Expert: Michael Troy - 5/19/2002

Question
Hey Michael

Michael my question has do with with Law School. I am a high school student highly consitering going to Law Scool to become a Lawyer.

I'm wondering what it's like in law school, the process, studying, and the bar exam.

Thanx";  

Answer
Hi Brandon,

Law school is quite difficult, but is also a very interesting intellectual experience.  You have to get very good at reading rather old and boring cases and extremely vague or incomprehensibly written laws.  That said, I found law school to be a wonderful intellectual experience and found many elements of my practice enjoyable.

If you are still in High School, keep your options open.  Don't do a pre-law major in college.  Not only is it relatively useless, but Law School Admission Boards look down on it.  You can take something that might relate to yoru practice like Engineering, Economics, Political Science, or Accounting (depending on what area of law interest you).  Or take something completely off the wall.  Law Schools want a diverse background.  A major that stands out interests them.  Just make sure it is a challenging major and not one notorious for easy A's.

After law school, the bar exam was relativly easy.  I just spent a few weeks taking practice tests and then took the exam.  Of course, some states are harder than others.

I don't want to discourage you, but be very sure you want to be a lawyer before spending all that time and money.  The majority of Law School graduates, including me, are not practicing law within seven years of graduation.

I hope this helps!
- Mike