I can’t even begin to tell you how many versions of this question I’ve been asked. From the time I decided to apply, to when I heard back from the schools, to my entire decision process, and to now – when I’ve actually started at Hastings.
A lot of my classmates have always known they were going to be lawyers. This was determined by a poll in one of the many workshops and seminars I attended during day two of orientation today. But me? I never thought I was going to be a lawyer. I didn’t attend UCLA with the specific mindset of taking courses and meeting professors that would funnel me toward a law-minded path.
But, I did meet one Professor Gorin at UCLA who teaches a class by the name of “Speech and the Courtroom” (or something close to that) and who is also a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. He saw something in me that convinced him to ask me to be his Teaching Assistant after I passed his class (with an A of course, duh!) and his awesome stories of crazy clients and stressful court dates really sucked me in.
Being a lawyer seemed dynamic, challenging, and fun. I like fun.
Then I graduated UCLA and Craigslist supplied me with an e-discovery litigation consulting job, and I was gainfully employed! Only a week after moving home in June of 2009! In a legal industry-related job! I know, I was super lucky.
Without ever really pursuing law, it seemed as if I was always heading there.
So now, when people ask me, “Why are you going to law school?”
I reply,
“Because I want to.”
I think law school is going to be really good for me. The people I’ve already met in the last two days, the stories I’ve heard from faculty and practicing lawyers, and a slight tension in the air that I’m sure will only increase once school official starts Monday – all these things excite me more than scare me.
If you’re thinking of law school, go for it. Yes, it’s a huge commitment, but you don’t have to be rock solid in your conviction to be a lawyer to go. Law school is a great melting pot of successful and smart people, and if nothing else, you’ll get out with a great understanding of the law and an awesome network. Use that J.D. for something else if you don’t end up wanting to be a lawyer.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to my first law school social event. La Raza, a Hastings club, is throwing a fundraiser at a bar pretty close to campus tonight and I shall be there.
xoxo,
Jenn
P.S. Sorry if my blog has been hijacked, and will probably continue to be hijacked, by all my law school musings. This blog is about my life after all and it looks like my life will = law school in the near future.
gamesfemme
/ September 2, 2011I’m a PhD student in Humanities and I often get asked the same types of questions about why I went on to pursue another (multi-year) degree. But like you, I just sort of ‘fell’ into it.
Wishing you continued success on your professional journey!
Jennifer K.
/ September 2, 2011I thought long and hard about pursuing an advanced degree in Literature or English, but ultimately went with law. What’s your area of study?
oandzscientific
/ September 3, 2011I have had people telll me I should be a lawyer ffor my whole life. It would useualy be after an argumentative discusion, and I’m not sure it was meant as a compliment most times. The truth is I love the law, I love the precision I love the implied justice. Mostly I love that It’s a conduit for public change. It’s also a really hard thing to get to be….that’s where my trolly left the tracks. It sounds like thats how you fell into it… as a natural progression of hard work and dscipline. Thats a pretty impressive sence of direction you have there. I’ll bet your folks are proud !
gamesfemme
/ September 3, 2011French history. Ironically, I look at legal cases from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries all the time
Cathy
/ September 2, 2011I agree. If you think it’s what you really want then go for it. If while in the middle of it you realize that it wasn’t for you then at least you tried. And that’s so much better than not trying at all
Jennifer K.
/ September 2, 2011Totally my thoughts too. If I drop out of law school (or yikes, FAIL out), you know what, no big deal. Except for the tens of thousands of dollars of debt, but no big deal right? Haha…
MannieEsq
/ September 5, 2011The thousands of dollars of student loan debt are no joke so I wouldn’t recommend law school if you’re not sure. But it’s worth it if you’re able to complete your J.D., pass the bar and land a job that you love after graduating.
I definitely wasn’t planning to go to law school but I’m very glad I did. Best of luck to you!
Funny Southern Style
/ September 2, 2011Jenn,
“Because I want to!”
This is the best response I’ve heard. I feel like I need to justify myself when I don’t.
Good luck in law school.
I’m a comedian and I had the notion a couple weeks ago to med school which is funny because I don’t like math, science, or touching people.
Have fun in this venture!!!!
“Because I want to…” I’m using that one.
Blessings,
Charlie McCoin
http://www.charliemccoin.com
tshirstscholar.wordpress.com
charliemccoin.wordpress.com
Jennifer K.
