Law Degree, No Courtroom: Benefits of Going to Law School

Think law school is just for lawyers. Think again.

A JD can benefit you in so many other ways in your career. The skills and knowledge gained are applicable in so many different fields. Not wanting to be in a courtroom shouldn't defer you from law.

What skills come from a legal education?

One of the biggest things required of you in law school, that is also immensely developed in law school, is logical reasoning skills. By needing to construct arguments and understand the formation of them, and being able to draw well-developed conclusions, law school develops skills in you that can be applicable in many areas of life.

Then the obvious, law school gives you a deep understanding of the legal system. By learning about every single area of the law in depth, law students understand property, torts, contracts, on a deeper level than anyone who didn't go to law school could ever hope to know.

These are just a few of the amazing skills developed within each student during the three years of law school. So many other skills grow as well, like soft skills, communication, and argumentation. Skills that are not just designated to the field of law, but skills that are important in every career field you could imagine.

Is law school just for aspiring lawyers?

While it is true that a majority of law students will be on the path of becoming an attorney, there are also plenty of people looking to use a JD to grow their already established careers.

If you know you don't want to be an attorney, that doesn't mean you should rule out law school completely. As the job market continues to grow and change, the benefits from a law degree can set you apart from others in your field.

How does a legal education tie into other careers?

The deep understanding of ethical and legal frameworks gained from a law degree can come in handy in countless fields like business, politics, consulting, public policy, and even entrepreneurship. The diverse skills and knowledge that law students gain by the time they graduate can assist them in many scenarios in countless jobs. Whether you are assessing risk, understanding regulations, or negotiating contracts, your law degree can be an advantage.

Law school is also obviously very challenging. It requires a heavy workload and much determination to successfully graduate. This is a trait that will stand out to employers. Simply being a graduate of a law school can show a possible employer the work ethic and ability to manage stressful demand, which will show you can be a valuable employee. A JD is not just any other degree, it holds much value as it reveals your inner determination and expansive knowledge your possess.

What careers can you pursue with a law degree besides being a lawyer?

Consultant

Consultants advise businesses and organizations about how to steer through operational, legal, and regulatory difficulties. Consultants can specialize on guiding human resources or risk management. A law degree is beneficial in this profession as you have a comprehensive and deep understanding of the legal and regulatory challenges faced by business, which will give you a boost in the field.

Journalist

A journalist is a professional who researches and gathers information to present to the public. Specifically a legal journalist reports on court cases, legal trends, and regulatory changes. Law school is a great advantage for this area of journalism as it builds their understanding of the topics they are reporting on, but it also enhances research and writing skills to help create interesting pieces.

Entrepreneur

An entrepreneur is someone who organizes and operates a business. This often requires taking on great financial risks to do so. Because of this, having a legal background can give you a great competitive advantage when starting a new business. Knowledge from law school can help with drafting contracts, understand laws that businesses are held to, and navigate legal issues without requiring outside counsel. These skills lessen the risk that entrepreneurs face, making a business much more likely to succeed.

Is law school worth it?

Well the answer to that question is entirely up to you and the vision you have for your career path. Realistically, law school is not cheap. It is an investment. It may pay out for many, but it also may not be worth it for others.

Think about the opportunity costs. Is the benefits gained from law school worth it for your desired career and would you regret passing up law school?

There are many valuable assets gained from a legal education which can be valuable in the evolving job market. Just because you don't want to be in a courtroom giving an opening statement doesn't mean you should pass up the idea of law school.