I wish I had gone to law school.

[flvegan]

I wish I had gotten my JD, Bridged the Gap, gotten my Bar Card, etc.

This will be my biggest regret.

Sorry, but I'm really depressed about this tonight. I've been helping a friend getting sued by what I'd call a predatory collection agency. I just got word that they're about to lose, and lose on my advisement, and it's just the cap to a number of folks saying I should've become a litigator. A couple judges, a few ace litigation lawyers...

Not to belittle the folks that are lawyers to suggest that "just anyone can do it". No, far from. I just wish I had tried.

Sorry for the drama, Lounge. Wishes are for birthday cakes and candles. Just wanted to get it off my chest.

[bluesbassman]

1. What's stopping you from doing it now?

Serious question flvegan.

[flvegan]

4. Time and ability for dedication.

Another couple years of school, and not just school, but INTENSE school. Then, sweet jeebus, the Bar. I've got mad mad mad props for anyone passing. My situation, never going to happen. I've got 50 hrs a week in my job, an animal rescue organization to run (complete with animals to take care of 24/7).

Anyone that wants to pay my tuition and books and toss $100k my way, I'll be your lawyer for life.

[bluesbassman]

6. Yeah, I hear what your saying, but...

Don't dismiss the idea because of current circumstances. If it's really in your heart to do it, you never know what the future brings. Shoulda, woulda, coulda sucks, trust me on that.x(

[flvegan]

7. I hope to be in "someday" mode on this.

Like if it's meant that I do this, someday I will. I'll be 50, fat and bald but able. With decent savings set aside, I'd love to be the second coming of Bruce Cutler, but not for the money.

Thanks.

[mcctatas]

2. I still plan on going...

I don't care if I have to wait another 20 years, at the rate my retirement plan is going I'd still be able to practice for 30 years after that. In the words of that great political thinker Bluto Blutarski:

"Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!"

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Do it. It's not too late.

I went to law school 7 years after I finished college. And one of my classmates was in his 60s and already retired from his first career. Another had been a nun for 20 years. If it's something you really want to do, go for it.

[LeftyMom]

5. You should.

BTW, there happen to be two VERY good law schools (both top 100, one with a Supreme as a grad) within easy commuting distance of my house.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

[LeftyFingerPop]

8. I'm one of those people who believe that...

We all end up where we are supposed to be.

You probably would have been a great lawyer, but you took a different route.

Perhaps your true calling really is the hands-on work that you do with animal rescue (on top of your already demanding career)?

If you had become an attorney, perhaps you would not have become as involved in rescue as you are now.

edit spelling

[Midlodemocrat]

9. I wish you had, too.

I'm in need of some legal advice today.

:hug:

You'd be a great lawyer.

[rug]

11. Say nothing to the police.

That will be $25.

[Midlodemocrat]

12. Will you take a check? I mean, series, it'll clear.

Maybe.

[rug]

13. I got paid in dog once. Seriously.

I'm the proud owner of a miniature schnauzer named Cash.

[rug]

10. I went at 35. The bar is no harder than other things you've done.

There are ways to finance it that won't cripple you. You will enjoy it. Your experience will be a tremendous asset. You can be a kickass lawyer for all the right reasons.

Do it.

[supernova]

14. Um. you ain't so old

that you can't get it now. It's two years, give or take a semester.

Plenty of people change careers, and I mean completely different directions from their previous lives.

I'm only saying that if it's something you really want, why not go for it?

[philosophie_en_rose]

15. (almost) Anyone can do it.

If some people in my law school could make it, you'd have no problem. :) There are many schools with public interest scholarships, too.

[bertha katzenengel]

16. If it's any consolation (and it's probably not), you're not alone.

:hug:

[Mutley]

17. It may not be a possiblity now

But that doesn't mean it won't ever be a possibility. There were more 30/40/50 somethings in my undergrad classes than 20 somethings, and that was just undergrad school. I imagine law school would be filled with people in all sorts of different circumstances. If it's something you'd really like to do, don't take it off the table. You might get the chance one day.

[kwassa]

18. check out how happy lawyers are, though, and what employment opportunities are out there

I've known a lot of unhappy lawyers, and lawyers that turn to other professions.

I also heard a news story about a glut of lawyers on the market, with those from less than top tier schools having trouble getting employed.

[Dangerously Amused]

19. Oh dude.

HOW many times over the years have we had this very conversation...? Via PM, via email, via phone...

THAT'S IT! If I have to come down there and sign your mad litigious ass up and drive you to class every day...

[DS1]

20. I hooked someone up at a bar with some advice

It was obvious as fucking hell.

The same firm wanted to represent two people testifying against each other, claiming it happens all the time. Yeah right. I insisted she find a different lawyer. She won.