Thoughts?

loves2shop4shoes

Hi ladies.  Question:  Would it be entirely insane of me to discontinue my legal education and pursue a different career path, especially since I will financially be out no money by doing so?

Lately, I'm just realizing that a legal profession may not be what I thought it was going to be.  I always said, since I was a little girl, that I wanted to be a lawyer to help people that couldn't help themselves.  I wanted to help people during some of the toughest parts of their lives and know that I was getting up every morning to go to a job where I made a difference.  Obviously, different types of law could accomplish these goals more readily than others.

But lately, I'm just realizing that maybe a legal profession isn't the best way to achieve this goal of helping people on a very personal level.  Honestly, what nearly a year of law school has taught me is that a good lawyer, while passionate, is mainly a master manipulator.  You manipulate the law, the language of statutes and precedents, and arguments into getting the most favorable verdict for your client; you may not even get a JUST outcome...you just hope for the MOST just outcome and that's all you can do.

I don't want to be around scummy lawyers 24/7.  I don't want my professional and social conversations to center around different ways to screw people over.  I don't want to work 80 hours a week, 60 of which will be spent doing legal research, writing memos, and thinking of ways to diick over my opponent.  I'd rather spend that time actually helping people on a personal level.

One thing I've been considering since before I applied to law school is getting an MSW and being a therapist.  I've been in therapy for years, so I know how it works and I'm comfortable with it.  I've done group therapy, and I really enjoyed the experience of hearing other people's heartbreaking stories and helping them through hard times.  I feel like as a therapist, I would be able to relate to my clients on a much more personal, intimate level and could help them on a much deeper level.  I'd be helping people past their pain rather than finding loopholes around worse unpleasantries.

I don't know if I'm crazy here, but it's an idea I've been tossing around in my mind for over a year.  If I dropped out of law school, I would be out no money.  I could take time off to apply for an MSW program and then start that.

What are your thoughts here?  You can tell me if I'm being a complete wackadoo.

Elle1036

It's never crazy to reevaluate your life goals and change your plan, but it IS crazy to do it impulsively.  So, I encourage you to spend a lot of time reflecting and make sure that you won't have any regrets if you leave law school, especially considering how much you have put into it already.

If you're rethinking it just because law school is hard (and believe me, I do understand) then I discourage that.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I hope you think things through fully before making any irreversible decisions.

peekaboo2011

I went through a somewhat similar situation a few years ago.  Granted, it was a change-your-major situation, but it was still hard.  I tossed out something I'd planned on doing since middle school to do something I'd always thought I was horrible at.  And I love it.  And, turns out, I'm pretty good at it.  My issue then, was I hated the department I was in.  I took a class with my advisor at the time, and I had very different views than the rest of the class.  My advisor let them eat me alive every class until I stopped speaking up.  He has no idea that his class is much of the reason I switched.

The one piece of advice that I was given by my advisor now when I was in the process of changing my major was simple, and it's stuck with me:  What you do shouldn't just be a stepping stone to get to where you want to be.  What you do with your academic career should be something that makes you happy.  And not pretend happy, but that gut-wrenching make you want to scream happy.

I thought I was happy as an international relations major.  Turns out my gut-wrenching make you want to scream happy was biology, even though I've had moments where I've almost said "it's too hard, I can't do it."

My point here is that if it doesn't sit well with you, don't do it.  What you do has to make you happy.  You gotta wanna come home and scream at the top of your lungs at the end of the day because you really love what you do.

That's my advice.  Love what you do. 

bethsmiles

I'm going through a similar (although admittedly less drastic) situation right now. I'm a communication major but I've begun to realize that I really would like to teach elementary education. I'm a semester away from getting my undergraduate degree so instead of switching my major and spending a few more years as an undergrad. I'm thinking I will get my masters in elementary education (and I've found several programs that will allow me to do this even without an undergraduate in education). The thought of continuing my education with communications just makes me depressed and while I love my major now I don't want to go any further with it after I get my degree. So making a change feels right but any big decision like this is one that should be thought about carefully and not made hastily but eventually you do have to make a choice.