/ September 2, 2011Exactly! I feel like I need some epic, awe-inducing answer to justify my decision to go to law school, but sometimes it’s just a confluence of factors. I’ll either be a lawyer or I won’t. And if I do become a lawyer, it’ll be because I wanted to.
Are you going to start applying to med school? That’s insane!
Funny Southern Style
/ September 3, 2011I going to see if the desire is with me 6 months from now. I’m at the tail end of my masters in communication. I’ll be almost finished in 6 months. If that desire is still there I may explore it.
Keep on keeping on! I’m excited for you journey.
Blessings,
Charlie
Mikalee Byerman
/ September 2, 2011Congratulations! This will undoubtedly open incredible doors for you — congrats on being brave!
I recently went through an epic court battle (well, to me it was epic). It was my first ever experience, and I had a great lawyer who is also a personal friend who allowed me to do much of the writing of the briefs. It was an amazing experience. As a writer, I’m in love with the written word — and considering part of the case pertained to my ex trying to stop my blog (and yes, I blogged about this…), and considering I’m the proud mother of said blog, he said I was probably the best person to lay out the case. He guided and advised and made sure all the details were in place. But it was an amazing experience, and I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you it made me contemplate a mid-life career change!
And BTW, “Because I want to” is probably the best reason I’ve ever heard to attend law school. Best of luck to you!
Jennifer K.
/ September 2, 2011Oh gosh, court battles are always insane. I have a best friend who’s been going through a child custody fight and I only wish I knew enough law to help her. Sounds like you got to call the shots though in your case.
“Because I want to” is kind of my standard answer to anything I don’t really have an answer to.
jcemmanuel
/ September 2, 2011Hi – I have had several experiences in the Courtroom and being an attorney and been very successful – and after all my years I have only one statement to make about the whole system, meaning judges, attorney’s,courtroom drama – and that is, attorney’s are paid liars!
Jennifer K.
/ September 2, 2011Oh no! I was thinking that that’s the path I wanted to take, maybe work at the DA’s office etc. or be a trial attorney, but my one fear was that I would have to twist and slither through the truth to present cases. I sincerely hope this isn’t the case!
Heidi Meinzer
/ September 4, 2011You seem to be a person who knows what she wants, and if you want to do courtroom work, go for it. After I finished law school, I served as a public defender for six years. I was incredibly lucky that the public defender’s office had a phenomenal reputation, that the prosecutors we were up against were professional and that the court was eternally grateful for our presence. It was a great experience that I would not trade for the world.
I’ve been with a firm for a little over five years now. I do very little criminal defense, more civil litigation, and more and more, I’m getting into animal law and working with pet owners and companies in the pet care industry.
I do not buy into the idea that all attorneys are paid liars. Attorneys are supposed to adhere to a high standard of ethics. Some do and some don’t. As with all walks of life, some are good (professional, competent, and ethical) and some are bad (unprofessional, incompetent, and/or unethical).
By the way, I went to law school because I saw it as the best vehicle to help people. And I also never would have guessed I’d be a lawyer! I agree that a law degree, if nothing else, really helps you figure out how things work, and how to make things work even better. More power to you!
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011I’m glad you loved your public defender experience. That’s a very real possible career choice for me and it’s reassuring to hear that it can be a fulfilling job. How was your work/life balance during that time? I’m thinking ahead to when I might want to start a family etc.
jcemmanuel
/ September 19, 2011I don’t want to discourage you about being an attorney, because ultimately at the end of the day, we all make our own beds and have to lie in them. But, the law cannot fix every problem out there – that is the reality of life. I have been in animal law, family and civil – and each one of them have broken my heart. In animal law – the animals lose at the end of the day, in family the children and civil everyone loses – simply because people become to selfish and self absorbed to deal with the reality of a situation and see into the future and see what would best fit those animals, children etc in the future.
From my experience it should be made a law, that people should first deal with their broken hearts and hurt feelings before they enter a court room
matheen
/ September 2, 2011I wonder always, why sometimes law is essential and mostly litigants.
beginswithm
/ September 2, 2011I think I liked telling people about law school more than I liked being there. Haha. Good luck to you, though. I didn’t go expecting to be a lawyer, but I knew the knowledge (and discipline) would really help in whatever I discovered I wanted to do afterward.
Jennifer K.
/ September 2, 2011Well I already like law school more than working as an e-discovery litigation consultant, so that’s a plus. Did you end up becoming a lawyer?
