Law School Discussion

Serious question - what is the general per-credit-hour tuition at a DL Law School?

So here's my situation.  I just started a new job after separating from the military.  It's a great position, solid pay and a really awesome organization, I am psyched about the opportunity and looking forward to working there.

I think this can be handled by being honest - that is how I handled it with my company (Fortune 500).  I spoke openly with my manager and let him know some key things: (1) i love my job and do not intend to just walk away, (2) not going to LS b/c I want to leave my job or company, want to expand my role and take advantages of opportunities within the company, and (3) LS will not interfere with work (and it didn't).  Followed up with a direct "do you have a problem with me doing this?"  I got support from my management and tuiition reimbursement - which required my manager's approval prior to taking the classes.

It obviously helps to have a good relationship with your manager and to have his support for when HIS managers start asking questions.

I think it's the right decision, but part of me is (perhaps unreasonably) worried about the stigma of "transferring down."

Right or wrong, you will, in large part, be judged by the school you went to when it comes to getting interviews.  It is not unreasonable to weigh this element.

Did you attend law school?

That is the basis of my opinion.  Graduated in top 20% of my class and passed bar.  Little meaningful opportunities that were not big steps backward careerwise and financially.  If I had to do it over again I would not go to LS and would have invested the time and money elsewhere - especially considering that I was/am in a great career I love doing well financially.

If life as an attorney does not bode well for me, the combination of a law degree and my professional experience will open doors for me and possibly advance my career.

I was in a similar boat (age and careerwise) and am generally a voice against doing this.  The reality is that there are not jobs out there for people like us, and the ones that are will pay <50% of what you are making now.  Law firms want young energetic associates from higher-ranked schools that they can groom and work to death.  They are not looking for older folks with opinions, personal lives, and other interests outside of work (please do not argue "but that's age discrimination," there are 50 other reasons they will have for not hiring you over the young gun). 

Having been in a sucessful career, are you REALLY willing to start out at the bottom competing against people half your age who professionally have a significant advantage over you?  You have a well paying career that you like - why try to play the bonus round or hit the reset button on a flyer?  Why not focus on something specific to your career that will help advance it?  An MBA perhaps?  Special training/certification?

Regarding the above quote, you have to ask yourself WHAT doors will be opened?  HOW? How do you KNOW they will be opened?  POSSIBLY advance your career?  3 years and $80K is a heck of a gamble on that.  HOW will your career be advanced?  Will your career opportunities best be advanced with a JD or is there a better alternative?

A J.D. does not magically open career doors and bring people running to you with new and wonderful opportunities - especially if it is from a T3 and T4 and with the glut of attorneys out there.  I would SERIOUSLY rethink this and get solid answers to these questions. 

I'm not trying to be harsh or a jerk - just presenting an unvarnished perspective that you should consider so you do not waste significant time and capital on a fruitless venture.