Work Study?

[rozter]

Is it wise to accept a work study offer in my first year? I need the money, but don't want to diminish opportunities that might be available in my first summer.

[marista]

I don't think 1L's are allowed to work during the school year, including work study. Unless maybe it's a non-ABA school.

[rozter]

Well, it's an ABA acredited school and they've offered work study...

[jgruber]

I'd say it depends on how much of your time you want to give up.  I'm guessing that even a 1L will have time to spare.

[marista]

That's really weird. I went to a finaid infosession at an ABA school and they told us something like the ABA does not allow 1st year law students to work, even work study. I guess either they lied or your school is breaking the rules.

[Anti_Ivy]

That's really weird. I went to a finaid infosession at an ABA school and they told us something like the ABA does not allow 1st year law students to work, even work study. I guess either they lied or your school is breaking the rules.

Actually, marista, a full-time law student can work up to twenty hours/week.  However, most law schools frown on working in the first year.

[jgruber]

When they frown on you, get a picture and post it here.  I"ve always wanted to see what frowning on someone looked like.

[daynee]

That's really weird. I went to a finaid infosession at an ABA school and they told us something like the ABA does not allow 1st year law students to work, even work study. I guess either they lied or your school is breaking the rules.

If the ABA has rules regarding student employment, then it is probably sanctioned around the number of hours a student may work.  I doubt it is "forbidden," but, rather, discouraged.  I the school I hope to attend does consider it an Honor Code violation if a student works more than 20 hours per week, and they do not recommend than 1Ls work at all during the shcool year.  But less than that is okay, and I know of many students who participate in student employment/work stduies.  Work studies are addressed in the financial aid section of their website, and the following statement is included in their student handbook:

Full-time students may work no more than 20 hours per week. Violations of this requirement could result in an Honor Court violation. If in doubt, please check with the Dean's office.

[asugirliegirl]

I was offered work study at Northeastern, but the amount of money I would gain really wasn't worth the time I would spend working. I'd rather study and take out another loan.