Andreas Moser
/ September 2, 2011I studied law in Germany (University of Regensburg) and then practiced as a lawyer for 7 years. Now I am on sabbatical to discover the world, take it easy and study philosophy and economics.
Even though I don’t work as a lawyer any more, I value and use many of the talents that law school has taught me or strengthened in me: logical thinking, an analytical approach to everything, debating skills, being able to read a lot and sort and digest the information, writing skills, self-esteem.
Jennifer K.
/ September 2, 2011Did you practice in Germany? Where are you planning on traveling to?
c2law
/ September 2, 2011Jenn, for me law school was a means to an end. I wanted to find work that I would do, even if I didn’t get paid to do it. I’m a fifth generation lawyer. I think my dad would’ve done it for free from day one. It’s taken me 13 years (since law school) to get there. Today.
http://c2law.wordpress.com/2011/09/02/a-reflective-moment/
Jennifer K.
/ September 2, 2011I hope that I can say the same about being a lawyer one day. I left a comment on the post you wrote today.
By the way, whoever took your headshot in that picture in your right sidebar is awesome. That’s a really great picture!
Jackie Paulson Author
/ September 2, 2011I admire that you are doing what I want to do. I tell my friends that if I won the lotto I would go to law school. I have a Paralegal Degree and wish to be a lawyer. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Jennifer K.
/ September 2, 2011Oops, responded to the other comment before I saw this one. What’s a paralegal degree?
ofthehighest
/ September 2, 2011If your going to be a lawyer, be an honest one. There is nothing worse than a lawyer or judge that does not truly respect the law. You may want to read my blog “A Movie Everyone Should See.” And yes, watch the movie.
All the best to you. One young graduate from law school in Alaska told me (a young woman), that the only way to scare a corrupt politician is to go for his money. And she also told me, “Never take the actions of a wolf to a pack of wolves.”
Jennifer K.
/ September 2, 2011I would hope to be an honest lawyer, if I do indeed become one. And if I get a chance, in between trying to stuff my head full of cases on Contracts, Property and Torts, I will definitely check out “The Jack Bull.” I love John Cusack.
ofthehighest
/ September 2, 2011I mean, “Never take a complaint about the actions of a wolf to a pack of wolves.”
Anita Mac
/ September 2, 2011Wow – what a great answer: because I want to! Inspiring. Philosophical. Brilliant. Good luck and enjoy. Always learning keeps us growing.
thiet ke noi that dep
/ September 3, 2011Right. Learning keeps us growing and got more knowledge.
dootsiez
/ September 2, 2011Saw this on Freshly Pressed and had to smile. I am finishing up my last semester of law school.
Why law school? To be challenged, to be surrounded by the brightest of your generation, to debate, to discuss, to analyse, to defend, to pursue.
If that’s your thing, be a lawyer.
Jennifer K.
/ September 3, 2011I might have to steal that quote.
What are you doing now/how was your law school experience?
gaycarboys
/ September 2, 2011Who knows where your degree will lead. A solicitor friend of mine gave it all up after 10 years to farm Alpacas. Who knew? Good luck with the study:)
lifewellblended
/ September 2, 2011I am a lawyer, a prosecutor. I practiced in a private civil litigation firm and now work for a government agency. I have to say that I love my job. Once I made the decision to become a lawyer, after an unfulfilling career in the entertainment industry, I knew that the kind of work I wanted to do was something for the public good. I think I found it. I hope you find a job in the law that you like. The good news is that you can pursue all kinds of practice areas, and you will learn an incredible amount in law school. Have fun and enjoy this experience. Good luck.
Jennifer K.
/ September 3, 2011How’s the work/life balance with working for a government agency? Is it better than when you worked in entertainment? I took a quick peek at your blog and it looks like you juggle kids, a family and a career etc etc. which is exactly what I hope for in the next 10 years or so. I love your “50 before 50″ page by the way.
treithioblog
/ September 2, 2011The more I go through life, the more I understand that the things that usually work out for the best are the things that you fall into and don’t actively force. I wish you all the best!
ismail3636
/ September 3, 2011http://www.evdenevenakliyatci.name
Amos Imanzi
/ September 3, 2011it is funny how similar stories arise. i too got to go to law school even before i thought about it. in uganda where i come from the style of teaching does not require you to train in a field before pursuing a carrier in it. so i got out of high school and as you said law is fun and i can not swap it for anything
Break The Norms
/ September 3, 2011If you think really want to do this then go for it. Best of luck
Adriana talks to you
/ September 3, 2011I can so relate to this! a.k.a. i´m another lawyer-to-be
)
Karmen D.
