Can you work during your first year of law school?
Asked by: Antonina Schultz | Last update: June 13, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (10 votes)
Yes, you can work during your first year (1L) of law school, but it's generally strongly discouraged because 1L is incredibly demanding, and most experts recommend waiting until 2L or 3L when your schedule is more flexible and you're used to the workload, though some manage part-time/flexible roles (like library work or service industry) to cover expenses, but it requires significant discipline and often results in less free time and more fatigue. Many schools still have policies limiting first-year students to 10-20 hours per week, so checking your specific institution's rules is crucial.
Can you work full-time your first year of law school?
If you've considered working to cover some or all of your law school costs, you're not alone. In the past, the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar restricted full-time students from working more than 20 hours per week. In 2014, however, the ABA eliminated that limit.
Is it possible to work while attending law school?
Law school is not cheap, of course, and working part-time can help offset expenses and reduce debt. A 2020 Law School Survey of Student Engagement, which included both full-time and part-time programs, found that about a fifth of first-year law students reported having a job.
What is the toughest year of law school?
Most law students agree the first year (1L) is the hardest due to the steep learning curve, new Socratic/case-based teaching methods, intense reading/writing demands, and high pressure to learn fundamental legal thinking, but some find 2L (second year) harder because of heavier course loads with more specialized, complex papers and less structure. 1L forces you to learn a new "language," while 2L often involves managing more complex, self-directed research and writing projects alongside doctrinal courses, creating a different kind of challenge.
What disqualifies you from law school?
Disqualification from law school often stems from academic failure (low GPA/grades) or character & fitness issues like significant criminal records, academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism), financial irresponsibility, or, most commonly, failing to be truthful on your application or during the character and fitness review process, as honesty and candor are paramount. While issues like past arrests or financial struggles aren't automatic disqualifiers, they require full disclosure and evidence of rehabilitation to avoid denial or later disbarment.
Introduction to Law School for First-Year Students
Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?
Yes, $400 an hour is a significant amount for a lawyer, but whether it's "a lot" depends on factors like the lawyer's experience, location (urban areas charge more), and specialty (corporate law often costs more). While $100-$300 is a common range, $400 can be standard for experienced attorneys in complex fields or major cities, and even less experienced lawyers in big firms might bill similarly, with partners charging much more.
Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam to be a lawyer?
No, Kim Kardashian has not yet passed the full California Bar Exam; she failed the July 2025 exam and publicly shared her results in November 2025, vowing to keep studying, though she previously passed the First-Year Law Students' Examination (Baby Bar) in 2021. She's said she came "so close" and is determined to pass, viewing the setback as motivation for future attempts.
Is a 3.3 GPA too low for law school?
A 3.3 GPA isn't necessarily "bad," but it makes getting into top-tier (T14/T20) law schools very difficult, though not impossible, requiring a very high LSAT score and strong essays; it's more feasible for mid-tier (Top 50) or lower-ranked schools, where a strong LSAT, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and work experience can significantly boost your chances, even securing scholarships. The key is balancing it with your LSAT score and the specific school's median stats, as many schools have medians above 3.7 for their entering classes.
Is law school no longer worth it?
A legal career can be highly lucrative, especially for graduates of top law schools, but the financial trade-offs are significant. Elite private schools come with higher tuition costs and can lead to more student debt, while public law schools typically offer lower tuition and debt levels.
How do people survive financially in law school?
Student loans provide a financial fallback for many law students. Barring a full scholarship, there's a decent chance you'll need to take out some loans to cover your education and living costs.
How many hours a week is law school?
However, law school work is more consistent throughout the term. First-year law students should expect to commit an average of 30-40+ hours of studying per week (some advocating for more), with around 30-60 pages of reading per class each week.
Can I make money while in law school?
Loans and scholarships are the only way to get money while you're in law school. Lots of law students will hold a job of some kind while they are in school. The key to having a job while in law school is to find one that is high-pay/low-hour. Working for your school is often a great option.
Does law school get easier after the first year?
Everything you read is essential to your next day's class and for all future courses. However, your class prep time will get easier after the first year of law school, as you'll have a better grasp of the legal terminology, study requirements, and necessary lawyering skills.
How many hours is a JD?
Under the ABA rules, a law student must complete no fewer than 83 credit hours in order to graduate from an ABA-approved law school. At least 64 of these credit hours must be in courses that require attendance in regularly scheduled classroom sessions or direct faculty instruction.
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially partners at large firms, top corporate lawyers, or specialized trial attorneys, but it's not typical for the average lawyer, whose median salary is much lower, requiring significant experience, specialization (like IP or M&A), and business acumen to reach that high income level.
What's the hardest year of law school?
Most law students agree the first year (1L) is the hardest due to the steep learning curve, new Socratic/case-based teaching methods, intense reading/writing demands, and high pressure to learn fundamental legal thinking, but some find 2L (second year) harder because of heavier course loads with more specialized, complex papers and less structure. 1L forces you to learn a new "language," while 2L often involves managing more complex, self-directed research and writing projects alongside doctrinal courses, creating a different kind of challenge.
Is a JD worth it in 2025?
For those considering their future in the legal profession, a juris doctor degree remains a valuable and worthwhile investment in 2025. While it requires commitment and careful planning, the opportunities that come from earning a JD extend far beyond the traditional role of attorney.
Is a 160 LSAT competitive?
According to U.S. News, law school admissions experts recommend striving for at least a 150; however, for a top-ranking law school, you should aim for a 160 or better. For a Top 10 law school, a 170 or more is desired. Of course, this all depends on which schools you are applying to.
Can a 2.7 GPA get into law school?
There is so much more that admissions committees consider! I had a 2.9 and got a 160 LSAT, I got into several schools in my area with scholarships. Granted I had a 3.8 grad GPA from a masters program (most schools don't care much about that), but yes, you can get in with a 2.7 just make sure you have a strong LSAT.
How many times did Michelle Obama take the bar exam?
Michelle Obama took the Illinois bar exam twice, failing the first time but passing on her second attempt, a fact she openly discussed in her memoir, Becoming, noting it as a humbling but ultimately insignificant setback. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1991 after this success.
What is Kim Kardashian diagnosed with?
Kim Kardashian was diagnosed with a small brain aneurysm, revealed on her show The Kardashians, with doctors suggesting it might be stress-related due to her law studies; further scans showed "low activity" in her frontal lobe, but she's monitoring it, and she's also known to have psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition.
Who's richer, Taylor Swift or Kim Kardashian?
Yes, recent reports from late 2025 indicate that Kim Kardashian has surpassed Taylor Swift in net worth, with Kardashian estimated at around $1.9 billion due to her Skims brand, while Swift was valued at about $1.6 billion, though both are billionaires.