I think that you have to do what you feel deep down will make you happy and if that's a change in your academic plans then go for it. If its what you truly want then it will be worth it. Just because you originally wanted one thing doesn't mean you can't realize down the road that it's not really what you want. I don't think you crazy at all, just don't make any decisions before you've really thought about and I think its always helpful to talk to someone close to you and to an advisor before you make a change.

redheadtmk

I am working on my BSW and I absolutly love it. I am going to a smaller school so the program is very intimate, which is part of the reason I love it. With a SW degree there are so many options of careers. Hopsitals, jails, elderly care, children and families, adoption, therapy, CPS, veterans, the list goes on forever.  There is also the policy side of things. I was never interested in politics at all before I started my degree but after learning about policies and how they are made etc I have found a whole new interest. If you do change to get your MSW I dont think you will regret it. Doing therapy is great...but if for some reason it end up not being your thing, with a SW degree I am sure you will find something that is more satisfying. Really with so many career options you cant go wrong!

ki10

Social worker? No money in it, but a lot of hands-on help, very similar to therapy, and same educational system.

Honestly, there are a lot of careers a law degree can get you that would be worthwhile and directly apply to people. Most non-profits would love to get their hands on a PR manager, consultant, or personal counselor, who doesn't need an MSW, with a law degree. I guess it also depends on how much you want a career and how much you want to freelance, but I think it's perfectly possibly to be a lawyer earning a comfortable salary, especially if you aren't paying off student loans, doing the more direct work.

If you're talking about just joining a law firm, yeah, you're headed toward awful hours with at least some skeazy colleagues no matter how nice the firm, but that's not your only option. And if you're not interested in earning mad bank, and don't need to unlike most new lawyers, you have tons of options.

Not that getting your MSW is a bad idea. I couldn't tell you. Especially since I only drop in occasionally and see a few of your posts.

jeanacorina

I've met some pretty non-scummy lawyers. Some lawyers are my friends, I used to work at a law firm. Sure, it's a lot to do with words and interpretation and manipulation and it's not an exact science. But not all lawyers are scumbags. I've met more lawyers who are not than those who are. A lot of that depends what law firm you end up working for, I think.

That said, I don't think you should continue law school if it's not what you want to do. It's a waste of your time, (someone's) money, and it's stressful. Pursue what you love.

ETA: the part about most of the work being research and preparation for a trial that might never come because you'll probably settle seems to be fairly true in my experience. TONS of reading.

LizzyTish88

Shoes- We can all sit and give you advice on what we think is best, but in the end this is your decision. Only you can make the right choice for you. Think about all the pros and cons of both sides. Maybe write a list and heavily weigh both sides.

I completely understand where you are coming from. In my interview the other day the guy kept asking why I have a degree in Sociology and was applying for a job in Finance. I wish I could have gone back and truly thought about what I wanted to do with my life and where I saw myself in the future, so I could plan accordingly. I understand having second thoughts.

Also with the scummy thing, only you can make yourself scummy. It doesn't;t come with the job description, so you wish to not be, then don't. It's your life, you can shape it how you want it, you just have to really sit and think about what you want first.

bourgehm

SOCIAL WORK!! I may be a little biased, since I am in school for that... but seriously. If you want to help people when they're at their lowest, being a social worker is the place to do that. And actually, a law background would be very helpful in that field. Lots of social work is legal stuff.

calindi

I think law school sucks, honestly.  I think *most* law careers aren't a whole lot of fun or rewarding, and the jobs that are fun and rewarding usually don't pay very much.  Most people I know in law school just want to get through school, get a job that pays okay to pay off their debt so that hopefully they can eventually do something they love with their degree.  Which is possible, but not likely.  Which is one big reason why I have chosen not to go to law school personally.

I think you've already paid for this semester, so it would be foolish to drop out now.  Finish the semester, keep thinking about it, and you have until tuition for the fall is due to make a final decision.  Talk to your therapist about it, write about it (I find doing stream-of-consciousness dialogues about issues I'm considering helps me flesh out my true thoughts).  Just let it simmer for awhile as you consider it.  Ultimately if you decide a law career isn't for you, the waste of one year is not as bad as wasting 3 years.  But it's still an expensive lesson to learn without any degree to show for it.

marleylikeair

I'm with bourge! The first thing I thought of was social work. But you *can* help people as a lawyer, too. If I were you, I'd talk to one of your professors, one you have a good relationship with. Tell them the reason you're here is you want to help people and make a difference, and ask them what areas of the law they think you should look into. Then talk to someone working in those areas and pick their brain a bit about what they like about their jobs. (Maybe said professor can direct you to some people.)