/ September 3, 2011I’m a double major student (sociology and Croatian language/literature) and I often get the same sorts of questions – why this and why double major. Not to mention, studying Croatian is said to be (and as it turned out really is) pretty difficult and I get reminded of it a lot. And my reply is just like yours. I want to study it, I love it, I wanted it for years and I’m gonna get my degree no matter how hard it is.
Jennifer K.
/ September 3, 2011Croatian!? Oh my goodness. Wow. Keep going strong!
Cindy
/ September 3, 2011Great question and great answer… I feel the same way about going into Nursing school this semester! Rage on
bergiepowers
/ September 3, 2011Love the ‘because I want to,’ reply!
Mikhail
/ September 3, 2011I can totally relate to you but on a different plane.
Why med school?
westwood
/ September 3, 2011I’d like to see this monologue revisited this time next year
Melissa Gastorf
/ September 3, 2011I hated the version of that question I used to get for why I wanted to go to medical school. I used to answer, “Because I always wanted to marry a doctor, so I thought that would be a good place to meet one.” It was great for the looks of horror I used to get. Which is even funnier because I met my husband there, and ended up marrying a doctor, though that was not even the reason I went. However, because I want to is a great answer as well.
Jennifer K.
/ September 3, 2011That is hilarious! Yea, it’s annoying to feel like I have to justify why I’m doing something, especially when I’m not entirely sure right now.
MaiBao
/ September 3, 2011One of my closest friends just graduated from Boston University of Law this past June. I flew to the east coast to see her graduation. After meeting most of her law school friends and classmates, I found that 90% of them went into law school because they wanted to make “lots of money” and be “rich,” as they said. I thought this was the dumbest reason to choose a career. Money will motivate you, will you be happy at your job in the long run? But I like your answer: Because I want to. Do what you like to do and what you want to do. Good luck on your endeavors.
The Straight and Uneven
/ September 3, 2011Hey Jenn! So glad I saw your post! The thought of law school just recently entered my head and I’m thinking about going for it-in the back of my mind, I’ve always wanted to be a human rights lawyer but the idea of law school scared me, so in my head I replaced law school with a public policy or master’s in international relations route, but your entry is another sign (to me, however silly it sounds) to go for it
Good luck to you!
Jennifer K.
/ September 3, 2011Thank you! I say go for it. You can always drop out if it’s not right for you. One year or one semester of law school knowledge is better than none at all. And you’ll know at that point for sure that you were meant for something else.
I totally believe in signs by the way! I think it’s the universe talking to me, however weird that sounds.
ceciliag
/ September 3, 2011Well you have sure been kept busy answering all these lovely comments. All i know for sure about law is that you have to LOVE to read! And I guess you do.. Sometimes you will have to dodge and slither but do it with style and grace as you search for that seam of truth.. good luck and have a wonderful life! c
chuckcotton
/ September 3, 2011congrats on making the decision – good luck
thenakedlistener
/ September 3, 2011Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed. I am a non-practising lawyer, trained in English and Hong Kong law. People ask me why I did NOT become a lawyer (either solicitor or barrister), but instead became a printbroker and financial printer. My grandmother’s brother left the 100-year-old business to me, which is as good a reason as any. Before printing, I was in publishing for 30 years, which is also as good a reason as any not to go into law.
Jennifer K.
/ September 3, 2011Wow, 100-year-old business. That’s amazing!
thenakedlistener
/ September 4, 2011Ahhhh, hundred year old, schmundred year old. That’s peanuts. It’s the 197-year-old writing desk I’m writing this from – now THAT’s amazing.
lizpurdy
/ September 3, 2011I love that this appeared on Freshly Pressed just days after I’ve arrived home from a year of volunteer service and I’ve gotten nothing but the question of what I’m doing with my life. Law school has been in the back of my mind for years and these first few days back, I’ve even looked up LSAT test dates… maybe, just maybe! Thanks for your candid thoughts on being a law student.
Jennifer K.
/ September 3, 2011I wish you the best with your decision! It’s definitely a big commitment, but you can always drop out… that’s what I tell myself at least
Chloe
/ September 3, 2011I get the same question time and time again about my undergraduate degree, but I have been pursuing this for a long time so I do not get it. It probably has to do with money, people don’t understand low or no money careers.
zacharycloud
/ September 3, 2011I wish you the best of luck! I pray you’ll steer clear of the bitterness that currently pervades our profession.
