Grad/Professional School

[EyesOnThePrize]

Thanks so much AKA_Monet for your words and thoughts. It gave me a lot to ponder. I know for sure that I want to go to law school. I'm just suffering from a case of dual goals! And nothing is wrong with that b/c we have to explore every option. But I'm struggling with applying to part time programs for next fall and working this job at the same time. It definitely isn't going to set me off financially or anything and the salary cap for this postion at the senior level is below what some first year associates make depending on the firm. However, in Hollywood it's all about who you know as far as rising to the top. One day you could be an assistant, and a year later you could be an agent with your own roster (not my goal, just an example). I know for a fact that I plan to practice entertainment law. But with taking this position I was asked to make a 2 year commitment so though it's a great opportunity I don't want to put law school off for another two years. having said that, the best thing I know to do is PRAY PRAY PRAY and let Him direct my path!

[Munchkin03]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

And from what I understand you have to do a "residency period" where you won't be making all the $$$ in the world, that takes years to build up.

Then, if you have a law degree, it takes ~3 years, and you have to work for ~2 years to pass the bar. And then you do the "residency" for some time--say ~2 years. Then you work for 5-10 years to become a partner or a leading attorney... But your skills would never "dry up"...

I don't necessarily know about the working for 2 years to pass the bar. You can take the bar immediately upon graduating from law school; there are several GC lawyers here who have taken several bars and have only been out of school a year or two. There's no "residency" or internship period like there is in medicine, either.

Originally Posted by EyesOnThePrize

I'm wondering if anyone has advice as far as going to a part time program for the J.D. and working at the same time. They always say that you shouldn't work and attend law school at the same time, but that usually applies to going full time. For some reason people never consider going part time as a viable option. My dilemna is this: I was already in the process of completing my law school applications for entrance in the Fall 2007 class. Then, I was offered a DREAM job! Not dreamy in the sense of wonderful pay and would make me totally rule out the law. But dreamy in the sense of I plan on practicing entertainment law and this is a position working for an entertainment attorney with a KICK ASS REPUTATION. I would be a fool to pass it up. I could learn so much from him. But at the same time, I'm feeling that age clock and want to get my law school studies going even if I go part time for two years and transfer into a full time program to complete the final two years. WHEW! LOL

Sorry it's so long. Any takers? What do you all think? Even if you haven't had personal experience with law school, maybe someoe you know...

ThX!

I'm a little late seeing this post, but I had to respond because I was facing the same dilemma at one point. I've always worked a job while attending school. In undergrad, I worked two part time jobs, and in grad school, I worked a full-time job. I was also able to complete a published thesis while attending grad school and working full-time. Now, I am attempting to get into law school. I've already taken the LSAT and submitted my application. Trust me, I have heard many people tell me not to work full-time and go to law school. But, many of my current and former co-workers attended law school while they were working full-time. Of course, they were in law school part-time, but it wasn't a problem for them. A lot of dedication and discipline... yes, but a major problem, no. If I am accepted into law school, I will continue to work full-time. I have bills to pay.

Also, I was concerned about my age, because I am not fresh out of undergrad like many people who apply for law school. But after talking to friends/family, I realized if I don't attempt to fulfill my dream of becoming an attorney, it will be the biggest regret of my life. Also, when I took the LSAT, there were people taking the test who were in their 40's and 50's. That made me feel like a spring chicken.

I also know you can take the bar immediately after completing law school, and there is no residency (that only applies to the medical field). I know two good friends, who went to law school, took the bar and passed it right after school, and got jobs in a corporate law firm making six figures. They had to relocate, but they didn't mind. A few of my former co-workers also did the same thing, and they are now working as prosectors, staff attorneys, or public defendants for the court.

