids can afford the LSAT prep courses. Rich kids can afford the unpaid internships. Rich kids can afford to focus entirely on their studies without worrying about having an income. It’s a major barrier to entry for anyone who doesn’t have a family safety net. I’m currently living on a grad student stipend and if I didn’t have savings (I went back to grad school in my late 30’s), I would be homeless. Zero chance I could afford rent, gas and groceries on the stipend alone and I absolutely do not have the time or energy to hold a job on top of keeping up with work on my thesis. This may be sound advice for the way law school is now, but it would be nice if you mention how this way of doing law schools leads to dramatic disparities in who gets to become a lawyer. Poor people and people of color are much less likely to be able to afford being in law school.

[@blooblefwarden4432]

I think we learned legal eagle is a sugar baby

[@bigfoot984]

So, if you don’t work, how can you afford to eat or pay a phone bill?

[@thetruephoenixful]

So what can I do?

[@MEIZimm]

+1 person asking about prospects for "part time student with full time job?"

[@josephwolf7552]

I had a friend that was a paralegal while in law school

[@vishalkamath]

Was he working full time as a paralegal and a part time at law school? If so, what was his experience

[@aalegalfocus]

It's possible, especially if the person is in evening law school. I worked as a weekend legal assistant for a big firm. My career counselor didn't think it was a good idea but I did it for less than a year.

[@Dkural55]

Hey legal eagle ,I just finished my A levels and have not started my pathway to becoming a lawyer.What is the pathway to become a lawyer?What do I do to get into a law school ?If I finished law school successfully,will I hold a law degree or a Masters?

[@LegalEagle]

In the US, you would need to go to law school and get a JD. Then you would have to pass the state bar.

[@Dkural55]

So,I need to pursue a law degree In order to get into a law school?

[@teax508]

In the UK you have two main pathways to become a solicitor or a barrister. You can go to university and take law as an undergraduate degree, then you take the LLP to become a solicitor or the Bar Exam to become a barrister. If you choose to become a solicitor you have to find a two year training contract, if you choose to become a barrister you have to through pupillage. The second route is to take a different subject in university rather then law, then taking a GDL ( a graduate diploma in law) for 1 year full time or 2 year part time, then you go through the same process of finding a training contract or pupillage at an Inn. To make the process easier for you to become a lawyer make sure your course has LLB (Bachelor of Law) tagged at the end or infront. This means your course is credited by the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) and the Bar Board. This is what allows you to take your LLP or Bar Exam later. A simple honours (hons) degree means you have to fight to get your points credited every year. If these aren't for you then look into CILEx routes but people rarely take these routes.

[@teax508]

"The course fits approximately 18 months' worth of content from a three-year law degree into one year full time or two years part time. Each week you will have around 45 hours of lectures, tutorials, and self-study culminating in a three-hour final exam on each subject." Law conversion courses | Prospects.ac.uk Yes, I'm sure.

[@teax508]

People don't really care how you get your law degree. When I went on my internship my mentor and loads of other trainees/lawyers had a GDL, they weren't treated any different by their colleagues in the firm.

[@elysianfury]

"I've seen Marines break down from the stress..." I WANT TO GO!!!

[@turkeyherder9456]

We're not known for being smart 🤷‍♂️

[@nwplearning]

What about part time law school (night classes)?

[@MrPrez101]

That's great and all but I'd like to be able to eat and keep a roof over my head

[@stephenmiller5198]

Do you have any info on getting a 1L associate job, or another 1L summer paying job.

[@LegalEagle]

I've interviewed and hired more summer associates than I can count. I should do a video on that...

[@emilfilipov169]

What is 1L?

[@luisvelasco3449]

@@emilfilipov169 that's year 1 of law school.

[@Jolora1257]

I’m so conflicted right now. I have a job that has a potential to make 100,000 dollars. Is it even worth going to law school and lose this job?!?!

[@shangli8641]

probably not. Unless you think that you would get into at least T14 and do well in law school. Really depends on your LSAT and grades right now. Also, only if you really want to become a lawyer.

[@aalegalfocus]

Probably not, unless you get into a top 5 law school and intend to work for a big law firm. Going to a mid- or low-ranked school is likely to result in less pay, or even no attorney job options, upon graduation. Wishing you the best!

[@user-mp3fj6xt9w]

Maybe you could continue to save up now and then go to law school later. Also, after you eventually went in and finished law school maybe you could have your current line of work as a backup again if needed.

[@triplenike2753]

You make me want to be a lawyer

[@caringlovetv6998]

It sounds easy but it is not.

[@AP-mn4os]

This really depends on the person. I did a full-time job 40 hours per week, whilst also completing full-time law school and did very well.

[@BillDaBurgerEater]

This is BS. Unless you went to a third tier law school, what you are saying is completely unrealistic.

[@AP-mn4os]

Cool story. Maybe for you it is. Working/studying 60 - 80 hours a week isn't difficult. It just takes commitment. Have you even been to law school?

[@MrCaptainTea]

@@AP-mn4os That's a lie. Unless you were in the middle of your class

[@AP-mn4os]

Funny - i don't think you were in my class. Maybe you're just lazy? Or talking from a position of no actual experience like most people.

[@MoiMagnus1er]

@QuadraxisTheGreat You know, some people are just more gifted than other. I'm not in the law domain, but in science, being gifted enough is easily 30h/week of work you don't need to do. @A P. Working/studying 60-80 hours is already kind of difficult, particularly if you don't have the mental discipline to not break under the pressure. But the most difficult part is to manage to work/study 60-80 while still being efficient at it. I'm glad you succeed, but know that most people are not able to keep up with you (even if they were motivated enough to try).

[@pipersecretp3]

Or.... you can take on a job where you can study at work. #JustThoughts

[@emilfilipov169]

Nah.. Either work or study.. So you either work and don't study. Or you study but don't work and then bitch about 200k debt that you consciously took :-D #Logic

[@ly733]

Thank you for always sharing realistic advices. I have a question as someone who speaks English as a second language. I want to attend one of the top-tier law schools but I am worried that I will have an "extra difficult" time than other students whose mother tongue is English. I am well aware that law school is difficult for even students who speak flawless English. But I am just scared that my lack of English skill compared to other natives will prevent me from doing well in a law school. I just graduated from a pretty well known undergraduate school and during my stay there I wished that English is my first language whenever I felt stuck writing a paper. Also, I sometimes stutter when I present in front of many people because I feel nervous about my English. When you were in a law school, did you see students who speak English as their second language? May I ask if you remember how well they did in school?

[@ly733]

By the way did you attend UCLA? I thought I saw a UCLA cap on your video thumbnail for 5 things to buys.

[@LegalEagle]

I did go to UCLA. Go Bruins! There were students who had english as their second language. I don't know how they did grade-wise, but it did seem to be a little more difficult for them. More important though is their writing skills. Based on your comment, your english writing skills seem to be pretty good. Law school exams don't require flowery language, quite the contrary. They require short logical sentences. So if you type fast and write well, you might do fine (and might have an advantage). An alternative route is to get a law degree in another country and then get an LLM from a US law school.

[@ly733]

LegalEagle Thank you for your reply! I went to UCLA undergraduate and I am hoping that I will get into UCLA law!