Patricia DeWit
/ September 3, 2011“Because I want to”… what a great answer. If more people could actually do what they love, well… I think we all know what the result would be. Best of luck for a new school year!
Melody D.
/ September 3, 2011I’m getting my degree in English at Eastern Illinois University. I’ve always thought of becoming a lawyer, but never thought I would have the guts. What characteristics do you think a person has to have to become a lawyer? This post was really interesting.
Jennifer K.
/ September 3, 2011You know what, I’ve asked myself that same question so many times before and I don’t really have a good answer for you. From all the new people I’ve met so far, it seems as if we’re a diverse bunch with a lot of different stories and backgrounds. I majored in English and Communications at UCLA and thought it was a good mix even if it didn’t directly prep me for law school. If you’re interested in law, go for it. I think it helps to be good with people and pretty social as well as quick to learn.
myschoolfinder
/ September 3, 2011Jennifer, your conviction and passion are infectious. “Because I want to!” Thank you for being an inspiration
akda
/ September 3, 2011Wow. I was just thinking of applying for Law School then I bumped here from Freshly Pressed. Thanks, and I will go to Law School as well ‘because I want to…’
Really, thank you!
Jennifer K.
/ September 3, 2011Reading your comment made me so happy. I wish you the best and let me know if you ever have any questions that I can help with!
Abigail
/ September 3, 2011A year ago, I was a second year nursing student looking at starting my first week of clinicals on OB this upcoming Thursday. Last February, I failed out two and a half months before graduation (and probably the first student not to fail out because of grades that late in the year). So I turned around and decided to become a teacher instead.
On Monday, I move into my new school. So this is coming at the perfect time. I haven’t exactly fallen into going to school to be a teacher, but I have taken a lot of teaching and tutoring positions as far as jobs and volunteer work. And, after all, teaching is fun.
Perhaps I’ll have to use your line next time if anyone gives me a hard time.
Jennifer K.
/ September 3, 2011Your courage is really an inspiration. I always worry about what I’ll do if I figure out, a year or so from now, that law school really isn’t for me or I find that I’m just horrible at it and fail out. But you turned right around and decided on a different path. That’s amazing. I hope I can be as optimistic and driven.
Jimmy
/ September 3, 2011When you’re outlining ConLaw at the end of your first semester; remember your answer. It’s a grand time; tense, but, for most of us, the last bit of time without real responsibility. The further I get away from law school (and school in general), the more I think about the education being the end in itself. Breathe deeply and enjoy. Preparing for a test or an interview is way better than prepping for court.
Christopher
/ September 3, 2011Congrats on “Freshly Pressed,” Jennifer! I felt compelled to comment considering the fact that I am a Hastings drop-out!
I was there in 2003 and genuinely enjoyed it: I had Marcus for Civ Pro, which was a blast. However, I had a greater passion: making films. So I left just shy of my first year and am now doing what I love on a much deeper level.
Blessings to you and I sure hope you enjoy and succeed at Hastings…
Christopher
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011I was wondering whether there were any Hastings dropouts out there and am so glad you commented! I’m supposed to have Marcus for Civ Pro next semester so definitely good to hear that he’s a fun professor. I admire your courage to go after what you really love. Good luck and all the best to you!
garrsen
/ September 3, 2011You go girl!
It is important to follow what you are passionate about.
justanotherwakeupcall
/ September 3, 2011people always ask u why u’re doing what u’re doing? At 18 i thought i did the things i did because i was born to do them but now with age and wisdom i believe things happen, sometimes one literally stumbles upon their lifecalling … its important to just keep trying new things! who knows what fits?
ijacy
/ September 4, 2011Hey, I’m from Australia and I really want to study law. I probably won’t be accepted into any of the prestigious universities in Australia for law because the requirements for entry are so high. I will most likely do a communications degree instead and try to transfer into a combined degree (with law) later. Reading your post though made me consider studying law in the USA after I complete a degree in Australia. I was wondering if you could explain how people are accepted into Law School in the USA and an approximation of the fees? Thanks
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011Well, I’m by no means an expert on this, but in the US we have to take an exam called the LSAT before applying for law school. Applications are generally pretty much the same – you submit a general application, an essay, your LSAT score etc. I think most applicants use the LSAC.org website to apply. Tuition runs anywhere from around $30,000 to probably $45,000. I hope this helps!
ijacy
/ September 5, 2011Thanks. Great info
Nida
/ September 4, 2011I had Professor Gorin, he’s so awesome!
