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From: jwoodman@magnus.ircc.ohio-state.edu (Jonathan A Woodman)
Subject: Re: Is it reasonable to become a lawyer?
Message-ID: <1991Apr17.010020.5543@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>
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Date: Wed, 17 Apr 1991 01:00:20 GMT
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In article <41162@cup.portal.com> ts@cup.portal.com (Tim W Smith) writes:

>I estimate that in about five years (when I'm 35) I'll be tired
>of my current line of work (programming). 

>What does it take to switch to law from another profession?  For
>example, how much preparation must one have before law school,
>and what does it take to get into law school, and how much does
>it cost, and how long does it take?

I certainly am not an expert, but I can tell you by looking at the current crop
of law students at my school, that there are quite a few people who are in
similar positions to the one you describe. In fact, in Civil Procedure, I sit
next to a 39 year old ex-banker on one side, and a 42 year old ex-programmer
on the other.

Very little preparation is needed to get into law school, really. It seems
like the history and poli sci majors don't do any better than the engineers.
Law school is only three years (maybe the quickest doctorate there is) and
around here, in-state tuition is about $4,000/year, which is pretty reasonable
when you consider what the degree will be worth.

So if you have the inclination and motivation to switch to a legal career,
go for it! You certainly are not alone, and you may very well find it to
be a rewarding change.

Jonathan Woodman