I hope this helps. I just wanted you to know that there is someone else who is in your same position. Follow your heart and there will be no regrets.
(Sorry for the long post)

[EyesOnThePrize]

Originally Posted by kissy324

I'm a little late seeing this post, but I had to respond because I was facing the same dilemma at one point. I've always worked a job while attending school. In undergrad, I worked two part time jobs, and in grad school, I worked a full-time job. I was also able to complete a published thesis while attending grad school and working full-time. Now, I am attempting to get into law school. I've already taken the LSAT and submitted my application. Trust me, I have heard many people tell me not to work full-time and go to law school. But, many of my current and former co-workers attended law school while they were working full-time. Of course, they were in law school part-time, but it wasn't a problem for them. A lot of dedication and discipline... yes, but a major problem, no. If I am accepted into law school, I will continue to work full-time. I have bills to pay.

Also, I was concerned about my age, because I am not fresh out of undergrad like many people who apply for law school. But after talking to friends/family, I realized if I don't attempt to fulfill my dream of becoming an attorney, it will be the biggest regret of my life. Also, when I took the LSAT, there were people taking the test who were in their 40's and 50's. That made me feel like a spring chicken.

I also know you can take the bar immediately after completing law school, and there is no residency (that only applies to the medical field). I know two good friends, who went to law school, took the bar and passed it right after school, and got jobs in a corporate law firm making six figures. They had to relocate, but they didn't mind. A few of my former co-workers also did the same thing, and they are now working as prosectors, staff attorneys, or public defendants for the court.

I hope this helps. I just wanted you to know that there is someone else who is in your same position. Follow your heart and there will be no regrets.
(Sorry for the long post)

Better late than never! You gave me exactly what I was looking for. See I currently work for the number one firm for litigation in the U.S. The big problem: I don't want to be a litigator! LOL. So the experience here isn't really helping me. But the opportunity to work for an entertainment attorney that is renowned in the industry is phenomenal. And the way the opportunity came to me was a blessing. Long story short I was interviewing for a position at another film company and his wife (the interviewer) gave HIM my info. b/c she felt I would learn more from him. When I got that call I was like "wow", mouth just open. Anyway, he told me that in order for him to really mentor me, even allow me to be apart of the deals he makes with BIG people in Hollywood that some celebs don't even get one on one contact with, he would ask that I make a two year commitment. He also told me that he usually hires his mentees (is that a word) after they come out of law school! And these are the people that come at, first year counsel level making six figures, which is where I'm trying to be!

But I really wanted to hear from someone's real life experience and yours was so appropos! I can do all things....

So I'm going to go ahead apply to those part time programs as well as full time and see what happens!

Thanks SO MUCH to EVERYONE that replied. It was all food for thought

Originally Posted by EyesOnThePrize

Better late than never! You gave me exactly what I was looking for. See I currently work for the number one firm for litigation in the U.S. The big problem: I don't want to be a litigator! LOL. So the experience here isn't really helping me. But the opportunity to work for an entertainment attorney that is renowned in the industry is phenomenal. And the way the opportunity came to me was a blessing. Long story short I was interviewing for a position at another film company and his wife (the interviewer) gave HIM my info. b/c she felt I would learn more from him. When I got that call I was like "wow", mouth just open. Anyway, he told me that in order for him to really mentor me, even allow me to be apart of the deals he makes with BIG people in Hollywood that some celebs don't even get one on one contact with, he would ask that I make a two year commitment. He also told me that he usually hires his mentees (is that a word) after they come out of law school! And these are the people that come at, first year counsel level making six figures, which is where I'm trying to be!

But I really wanted to hear from someone's real life experience and yours was so appropos! I can do all things....

So I'm going to go ahead apply to those part time programs as well as full time and see what happens!

Thanks SO MUCH to EVERYONE that replied. It was all food for thought

I'm glad I could help. And you are in a good position. The best way to get ahead is NETWORKING. You are doing just that by getting your foot in the door at that firm. I would do the same thing if I were in your shoes. If you want to be an entertainment attorney, then you definitely should work for one. That way WHEN you finish law school and PASS the bar, you will always have the experience under your belt.

You will do well. Blessings to you.