Fall 2009 Law School?

Question

I am interested in going to law school but somewhat apprehensive because of my age. I just turned 28 and I feel like I am too old now. I planned on taking the LSAT December 2008 but will that be too late for the Fall 2009 semester? Any advice you can give is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

No, your age will be a huge advantage.  There are people in law school who don't know what they want, and are just a little young emotionally.  Your experience will help you.

Besides, you ought to see an average law school class--there are lots of people in their 30's and 40's who are finally going, or going after being a paralegal for a while, or doing a second career.  Don't even worry about your age, worry about your LSATs.  You'll have to find out where the LSATs are being given and then you can find out if you're too late for fall or if you'll have to wait until spring.  Don't forget to check out where LSATs are being given in nearby cities.  

If you do have to wait for the spring semester, (1) start reading already, and (2) go to the courthouses and listen to different departments--civil, criminal, probate, family, etc.  They're all really different.  Just tell the bailiff you're a law student and would like to sit in the gallery and listen and observe.  (You check in with the bailiff whenever you enter a courtroom.)  If you really love being in court, then family law will get you there far more frequently than civil.  

I decided to marry my husband after I snuck in and heard his oral argument one day.  I figured I'd be arguing with him for the next 40 years, and I wanted to make sure he was good.  Romantic, huh?

And if you're thinking about doing transactional law--well, it takes all kinds.

I know you worry about being 31 when you graduate--but how old will you be in 3 years if you don't graduate?   Go forth and litigate!  :-)

Answer 2

You are not too old. I did it, and I was 30. And I wasn't the oldest person in my class. However, December might be too late, as most law schools require the application to be in by early Feb. So check the schools that you want to apply for.

Also, don't expect to earn a ton of money coming out of school. Unless you know someone (like an uncle or parent) that has a law firm you can work for. Watch the old movie The Paper Chase (or read the book) to get a pretty good idea what law school is like. Not trying to talk you out of it, but if it was up to me and I could go back and change my life, I don't think I'd go to law school.  

Answer 3

No way - you are never too old. You will probably even do better at your age - being more mature ;)