Are You Sure You Want Me On The Committee?

I've just been invited to be on the college's "Law School Advisory Committee."  In responding to the invitation, I said I would be happy to be on the committee but that I have some strong opinions for students considering law school.  I think the profession and those counseling prospective law students rarely speak as honestly as we need to about incurring a big debt burden to go to law school, and what that can mean.  I loved law school, and I liked practicing law, but I like coaching sailing a whole lot better.  Do you really want me on this committee?  And they said, yes, we do.  This should be interesting. 

Comments

[Ryan]

I think you'll be a very valuable addition to the committee. So many college students blindly head off to law school just because they don't have a better idea. Part of the reason is that most "adults" encourage them. It'll be good for these students to hear some of the reasons why they should at least postpone the decision while they figure out what they really want to do in life. Or think about going to a less prestigious, less expensive law school.
I wish I'd thought a bit more about the debt burden before I went to law school.
Oh well, back to work. Gotta pay off those loans.

[Nicole]

I can't wait to hear any info you can share once things get interesting! Oh and Congratulations!!!

[AdriftAtSea]

I think you'll bring a real world sensibility to the ivory tower, that is very necessary. Many do not consider the consequences of how much it will cost, and need to hear from someone who has been through it what the reality is.

[LM]

Thank goodness you agreed to be on the committee! I wish I had someone to show me the other side of the coin before I jumped into law school. It's so difficult to get an honest answer from people, and I'm sure you won't hesitate to be truthful and forthright. Good luck! :)

LM

[Jill]

Hooray for having your point of view on the committee. It sounds very good for potential advisees.

[Al Wheeler]

I agree this is a good move. As a young man I considered law school until an advisor asked me to explain what I would do with a law degree, assuming I wasn't going to use it to practice law. He explained what a common situation this was and the various reasons for the situation. From these other comments, I'm not sure everyone gets the full picture.

[Carol Anne]

Wow. A college actually appointing people who really know their business to an advisory committee. Next thing I know, Tadpole might actually want to go there, even if the sailing season isn't year-round and the winters are cold.

Interesting. I bet there aren't many schools that have coaches on the law school advisory committee (though you are not the only coach who has gone to law school, see, e.g., Rick Neuheisel (formerly of U of Colorado and Washington U); Jim Barnes (Augustana); Mike Leach (Texas Tech)).

Your alternative views are necessary to the potential law students. It's a perspective they need to hear. And, you should take it as a sign of accomplishment if you talk someone out of attending law school (as you know, it's not a profession or endeavor everyone should enter).

[a]

Perhaps I'm just getting defensive regarding my own current non-use of my law degree. But I don't think that just because someone won't "use" their law degree in their daily employment means they should be talked out of going. Yes, folks should have a full picture though.

[JenG]

As a recovering lawyer attempting to find her way, I think this is fabulous. Every time a young person wants to talk to me about becoming a lawyer (with eagerness to hear what I have to say), I cringe. It's tough to force people to take a realistic look at what a law degree really means, including the debt factor. I, too, enjoyed law school, and liked practicing law (a little). I followed the "right path" of clerkships and big "elite" firm practice but ultimately found I didn't have the temperament, or passion, for practicing law. I think your honest insight will be invaluable to the committee. For my part, I will continue directing young people to honest accounts and advice about attending law school and practicing law, including your blog. Hopefully, I'll save one person from making a huge monetary mistake and assuming that a law degree is a good fallback position for those who don't know what they want to do because it will "open so many doors." Good luck!