Why should I not go to law school?
Asked by: Bruce Bogan | Last update: June 15, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (40 votes)
You should not go to law school if you're seeking quick riches, don't have a clear career goal, dislike intense stress and reading, or aren't prepared for substantial debt and a demanding, often unglamorous, work environment where big law salaries aren't typical for most graduates. Law school is costly and time-intensive, with a stressful curriculum that doesn't guarantee a high-paying job, and the actual practice of law can be tedious and far from TV portrayals, often involving long hours and high pressure, say Reddit users and Barbri.
Is going to law school a bad idea?
Unless you plan to enter the workforce as an attorney, going to law school to delay the inevitable “job” can be a detrimental decision. Not only will you spend three years studying something that you may potentially never use, you'll also emerge from it with thousands upon thousands of dollars in debt.
What are the disadvantages of the law?
However, it also notes three disadvantages: law can be rigid and not adjust to changing needs; it has a conservative nature that favors existing law; and an emphasis on legal formalism can lead to complexity.
Did Kim Kardashian get her law degree?
No, Kim Kardashian does not have a law degree because she didn't attend traditional law school, but she completed California's Law Office Study Program (an apprenticeship) and is working toward becoming a licensed attorney by taking the bar exam, passing the \"baby bar\" in 2021 and taking the full California bar in July 2025.
What percent of people quit law school?
Law school dropout rates vary significantly, but recent data for ABA-approved schools shows low overall attrition (around 1.66%), with higher rates (over 6% for 1L) at less selective or unaccredited schools, especially for students of color, driven by academic pressure, mental health, and finances, with first-year attrition being most common. More selective schools with higher GPA entry requirements tend to retain students better.
3 Reasons NOT to Go to Law School
What percent of people regret law school?
Law School Regret by the Numbers
Only 37 percent strongly agreed that they would attend law school again. Only 35 percent said law school prepared them well for practicing. Only 20 percent strongly agreed that their law school was worth the cost.
Does passing the baby bar make you a lawyer?
No, passing the "Baby Bar" (First-Year Law Students' Examination or FYLSE) in California does not make you a lawyer, but it's a crucial step for non-traditional students to continue their legal education and qualify to take the full California Bar Exam, which, along with character & fitness, is required for licensure. The Baby Bar tests first-year law subjects (Contracts, Criminal Law, Torts), while the main Bar Exam tests a much broader range of law, and passing it is the final hurdle before becoming a licensed attorney.
How many times did Kim Kardashian fail the bar exam?
Kim Kardashian failed the California "baby bar" (First-Year Law Students' Exam) three times before passing it in December 2021, and has failed the main California Bar Exam once as of November 2025, vowing to retake it again in 2026. Her failures, particularly with the baby bar, were public, but she persevered to pass that first hurdle on her fourth attempt.
Did Kim use ChatGPT for bar exam?
The news of her failing the bar comes after Kim admitted she used AI assistance to help her study for law school exams. During a recent interview alongside Teyana Taylor for Vanity Fair's Lie Detector video series, Kim said she used ChatGPT but didn't find it very helpful.
What are the cons of being a lawyer?
High-stress situations
When you're in this profession, it's important to meet deadlines and the demands of your clients. You may also come in contact with stressful and emotional cases that can have a negative impact on your mental health.
Which job is best after a law degree?
- ADVOCATE : - Out of the many opportunities after LLB, advocacy is the most recognized profession chosen by LLB graduates. ...
- LEGAL ADVISOR : - A legal advisor is a highly sought after profession. ...
- TEACHER : - ...
- LEGAL ANALYST : - ...
- LEGAL RESEARCHER : - ...
- GOVERNMENT SERVICES : - ...
- CORPORATE COUNSELLOR : - ...
- COMPANY SECRETARY : -
What is the hardest part of studying law?
During the course of a semester, students must learn a large amount of material in a short amount of time. This includes case law, statutes, and legal theories, among other things. Furthermore, law students must be able to think critically and analyze complex legal issues.
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.
Is law school worth it in 2026?
Yes, a juris doctor can still provide a strong return on investment (ROI) in 2026, if you are strategic. The average starting salary for new attorneys, especially those working in corporate law or large firms, often offsets the cost of education within a few years.
Why would someone not want to be a lawyer?
Poor Work-Life Balance. The legal profession's demands can make achieving a healthy work-life balance difficult. Lawyers often work long hours and may be expected to be available at all times, making it hard to find time for personal pursuits or family obligations.
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.
Which states let you skip law school for the bar?
States That Allow You to Take the Bar Without Law School
In California, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, you can skip law school and still qualify for the bar exam. Each state has specific rules about supervision, study hours, and reporting requirements before you may sit for the bar.
Is the LSAT or bar harder?
Most people find the Bar Exam significantly harder than the LSAT because the Bar tests vast memorized legal knowledge and application over several days, whereas the LSAT tests raw reasoning skills without prior knowledge, though high LSAT scores for top law schools can require near-perfect performance. The LSAT is a skills test for law school entry, while the Bar is a knowledge test for legal licensure, making the Bar a more brutal hurdle after years of legal study, acting as the public's final defense against incompetence.
What jobs can I get without law school?
Careers in the Legal Field Without a Law Degree
- Understanding the Legal Field Landscape. ...
- Exploring Career Options Without a Law Degree. ...
- Paralegal: Supporting Legal Operations. ...
- Legal Assistant: Assisting Attorneys. ...
- Legal Secretary: Managing Legal Documentation. ...
- Alternative Career Paths in Law.
What did Ben Affleck get on his SAT?
Ben Affleck reportedly had a "near-perfect" or "almost perfect" SAT score, rumored to be 1600, on the old 1600-point scale, though the exact score isn't officially confirmed, with sources citing sources like the New York Times on his high aptitude despite poor high school attendance.
When did Joe Biden finish law school?
In 1968, Biden earned a Juris Doctor degree from the university's College of Law, ranked 76th in his class of 85 students. He was admitted to the Delaware bar in 1969 and practiced as a lawyer before running for political office. On December 18, 1972, Biden's wife and daughter died in a car crash.
What LSAT did Elle Woods get?
Elle Woods scored a 179 on the LSAT, just one point shy of a perfect 180, after initially scoring a 143 on a practice test, a massive jump that helped her get into Harvard Law School. This near-perfect score, combined with a 4.0 GPA and strong extracurriculars, made her a competitive applicant, though her rapid improvement from a low practice score is often noted as a highlight (and a bit unrealistic) of her journey in Legally Blonde.