Starting A Law Career At 45

Summary

If youre considering a career in law at an older age, its important to research job prospects in your desired area of specialization. While age shouldnt be a barrier in most legal fields, certain specializations may have different job market trends. In pennsylvania, both family law and estate law have good prospects. However, its also important to consider your interests and previous experience. Pennsylvania has a strong legal market with many opportunities, so dont let age discourage you from pursuing your passion for law.

Full Conversation

I was thinking family law or estate? Would you recommend a certain area? I always wanted to practice law but I’m * and so nervous if I invested there wouldn’t be any real jobs
What is your educational background? Both family law and estate law have good prospects, but it also depends on your interest and previous experience.
I have a master on education and a bachelors in journalism
What is your location? This will help me provide more specific information about job prospects in your area.
I lived in nyc but have been in Pennsylvania for two years
What is your current employment status? Your background in education and journalism could be beneficial in family and estate law. Pennsylvania has a strong legal market with many opportunities.
I am not working in my field my field at the moment I’m a caregiver for a family member
Are you able to commit to the time and financial investment required for law school while being a caregiver?
moment
Are you considering part-time or full-time law school?
full time
What law schools are you considering in Pennsylvania?
something hopefully online? Not sure pennsylvania, fordham Rutgers I was thinking?
Are you open to attending law school in-person or are you strictly looking for online programs?

In Pennsylvania, Penn State Law offers a hybrid online J.D. program.
I would like to go in person but not sure how far the program is or if they offer night classes
Which city in Pennsylvania are you located in? This will help me provide information on the nearest law schools and their programs.
nazareth
What is your financial plan for law school? Are you considering loans, scholarships, or self-funding?
I was thinking taking a loan
What type of loan are you considering for your law school education - federal, private, or both?
Im not sure at all
Are you aware of the differences between federal and private loans, and how they can impact your financial situation post-graduation?
I’m actually not sure about the difference
Federal loans are government-backed and have fixed interest rates. Private loans are provided by private lenders and may have variable interest rates. It's crucial to understand the terms before borrowing.
I still have some research to do and if I’m capable of passing an lsat with a high grade. But thank you
What is your plan for LSAT preparation?

For LSAT, consider prep courses, self-study, or hiring a tutor. Pennsylvania has several LSAT prep centers. For example, Kaplan Test Prep in Philadelphia.
I wasn’t sure I was but I was looking at Kaplan. The lsat seems hard so it feels like a journey.
What specific concerns do you have about the LSAT? Kaplan offers comprehensive LSAT prep courses that can help address these concerns.
the score to get in law school. If I can pass with a high enough score?
What is your target LSAT score? Generally, a score of * or above is considered good, but it depends on the law school you're aiming for.
I saw * was good and I’m not sure how difficult it would be to achieve and if I would get in to law school. I have a lot of doubts and concerns but I would like to change that mentality. What law areas do you recommend?
Based on your background in education and journalism, you might consider specializing in Education Law or Media Law. However, your interest in Family and Estate Law is also a good choice.
Ok I will research those laws. What school did you go to? Do you know if Pennsylvania jd law school is far from Nazareth?
Pennsylvania State University's Dickinson Law School is approximately * hours away from Nazareth. You can contact them at (*) *-* for more information about their programs.
That’s far, do you think online classes would be harder?
Online classes can be challenging due to self-discipline and time management requirements. However, they offer flexibility which can be beneficial for your situation as a caregiver.
That’s true I just don’t know what else would be close to me.
Have you considered Widener University Delaware Law School? It's closer to Nazareth and offers part-time programs. You can contact them at (*) *-* for more information.
No I’m not familiar with anything in Pennsylvania, such as schools are locations.
What are your main concerns about attending law school in Pennsylvania?
Well I thought in person classes would be better but given the locations I would have to consider online classes which means I’m not meeting any other people and if I have issues learning it might be more difficult, alone.
Have you considered joining online study groups or forums for law students? They can provide a sense of community and support during your studies.
I would if I started.
What are your main concerns about online learning? It's important to note that many online programs offer resources like virtual office hours, discussion forums, and group projects to help students feel connected.
Well if I actually passed the LSAT with a frat score and got accepted I think I wouldn’t worry as much.
What is your plan for LSAT preparation? It's important to prepare well for the LSAT as it plays a significant role in law school admissions.
I guess Kaplan or mometrix
What are your concerns about using Kaplan or Mometrix for LSAT preparation?