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011Isn’t he? He always has the best stories.
cantabarrister
/ September 4, 2011I also went to law school despite never having had a long running desire to be a lawyer. It sounds like you’ve started to develop a passion for it though, which is good. Do you intend to practise criminal law?
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011I’m not quite sure yet, but criminal law is definitely an area of interest.
littlenavyfish
/ September 4, 2011I’m about to start the second year of my History degree and I get asked the “why?” question all the time, normally swiftly followed by “so what are you going to do with a history degree?” Sometimes it makes me want to bang my head against the nearest wall – probably because I don’t really know what I’m going to do with it, but it just feels like a good thing to be doing at the moment. Good luck with law school
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011Completely understand how you feel. >.<
Emilya Burd
/ September 4, 2011Jennifer, hello, from a 2011 UCLA Graduate, and I finished off the year with Gorin’s Speech and Law class too
. He’s an inspiration for sure–I don’t know if you’re aware–there are budget cuts in the Communications class that he VOLUNTEERED to teach this class in the spring quarter.
PS–Go UC HASTINGS! My parents are all for me to go to UC Hastings or Santa Clara Uni (I’m from Sunnyvale, California).
GO JEN! Mainly, I love your justification–and I Just realized–I don’t have to listen to the friends who tell me not to do it–I Want to, my parents support me, I had inspiring professors (Gorin), and that’s in the end, what matters.
It’s an inspiration when I’m going through the LSAT studying =).
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011Are you serious?! I can’t believe Dmitry volunteered – well I can because he’s such an amazing person, but wow. I’m really impressed and will shoot him an email about this right after I respond to this comment!
Come to Hastings! I know I’ve only been here for two weeks, but the faculty really seem very supportive and the students are wonderfully diverse and interesting. Good luck with the LSAT!
Emilya Burd
/ September 5, 2011Yes, and he replied back saying the blog was a reminder to him as well why he continues to do it
Thank you, yes, taking one step at a time. Glad that you’re surviving 1L, my friends are just telling me how hard 1L is. Of course, continue to update this blog!
c & s W
/ September 4, 2011Love the idealism in this post. Law school is a great thing to do just because you want to. So far, it was my favorite part of my “legal career”. And I love that this post appears as the almost natural counter to a Freshly Pressed post of my own a few days ago (about how 3 years into my career at a law firm, sometimes, many times, I’d rather be doing something else).
http://claireandstevedownunder.wordpress.com/2011/08/08/10-reasons-why-i-should-quit-my-day-job-and-become-a-full-time-cook/
Best of luck. cheers!
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011That’s what I fear about having a career in law – waking up, dreading my job, and not finding it to be purposeful work. I know I’m pretty idealistic and I hope that survives law school/becoming a lawyer, but I think if I find work as a lawyer horrible, I’ll have the courage to just quit and start over.
P.S. You become a full time cook and I’ll become a full time writer. Deal?
Steven L. Goff
/ September 4, 2011I figure all of the lawyers can eventually sue each other towards the end of this current litigious society. Good luck!
Eventual and inevitable > Litigation gridlock!
And if America ever goes full out Communist > The LAWYERS are the first ones who get strung up!….just sayin’
SAT word of the day > barratry
*the offense of frequently stirring up lawsuits or quarrels; also, in maritime
law, fraud or gross criminal negligence by a captain or crew at the expense of a ship’s owner or of the owner of a ship’s cargo.
markbrajnikoff
/ September 4, 2011Dear Mr. Goff: Will you accept service of process voluntarily? Actually, everyone complains about attorneys until they have a problem. Then attorneys are the first ones they call. Its just a sign of the times.
leadinglight
/ September 4, 2011“I wanted to find work that I would do, even if I didn’t get paid to do it” – exactly why I studied Publishing. It was a goal I had since I was six. I’m at the entry level now having experience with a couple of publications. If I wanted a job that was paid well, I would’ve been a lawyer :p
Ted
/ September 4, 2011I go to law school at Oxford, couldn’t recommend it more. Remember to network as much as possible, as soon as possible. It’s the best way to gain advice about how to work your way through, and how to land a job at the end if you want to. We get wined and dined by law firms, I’ve no idea if your school will be the same, but try and find out!
