Myths And Misconceptions About Studying Law

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about studying law. Most people would often think so highly of you once they find out that you are going to law school, simply because they would think that you are incredibly clever since it would take a lot of intelligence and hard work. Getting into a law school is already difficult, getting into some world’s best law schools will definitely make you a head turner.

However, it might make you feel like you’re all high and mighty, but getting through it is something that would definitely challenge you. That is why some people are afraid to try getting into law schools, but then again, there are also some who think that it is easy as long as you work hard, and that comes with other myths and misconceptions along the way that would totally prove them wrong, and here are some of them.

[su_quote cite=”Thane Rosenbaum” class=”cust-pagination”] “Lawyers have ways of seeing that sets them apart from the rest of us. In some way this special vision makes them valuable, and in other ways, repulsive. Lawyers are much more focused on rational, and objective criteria to the exclusion of the emotional, subjective, and sometimes irrational responses to the world.”  [/su_quote]

MYTH #1 Say goodbye to social life

Some things that totally scare off students is that they are afraid that they would have to give up their social life and be a hundred percent focused on being a law student. It is a fact that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get through law school, which is one of the reasons why libraries are always packed with law students who are constantly worrying about their coursework and seminars. However, law school is not just about putting way too many hours and effort into studying, it is also about the fact that you have to learn how to manage your time extremely well, and at the same time be organized minded.

MYTH #2 It is all about learning the law

Another common myth about studying law is that most people expect that they would learn all about the law. This true, but it’s not just about that, it is actually like 10% of what you need to learn. Law school is not just for people who will memorize each and every word in the Constitution or laws, it is about how you’re supposed to mold yourself to become a lawyer.

There are a lot of seminars that law schools offer for practical learning. One of the most important thing when studying law is you have to think like a lawyer focusing on a legal theory. It’s more than just the books, it’s all about real life situations and how you’re going to handle them by helping your future clients out with the use of your legal knowledge.

MYTH #3 You can easily pay your law school debt with your salary

It is as fact that lawyers earn a pretty good amount of money, that is why people don’t really worry about getting into law school with student loans that cost a fortune. What they don’t know is that it is way more complicated than that. If you graduated top of your class from one of the best law schools in the world and at the same time acing your bar exams, then you wouldn’t have a hard time getting a good job.

However, if you graduated with mediocre grades from a mediocre law school, your chances of getting the job that you want is little. In real life, being a lawyer is like a competition, you have got to steal a scene in a good way, and if you’re just plain, no one would notice you no matter how good you are. There are so many lawyers in the world, why would clients settle for less. Without a decent job, you’ll have a hard time paying your student loan.

MYTH #4 You’ll get to try every case and have your court trials once you graduate

Unfortunately, not every lawyer gets to defend their case at court trials, unlike in the movies, it would depend on what kind of lawyer you are. It is not just about going into a trial, it is actually more of an office kind of job because of the paperwork that needs to get done. Keep in mind that you have got to start at the bottom and work hard so you could find your way up. Sometimes it takes years, but if you keep on trying and working hard then you’ll make it.

[su_quote cite=”Alan Dershowitz” class=”cust-pagination”]“Law is an imperfect profession in which success can rarely be achieved without some sacrifice of principle. This all practicing lawyers and most others in the profession, will necessarily be imperfect, especially in the eyes of young idealists. There is no perfect justice, just as there is no absolute ethics. But there is perfect injustice, and we know it when we see it.”[/su_quote]

Regardless of these myths about studying law, the world needs good lawyers. Hopefully, the truth wouldn’t scare you because real lawyers are brave enough to conquer and try to win every case they get.