I have a B.A. and M.A.; I was working as a teacher in NC but have recently moved to another state due to my husband’s PCS orders. I do not want to teach in this new state; it is a bit ridiculous with testing, requirements and teachers spend more money to get certified, than they will earn teaching. I have no problem with ensuring I am a viable candidate to teach; but this state crosses the line with their requirements and bureaucratic nonsense concerning the classroom. I am currently on the job hunt looking for a different career. I have had some intial interviews the past week, and am hoping I land second interview with these companies. However, if nothing pans out, I am considering a major career overhaul. I am just throwing around some options of what I might want to do; I have confirmed I am done with teaching. A few years of that was enough for me. I am considering possibly seeking a career in law.
Is it unrealistic to begin law school at 27-28 years old? At what age did you begin law school and when did you finish? Did you find that employment was relatively stable or do you recommend against it?
Update:Yes, the threat of my husband’s jobs has impeded my past employment. That is true. The military comes first, and I follow! :) Thankfully, this is his last duty station. He retires in less than 4 years.
Answers & Comments
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I'm a law student now, and I'd bet at least 1/2 my class took at least 1 or 2 years off after undergrad (I started when I was 24), and their are definitely a lot of people who started at age 26 or older. In the class a year ahead of mine their is a student who is in her mid-50's. Don't let your age deter you from starting law school.
Law school only takes 3 years (4 if you go part-time) and it can be a worthwhile investment. It opens up a lot of careers, not just practicing criminal or civil law either.
The average age of law students when I attended was 26. There were many of us who started law school in our 30s, after getting our Bachelor's and working a few years before starting grad school.
I graduated in 2006. Finding a job was challenging because the market for lawyers is saturated (so I've been told). I chose a job in a non-traditional legal setting...Risk Management for a large University System. The pay isn't what I could have had in the private sector, but the benefits and hours are MUCH nicer than I could have expected...8 to 5 M-F, weekends and holidays off, no call. And a nice pension. So, it's a trade off.
It would be hard to maintain a legal practice if you had to move around, though. Not sure what type of legal career you could have and sustain.
If you have the time to go to class, 27-28 is not too old at all. Not even close. I'd say you have a bit of an advantage over other students who go straight after undergrad because you've spent time working in the real world. Employment can be stable if you're good at what you do, but if you're moving because of your husband frequently that can make it tough.