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011“Wined and dined”!? I haven’t heard that so far at Hastings, but a girl can hope. Thanks for the tip, I’ve heard the “networking” word tossed about pretty often as well so I’m getting on it!
evocative embrace
/ September 4, 2011after a long journey…filled with detours and abrupt stops…i find myself on the path to law school…becasue I want to : )
Matt
/ September 4, 2011People don’t realize the pressure that comes with studying, let alone practicing law. I wish you luck. Congrats on getting ‘pressed’!
I Made You A Mixtape
/ September 4, 2011Lawyers seem to get a bad rap nowadays. But it is a very powerful profession. You can do a lot of good and also change the world. A friend of mine works in LA as a public defender. Tough, tough job but he says can be also very rewarding.
naumountaingirl
/ September 4, 2011I’m also starting to realize that I may be headed for law school! It wasn’t where I intended to end up, but you can’t help where your passion lies.
evolutionary road
/ September 4, 2011Funny,i asked myself that question a lot but I’m not sure I’ll go now,feeling too old for it although you never know where life takes you. I think it’s great that you are going and giving it a chance,there will be hard times but please tell me a place where there isn’t hard times?
Have fun!
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011Thanks! I don’t think you can ever be too old for anything. I believe there’s a 55-year-old first-year student at Hastings in my incoming class.
Riazi Snaps
/ September 4, 2011My college roommate just graduated from Hastings and loved it! Good luck!
Bakbakee
/ September 4, 2011In law school. Have had the same question asked. Truth is: I always wanted to have a way with words. Since I decided not to pursue journalism, I figured law is the way to go. One can save one’s whatever- you- want- to- call- it while putting another’s in trouble.
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011Laurean Vincent
/ September 4, 2011If it’s one thing I was always grateful for, was that I pursued the degree that I wanted to pursue – my Marketing Degree. Despite urging from others on different paths, I knew that my degree choice was the only thing I could single-handedly choose that would reflect who I am as a person. I have been thankful ever since for sticking to my guns. Good luck to you!
brdlight
/ September 4, 2011I am so jealous that you study what you like! I wish I was. Good luck and keep doing what you are doing ^^
hubzbubz
/ September 4, 2011I was so surprised not one of the commenters was a scam-blogger. (If you don’t know what that means, maybe it’s best I don’t explain). Only because I’m planning on attending law school myself next year, and pretty much any information you find on the web about law school has naysayers screaming about how no one should go.
I commend you for following your desires, and wish you the best. But I’m just wondering, did you ever question the financial aspect of your decision, considering how awful everyone says the legal job market is now?
Jennifer K.
/ September 4, 2011Yea…I’ve definitely heard many people (lawyers especially, which is sad) who say that going to law school is a terrible decision etc etc. But doing anything is a risk, and I didn’t want to continue working at the e-discovery litigation consulting firm I was at, so it was a calculated risk. The financial aspect of my decision was made a little more bearable by the fact that Hastings was pretty generous with financial aid/scholarship money so I don’t feel like I’ll be as deep in the hole as many other students.
As for how awful the legal job market is, there’s no denying that. I’ve heard a few faculty and other people speak at Hastings about it and the general consensus on their part is that the legal industry follows business’ ups and downs. And in 2014 when I graduate, hopefully the market won’t be quite as bleak as it is now seeing as how there are some signs of recovery. I’m just glad I’m not job-hunting right now.
Rebecca Carney
/ September 4, 2011“Because I want to.” Good answer.
Sarah M. Langdon
/ September 4, 2011My major in undergrad (Visual Communications) is far from typical and I often get asked why I chose that path. I’ve always believed that as long as you follow what you love, you’ll find success. Congrats on discovering an unexpected passion (those are the best kinds!) and good luck on your new adventure!
KeyonRMitchell
/ September 4, 2011Great post. I enjoyed reading. I get a lot of questions about why I want to attend medical school as well, and kinda like you-my life seems to be leading me in that direction. Im excited about the journey and motivated by the goal of making a difference in people’s lives.
markbrajnikoff
/ September 4, 2011Good luck with your decision. I attended law school from 1988 to 1992. It was the most demanding experience of my life. If you get through the first year….and that’s a big if…you will probably finish. In any event, it is the finest education available. A legal education is empowering and will effect the rest of your life whether you practice law or not. Its never a mistake to go to law school. Mark
kiwijenn
/ September 4, 2011“Because I want to” can be the only answer, really. I went to law school and then practiced as a litigator for 10 years before switching to a different aspect of the law. Law school is grueling but practice can be even more so. If you aren’t there because you want to be, you won’t last. Good on you! Looking forward to reading more about your adventures!