heyimbren

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_thoughts-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:a6363c42-430a-4be5-be08-8df9e0865bc6Post:d20f1954-70ac-4f92-ab68-97fd3e5d342f">Re: Thoughts?</a>:
[QUOTE]I've met some pretty non-scummy lawyers. Some lawyers are my friends, I used to work at a law firm. Sure, it's a lot to do with words and interpretation and manipulation and it's not an exact science. But not all lawyers are scumbags. I've met more lawyers who are not than those who are. A lot of that depends what law firm you end up working for, I think. That said, I don't think you should continue law school if it's not what you want to do. It's a waste of your time, (someone's) money, and it's stressful. Pursue what you love. ETA: the part about most of the work being research and preparation for a trial that might never come because you'll probably settle seems to be fairly true in my experience. TONS of reading.
Posted by jeanacorina[/QUOTE]

I completely agree with Jeana. I don't think that's a fair generalization to make at all. There ARE various ways to help people in law. But that isn't to say it's an occupation for everyone. If you truly think you aren't cut out for it, then don't do it. But at the same time I really believe that law school is an extremely valuable education even if you don't become a lawyer with it (if you can afford it).

calindi

You can also consider starting a student organization for others with similar interests.  It's really helped my guy find a spot inside the law community, when most people are talking about corporate or big firm jobs rather than the military law career path.

Start a community for legal aid, or join a clinic to help abused women.  My guy is currently on a clinic for tenant's rights, so he's helping people getting kicked out of their housing by their landlords.  He feels really fulfilled by it!

marleylikeair

Cate, there you go posting at the same time as me again! I do the stream-of-consciousness writing thing, too. GAH. GET OUT OF MY BRAIN, woman!

/threadjack

[Deleted User]

Shoes -

1. I worked at a law firm doing IT and Intellectual Property work for a couple years in one of the (if not the #1) biggest law firms in my state.  Like you said, there are some scummy lawyers and lots of work put in for what seems to amount to nothing.  But there were quite a few lawyers there that used their expertise to give back so much to the community.  One of the lawyers that I worked with won the state's 2008 Outstanding Pro Bono Work Award of the year.  We had many lawyers in thatparticular firm that won awards like that.  They had to put in extra work to do it, but they found it extremely rewarding.  Don't allow yourself to get so discouraged with your life right now that you can't see the good that you can do with a law degree and experience.  It opens up a whole new set of opportunities that individuals without law degrees don't have.  Remember the bigger picture.

2.  In the federal government, we have a charitable campaign every year (you can google CFC, Combined Federal Campaign, if you're interested).  I was my division's coordinator for the campaign this past year.  As part of our campaign, we take a day of our leave to do some volunteer work (Day of Caring).  The organization we helped out this year was Legal Aid of Oklahoma.  These were people with law degrees that volunteer their time and services to make a HUGE difference in the lives of so many people.  They often have to support themselves by other means, but their law work is fulfilling.

From what I remember, you're going to law school for free.  If you absolutely hate it, then no one can make you stay.  But you really should talk to some organizations to explore your options as a lawyer.  Talk to pro bono lawyers, organizations like Legal Aid.  You can do so much good with that kind of education.  There are people that desperately need people like YOU... people that have the training and education to provide a way out of their situation.

I read this article recently and scoured the Internet until I found it. 
http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/01/07/cnnheroes.ward/index.html

I don't want to seem like I'm pressuring you to stay in what may be a miserable field for you, because I'm not.  But I also want to remind you of the difference you can make with a law degree, that you just can NOT do by being a social worker.  There are desperate people out there, waiting for help.  And you have the ability to provide that help.  Don't lose sight of that..  Be encouraged.  If you decide you want to stay in law school and get that degree and do something like this, keep these images in your mind when you're struggling with the drama and the exams and the endless reading and the sometimes-scummy lawyers and manipulation.

http://www.havejusticewilltravel.org/client_stories.shtml
They need someone on their side, too.

SeaTea02

I think since you were so willing to give it up a few months ago for a C you aren't really all that into it. 

I have been trying to decide for a long time if I want to be a lawyer because of everything you just listed. Especially the work hours. That is why I decided to to paralegal studies first and pretty much do all of the back work (legal research and memo's just no court). If I like it I might stay there or I might go back for my law degree. If I hate it, I have other options. 

