Some people grow up knowing they want to be a lawyer, while others discover their passion later in life. No matter when you decide you want to be a lawyer, deciding when to go to law school can be hard. For some, going to law school straight after college is the right choice. For others, working for a few years is a better option. If you are deciding whether you should take time off before law school, we’ve put together this pros and cons list to help.
The Pros of Taking Time off Before Law School:
- Perspective: Whether you’re working, traveling, or getting an advanced degree, taking some time between undergrad and law school can provide you with a valuable perspective on the world. With your experience, you may feel more confident and mature as a law student.
- Certainty: How sure are you that you want to attend law school and become a lawyer? Law school is an enormous commitment of your time and money, so you’ll want to be sure it’s the right choice for you. Taking time off before law school may help you decide whether or not you want to attend.
- Application: If you go to law school straight after undergrad, you’ll need to study for the LSAT and work on your application materials while you’re worried about classes and exams. Taking time off can enable you to focus on your GPA while you’re in college and leave the rest for when you have more time to prepare. Also, the experience you gain during your time off before law school can make you a more well-rounded applicant.
The Cons of Taking Time off Before Law School:
- Momentum: Losing momentum is tough. If you decide to take time off before law school, you might lose your motivation to come back. The longer your time off, the harder it may be to give up your other commitments and start a demanding degree.
- Study habits: While you may feel burned out by the end of college, you probably have refined your study skills in a way that works for you. If you take time off, you might need to relearn those study skills and it might be difficult to get back into “school mode.”
- Application: If you’ve already put in the hard work to have an LSAT and GPA that make you proud, there may be no reason to delay. Starting law school right after undergrad will enable you to begin your dream career as soon as possible. You will also be able to jump into your desired career and start advocating for clients without delay.
Ultimately, the decision to take time off before law school or enter as a K-JD (kindergarten through JD) candidate is a personal one. Think about your motivation and goals, talk to your friends and loved ones, and make the best choice for you!