In general, both offer comprehensive study materials and practice tests, which can be beneficial for your LSAT preparation.
im actually worried about investing and not succeeding after all.
What specific aspects of the investment are you worried about - the financial aspect, the time commitment, or the possibility of not passing the LSAT or succeeding in law school?
Everything.
What are your main concerns about the financial investment, time commitment, and the possibility of not passing the LSAT or succeeding in law school?
not passing the lsat
What steps are you taking to prepare for the LSAT to increase your chances of passing?
I have no support so it would just be myself supporting myself.
What resources or study materials do you currently have for your LSAT preparation?
I don’t have any but was thinking of paying for one I saw for Kaplan online.
What specific features of the Kaplan online course are you considering that you believe will help you in your LSAT preparation?
lsat prep.
What specific areas of the LSAT are you most concerned about (Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension)?
im not sure I feel like I would have to start to now where I’m concerned.
What is your current level of understanding about the LSAT structure and its sections: Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension?
know
What is your plan to familiarize yourself with the LSAT structure and its sections: Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension?
I don’t have a plan yet
What resources or methods are you considering to help you develop a study plan for the LSAT?
it’s all new and I’m trying to figure out the steps and what I need and need to know and prepare for.
What are your main concerns about preparing for the LSAT?

In Pennsylvania, the LSAT is a crucial part of law school admissions. It tests skills in areas like reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning.
If I’m able to succeed in each area of the LSAT.
What specific steps are you planning to take to ensure success in each area of the LSAT?

General Information:
- LSAT consists of Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension.
- Kaplan and Mometrix offer comprehensive LSAT prep courses.
- Pennsylvania State University's Dickinson Law School: (*) *-*
- Widener University Delaware Law School: (*) *-*
I’m not sure I guess get a study guide. Do people use a book or an online study guide?
What type of study material do you prefer - physical books or online resources? Both are available and effective for LSAT preparation, it depends on your personal preference.
physical but I was thinking online might give random quizzes or test?
What is your comfort level with technology? Online resources often require a good understanding of technology and can provide interactive learning experiences like quizzes and tests.
it’s very basic right now I would say since not having to work on computers at this time.
What steps are you planning to take to improve your comfort level with technology, given that online resources can be beneficial for your LSAT preparation?
well I think I can do well technology when it comes to that.
What specific areas of technology do you feel you need to improve on for your LSAT preparation and law school studies?
Im not sure
What are your main concerns about using technology for your LSAT preparation and law school studies?
I don’t have a concern I just feel stating a the computer for long to read isn’t very beneficial.
Have you considered using a combination of physical books and online resources for your LSAT preparation to balance screen time and traditional studying?
Well that’s sounds good.
What is your timeline for starting law school? This can help in planning your LSAT preparation and application process.
Sooner than later considering I’m getting older. I would like to start studying now for the LSAT if I’m really going to persue this goal.
What resources do you currently have for your LSAT preparation?
just very scary and I’m so grateful I had you to speak with today because I don’t know who else I would have had. So thank you so much for all these questions and advice, I appreciate more than you know.
You're welcome! Do you have any other questions or concerns about law school or the LSAT that you would like to discuss?
I have not resources. Do you recommend Kaplan?
Yes, Kaplan is a reputable resource for LSAT preparation. They offer both online and in-person courses, which include practice tests and study materials.
I’m not sure
What are your main concerns about using Kaplan for your LSAT preparation?
If it would be enough information
What specific areas of the LSAT are you most concerned about? Kaplan provides comprehensive study materials covering all sections of the LSAT.
how long should I study for
The recommended study time for the LSAT is typically *-3 months, studying *-* hours per week. However, this can vary based on individual needs and abilities.
I feel sometimes you study these resources and the test are so different when taken.
What specific differences are you concerned about between the study resources and the actual LSAT?
Do you think real estate law is a good area is it much different from estate law?
Real Estate Law and Estate Law are different. Real Estate Law deals with property transactions, while Estate Law focuses on matters related to wills, trusts, and probate. Which one interests you more?
For some like me older and just starting
What are your main concerns about starting law school at this stage in your life?
which area do you think I can get a job in for certain? Family, estate? I would be older with no previous experience.
What are your specific interests in Family and Estate Law? This will help me provide more tailored advice.
I was thinking liability law but not sure if I would be hired out of school so I thought family law would be safer and I have a lot of empathy and compassion for people so I thought it would work well. Or Esste law but not sure if you can many clients with that?
What aspects of liability, family, and estate law interest you the most? This can help determine which area would be the best fit for you.
Maybe divorce or custody, estate wills, trust. Not sure about liability.
What specific aspects of liability law are you unsure about?
I’m not sure if anything I have to research more. Have you ever see a lawyer start their career later in life?
Yes, it's not uncommon for individuals to start their law career later in life. Your life experience can be an asset in understanding and empathizing with clients.
Yes you’re right. I just hope I would pick the right area.
What are the factors you're considering in choosing the right area of law to specialize in?
something I can definitely practice and get a job after law school without any prejudices of my age and something I don’t mind doing and not have to lie to defend my client.
What are your specific interests in Family, Estate, and Liability Law? This can help determine which area would be the best fit for you.
helping families in battles over childrens, assets or custody.
What specific experience or skills do you have that you believe would be beneficial in helping families with issues related to children, assets, or custody?
I guess I dont have any
What transferable skills do you have from your previous jobs or life experiences that could be beneficial in a legal career?
I think I can relate a lot of different circumstances from different angles angles.
What specific circumstances or experiences have you encountered that you believe will help you empathize and understand your potential clients' situations better?