I know it would be hard to leave law school, work as a paralegal, then try to go back. The schools wouldn't like that, so it isn't what I am suggesting.

Do what makes you happy. The only positives I see you have listed of the legal profession is what you THOUGHT it would be: helping people. Most of what you listed are negatives. Listen to what you really want, and try to list out more pros and cons. 

jeanacorina

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_thoughts-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:a6363c42-430a-4be5-be08-8df9e0865bc6Post:bfbbdb94-ef63-447a-93c6-5ee774116db5">Re: Thoughts?</a>:
[QUOTE]I think since you were so willing to give it up a few months ago for a C you aren't really all that into it. 
Posted by SeaTea02[/QUOTE]

This is so true, I nearly forgot about that.

marleylikeair

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_thoughts-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:a6363c42-430a-4be5-be08-8df9e0865bc6Post:af93078e-f75f-4cd2-919c-5cfc8b3df4fd">Re: Thoughts?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Thoughts? : This is so true, I nearly forgot about that.
Posted by jeanacorina[/QUOTE]


Sea and Jeana, might that have been more of an overreaction as a result of stress and other crap going on in Shoes's life? What do you think, Shoes?

heyimbren

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_thoughts-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:a6363c42-430a-4be5-be08-8df9e0865bc6Post:8180e095-9342-4ce8-8a2a-1a701e585503">Re: Thoughts?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Thoughts? : Sea and Jeana, might that have been more of an overreaction as a result of stress and other crap going on in Shoes's life? What do you think, Shoes?
Posted by marleylikeair[/QUOTE]

It could have been, but being a lawyer is already a very stressful job. You can definitely learn to deal with stress (as a skill) but that's a hard thing to do. The good lawyers I know are the ones who did learn to deal with personal stress away from work.

Another thing, Shoes, do you think it's law school you don't like or specifically being a lawyer? Because the two are very different.

jeanacorina

I agree- (from my observations) being a lawyer can be pretty darn stressful. And from my experience, usually a small setback will make you try HARDER, not want to throw in the towel. Maybe I'm just stubborn like that, though. A C will piss me off and I'll march my butt into my professor's office and stay there until I understand what I screwed up on. And then I'll obsess over it until I get an A. But I never think of quitting. I love my major, I love what I do, and I love the opportunities I have. If I wasn't in love with my major and what I'm doing, I wouldn't put myself through the stress and waste money on it.

And even if Shoes is going to school for "free," someone out there is paying for it. If she hates it, she should pursue something that fits her better. It upsets me when people who have school paid for only do it because it's free. I waited years to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and how to pay for my education. If you're not passionate about what you're doing, you need to find something you ARE passionate about. It will be far more rewarding in the long run.

Acrosthec

As someone who went through 3 years of law school, and is admitted in not one, but two states (f-in bar exams...gotta love 'em!), I understand entirely where you're coming from.  Some lawyers just suck, but the majority I've met don't, contrary to popular belief.  The field does not have that many job opportunities right now, but hopefully that will change soon. 

Keep in mind what CocoBella said - it's really good advice.  I went into the law to help people.  I wanted to be a full-time teacher and help others LEARN the law, but I also wanted to spend some of my time doing pro bono work, particularly for organizations like CASA (Child Advocacy Services) that help children who have no one to stand up for them. 

If you really hate law school, that's understandable.  I think I'm one of the weirdos who didn't mind it too much; MOST people despise it.  If you dislike the law, that's an entirely different story.  BUT, if you just dislike school, and like the law, there are MANY MANY areas you can get involved in where you can help people, and I would strongly suggest you look around campus, or maybe talk to some of the teachers.  We had many teachers involved in pro bono and Legal Aid stuff at our school, and I'm sure you do too. 

To reiterate what Coco said, there are many ways to help people, but a lawyer's education and training can help them in ways no other person can.  Sometimes people need emotional help, and they go to a social worker because it's free.  Sometimes they need legal help, and the SW can't do that; as you know it's illegal for them to give legal advice without a license.  Sometimes a child needs representation to get them out of an abusive home, but obviously can't pay for it.  For things like that they desperately NEED lawyers who are willing to work for non-profits and help indigents.  You may have to rely more on your FI to be the breadwinner, or you may have to supplement your pay somehow, but it can be a very fulfilling law profession.