Spiritual Healing
/ September 5, 2011Do what ever you want to do, its your life and enjoy it… Best of luck for your future
Camille
/ September 5, 2011Well, it’s hardly off the beaten path, isn’t it? Law schools are turning out graduates in droves with the slow economy. Grad school is a good place to be while the economy simmers back to health.
M. Ray Arvand
/ September 5, 2011Everyone asks me the same question. They get the answer to their inquiry once we start arguing over politics.
Have fun in law school.
Sincerely,
M. Ray Arvand
thebigbookofdating
/ September 5, 2011I got distracted by your banner, its really awesome! (:
Jennifer K.
/ September 5, 2011Thanks, took the picture myself!
That Guy
/ September 5, 2011My wife entered law school 25 years ago. I know she had a few professors as an undergrad that cemented her desire to be a lawyer. I also know that she has never regretted the calling.
Congratulations, and good luck to you on your journey.
TeeJott
/ September 5, 2011“Because I want to” ???? This is one of the most unreflected answers that is imaginable to such a rather contentless question because either the question should be: Why do you want to becaome a lawyer? OR Why did you choose to got to this particular law school? Well. Whatever. But what does make the question seem bad lets the answer seem even much worse: No content whatsoever! OMG: “Because I want to”? This is obviously intended to be funny, I know that, but it is not. And this sums up, sadly, to a thoght and mind that will fit perfectly, perfectly (another 100 “perfectly”s) well into the world of streamlined lawyers that know the surface 100% but laugh at the idea that there might be a real foundation to the idea of law as a human achivement and treasure. Well, good luck, anyway. In my eyes the answer should have been: “Because I have the constitutional right to do so!” That MIGHT even have been funny AND with a certain content
A Constituational Lawyer (and Artist) from Germany P.S. Please read Hans Kelsen 
markbrajnikoff
/ September 10, 2011I understand your response given the fact that you practice law in a country that does not embrace the jury system. In Germany, a person’s liberty is limited to the potential bias of three judges, rather than a cross-section of the community. It emphasizes one of the differences between our countries, and the various motivations which inspire to higher education. Whether she has the sufficient intent to go to law school will be discovered around the time of mid-term examinations. She’ll either find the real reason for studying law or find something else to do.
thenakedlistener
/ September 10, 2011Yeah, I agree with you, Mark. The midterms tell all. In my day in law school, the entire year’s intake (full-timers, part-timers, distance learners, elective students, etc.) came to around 1,000 students. By Year 1 week 10, literally 500 got weeded out. In the run-up to the midterms, those who then discovered they’re not cut out for law (for whatever reason) simply walked away – and the midterms/programme gave those people the opportunity to cut their losses and run without any adverse records. So those who remained could reasonably be thought of as having roughly the right motivation – until the next round of weeding-out. The law’s a machine, out and out – just like any other field of study!
Jane Y. Lopez
/ September 5, 2011I completely understand.. I want my J.D/MBA and when I am asked why… I never had a “career” reason in mind. I always said.. “Because I want to.”
Good to see that I’m not alone.
Good luck with school!!
danfresnourban
/ September 5, 2011When I entered law school I felt that I was at a disadvantage because most of the other students had worked in the legal profession before. I came to the legal profession from the trucking business and they could not be more dissimilar. After a while I realized that I was at an advantage because I did not assume that I knew anything about the law. The paralegals usually dropped out after they found out that it was very different being a lawyer versus being a paralegal. I wish you the best in law school. You have to stay devoted and keep your nose to the grind stone for a while but it will be worth it.
Jack T Stud
/ September 6, 2011it seems that profession of lawyer is pretty much interesting…!
rakhikankane
/ September 8, 2011enjoyed reading
nice blog!
jackhenson
/ September 9, 2011Jenn,
Best of luck to you! As a recent college graduate myself, I also wrestled with the idea of law school. Ultimately, a lack of passion for a legal career and scary job prospects (or so I’ve heard) deterred me.
However, you seem quite smart and I see a bright future for you!
gaycarboys
/ September 9, 2011I think the college bit makes becoming a lawyer worthwhile.
Mrs. This One
/ September 10, 2011I love your post! Good for you, dear fellow Bruin. Wanting it is really all it takes.
-MTO
YoungNEducated
/ September 12, 2011Good luck with Law School, that degree will provide you with many opportunities!