Why Law School Is Essential: Beyond Learning to Do It Yourself

Are you considering going to law school or questioning the value of it when you could potentially teach yourself everything? The reality is, law school is not just about learning to do legal work yourself; it involves much more than that. Let's explore what law school offers and why it is essential for anyone aspiring to practice law.

Teaching Yourself Everything?

Are you capable of teaching yourself everything and deciding what is relevant to learn and what is not? Can you figure out the sequence in which to learn information? If your answer is 'yes,' you might not have to go to law school for your own personal legal defense. However, if your answer is 'no,' then you already know why you need to go to law school.

Your Champagne Expectations vs. Reality

Your initial expectations might not align with reality. What law clerks do is what you'll be doing once you're employed. That's the real world. At college, if you did not go beyond what was presented in lectures, you could get at best a B. In liberal arts courses, you might have gotten an A without extensive outside study.

Welcome to the Real World

Welcome to the professional world where doing everything is not just expected but essential. Law school is designed to provide you with a better life by preparing you for the rigorous demands of the legal field. Lawyers make a lot of money, and this is achieved through hard work. It's a novel concept, but one that couldn't be more true.

What is the Point of Law School?

You might wonder, 'What is the point of any school if students are expected to do their own research, writing, and work?' Law school is about more than just teaching you to do legal work yourself. It provides professional training in various aspects of law and legal practice. This includes:

Exposure to expertise: Law professors are highly skilled in their profession, and their knowledge is invaluable. Professors you won't find in any other setting. Exposure to peers: Networking with fellow students is crucial. You can bounce ideas off each other and learn from different perspectives and experiences. Exposure to legal situations: Many of the scenarios you'll encounter in law school are essential to practicing law effectively. A tried and true pedagogy: Traditional methods of learning are proven to work, ensuring you don't miss out on crucial aspects of your studies. Preparation for specific entry to the practice of law: Law school provides the necessary formal training to become licensed as a practicing lawyer.

Importance of Legal Resources

Even in a research degree program like my own, the resources and formalized study provided by law school are essential. These resources include law libraries, seminars, and formal training programs that are not readily available elsewhere. Without these, the learning process would be significantly more challenging and less structured.

Conclusion

Law school is more than just a place to learn the legal profession; it is a structured, resource-rich environment that prepares you for a career in law. Whether you're a student with champagne expectations or someone who is practical, you'll find that the benefits of attending law school far outweigh the challenges. So, why not take advantage of the advantages law school offers and embark on a successful legal career?