I've also found that being a transactional lawyer (which is what my aim is now that I don't live in a town where there is a law school, so I can't be a prof) is an area where there are fewer scumbag attorneys.  Helping people close on houses is a joyous time.  Helping them write wills and trusts, form businesses, etc. is sometimes sad (especially wills), but can also be very exciting, and either way you're helping them do something they wouldn't be able to do on their own.  I am not an adversarial person by nature, so this type of law, where you rarely (if ever) appear in a court room, really appeals to me.  It may be something for you to consider as well.

Whatever you decide, good luck!  I went to law school for "free" as well, and considered dropping out after the first year because I figured I hadn't wasted any of MY money by trying it, and I honestly did think I would enjoy law (and was really interested in the classes my upperclassmen friends were taking, including DH).  FWIW, I'm glad I didn't.  At that point, I had taken the hardest classes and passed them, so I knew the rest of school should be fairly easy.  I hated most of the law I learned first year, but after I got the core classes out of the way and was allowed to pick things I was interested in, I enjoyed it a lot more.  And I came out of it with a degree and an education that other people generally respect, even if I do have to deal with the crappy lawyer jokes sometimes.

desertsun

I think others have made good points for you to consider as far as law school/being a lawyer.

I just want to point out that you need to seriously consider whether you're really suited to being a therapist before pursuing that instead.

I know I only know you on the internet, but just my impression -- you'd be a much more effective lawyer than therapist. I think your personality is better suited for practicing law.

I'm not at all saying you're scummy! So don't take it that way.

cu97tiger

Shoes... Here's my $0.02. I think you can have a direct impact on people without being a practicing attorney. Many non-profits, or companies that serve the general population, need lawyers. Think about both the job function you'd like to have and the kind of company you'd like to work for. If you have to have an MSW to do that, then go for it. If you think you can get your foot in the door with that type of company using your current credentials, I'd say do that first. You can always go back after a couple years and get your MSW then.

Good luck with your decision!

Elle1036

Yaaaaaay I was hoping Acro would come around...

...because I was going to ask you, Shoes, if you have any good friends or family members who are attorneys and can help you talk things out.

PolkaDotBella

Shoes, I have quite a few friends who are lawyers or going to law school and most hate school, but the ones who are finally done love what they are doing. That being said, I could never be a lawyer, I think it takes a specific person and personality and I know I don't have it. Just like it takes a specific person and personality to be a social worker and a therapist.

 My advice would be to really think about what you want to do and what makes you happy. I had to learn that the hard way... I always thought I wanted to be a teacher, since I was in 4th grade, I always said I wanted to be a teacher. I followed that path and when I got to college, I went into psychology with a minor in education. I loved my psychology classes, but I didn't want to give up my dream of being a teacher.

 I graduated from college and went right into a program to get my credential as a teacher. During the program and student teaching, I realized I didn't like it as much as I thought. Standing up in front of a classroom of students made me feel sick, yet I convinced myself that it was typical and when I got my own classroom, I would be fine. When I got my own classroom, it was the same thing. I loved my kids, but I grew to dread getting up and going to work everyday. I hated it!

 Luckily, my school had budget cuts and my classroom was closed. I began to re-evaluate what I really wanted to do. I had the idea of school psychology in the back of my head since I was a sophomore in college, so I began to peruse that idea. I'm now in a program and nothing about it makes me feel sick to my stomach and I can talk for hours and hours about what I'll be doing and about the field in general! I'm truly happy with where I am, though it took a lot of time and money to figure it out.

I'm sharing this as a story about how not listening to your gut instincts can be bad! Had I listened to myself when I fresh out of college, I may not have wasted 3 years doing something I didn't really want to do!

You have to do some searching and figure out what will make you truly happy! You should have a profession where you are excited to go to work and absolutely love what you do!

Good luck on what you decide and if you ever need to vent/talk, PM me! I totally understand where you're coming from, though in a different field of work!

Beads921

I would tend to agree with a bunch of other people above, in saying that you can still work with disadvantaged populations as a lawyer. For one thing, tons of not-for-profits have lawyers in house, and there are many other avenues you could explore to try and work with the people you are most interested in helping.

However, I would also agree with PPs in questioning just how devoted to law you really are. I also remember when you came so close to giving up over a C, which would tend to make me believe your heart just isn't there.

I plan to get an MSW at some point, but I'm thinking I'd like to be more on the policy/research side of things. I started school wanting to be a counsellor, but I don't think that's for me. It takes a certain person, and I don't think I am that person. Only you can know if it's for you or not, but familiarity with the system doesn't mean you're necessarily a fit. Personally, the more time I spend in school, the more interested in policy I become, but this change of heart has only come in the last 6 months or so. It's OK to change your mind, but make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. Here you can't just go straight from school to the MSW programs. You generally need a lot of experience to back you up (as well as a whole bunch of pre-reqs). Might not be the same where you live, but keep in mind that it's not guaranteed to be smooth sailing.

loves2shop4shoes

Hi all.  Sorry for the post and run.  I had classes and then had to sit and observe a few civil trials in federal court. 

Ok, to clarify a few things...yes, I go to law school for free.  I have a full tuition merit scholarship.  I pay for my books and living expenses.  That's it. 

I came to you in my immediate post-C freak out period.  It was more of an overreaction than an "I'm definitely dropping out over one C."  Keep in mind it was the first C I've ever seen in my life.  Also, law school is not like undergrad in that if you bust your butt and put in the time, you're guaranteed an A.  It's not a matter of marching into anywhere to determine what you can do to get the A next time.  If you bust your butt and put in the time, you're pretty much guaranteed to grade on the curve (somewhere between A and C), but other than that, there are no guarantees.  So, please don't take my post-C freak out as demonstrative of my dedication to the legal profession.

I agree with you all.  I have a lot of thinking to do.  While I absolutely LOATHE law school, the more I learn of it, the more I dislike the general legal profession.  Certain types of law are MUCH more appealing to me than others, but I'm still not sure if it's "me".  As it stands, the only types of law I could envision myself practicing are Criminal Law or Juvenile Advocacy.

I know this decision will take a lot of soul searching and dialogue with those closest to me.  Ultimately, I'll definitely stick it out the rest of the semester.  I don't want to rush any decisions, and since the semester's free anyway, I'm not out anything by waiting.

Also, if I applied to any MSW programs, I'd be applying for Fall 2012.  So I have plenty of time to make this decision.

jeanacorina

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_thoughts-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:a6363c42-430a-4be5-be08-8df9e0865bc6Post:957e4c20-788a-49f5-ab63-0df51b962c3a">Re: Thoughts?</a>:
[QUOTE]I came to you in my immediate post-C freak out period.  It was more of an overreaction than an "I'm definitely dropping out over one C."  Keep in mind it was the first C I've ever seen in my life.  Also, law school is not like undergrad in that if you bust your butt and put in the time, you're guaranteed an A.  It's not a matter of marching into anywhere to determine what you can do to get the A next time.  If you bust your butt and put in the time, you're pretty much guaranteed to grade on the curve (somewhere between A and C), but other than that, there are no guarantees.  So, please don't take my post-C freak out as demonstrative of my dedication to the legal profession.
Posted by loves2shop4shoes[/QUOTE]


This does not change my opinion. Just bein' honest. I don't think any of this changes the fact that I think your reaction... even the first C in your life and so on... that just doesn't change my opinion that if you were passionate about law and had 100% of your heart in it, you wouldn't be thinking "Maybe I should quit."

That is my opinion, based upon my own feelings and views and having read many of your posts. And also being a perfectionist and a straight-A student (except that one class that one time... but nobody is perfect).

I think you should find your passion. A lot of people (as evidenced by the posts here) don't find that where they expect to or even when they expected to find it.

musikbx

First off, props to you for realizing and admitting that you're not really happy with your current path. I too am going through a career change, and it hasn't been an easy process. I really wish that I had realized it sooner.

I'm just curious, how long would it take you to finish your law degree? Would it be a possibility for you to finish the law degree, and then continue on to more schooling? Even if you don't want to work as a lawyer, a degree in law isn't a bad thing to have.  Particularly if it's free ;-) 

desertsun

Some schools have a joint MSW/JD degree. You might look into that instead, Shoes.

loves2shop4shoes

I would have two years left of law school, after this one.  My university does not offer an MSW, so I could not do joint degrees.  Something I could potentially look into is seeing if my university will allow me to partner with my alma mater to get a joint degree.

That's a thought...

Desert, I could kiss you!