Should I Go to Law School? Answering the Big Question

If you’ve ever wondered, “Is law school right for me?” or “Should I go to law school?” you’re not alone. Thousands of students wrestle with the same question every year. Law school can open doors to meaningful and impactful careers, but attendance also comes with serious demands, including cost, workload, and long-term expectations.

The truth is, law school is the right choice for some, but not for everyone, and the world certainly doesn’t need more unhappy lawyers. So, before you apply, take time to reflect, plan, and honestly assess yourself and your long-term goals.

Understanding the Cost of Law School

One of the biggest factors when deciding whether law school is right for you is the financial commitment. Becoming a lawyer involves an expensive up-front investment. The average cost of tuition alone is $138,000 ($46,000 per year). When you factor in housing, textbooks, bar prep courses, and living expenses, the total cost can easily exceed $220,000 (Hanson, Melanie. “Average Cost of Law School,” EducationData.org, July 6, 2025).

Most students rely on student loans to finance their legal education, leaving the average lawyer with six-figure debt, without including undergraduate loans. Repayment can stretch 10 to 20 years, depending on income and repayment plan. That’s a substantial investment of money and time.

These realities mean you should weigh the numbers carefully. Compare the return on investment of law school against your career goals and ask whether your expected salary will support your projected debt load. Helpful resources include:

• Max Pre-Law from AccessLex – for understanding law school financing and debt repayment.
• National Association for Law Placement (NALP) – for data on median starting salaries by practice area and employer type. 
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook – for legal job outlook and long-term employment trends.

What Is Life as a Lawyer Really Like?

TV shows may portray lawyers as spending their days battling with witnesses in dramatic courtrooms, but reality is much more routine. In simple terms, a J.D. is a degree in problem-solving, and most attorneys get paid to worry about their clients’ problems. Using their understanding of the law, they advise their clients with the best strategic solutions.

The key question isn’t just, “Can I get into law school?” but rather, “Do I want the day-to-day life of a lawyer?” If you genuinely enjoy reading, writing, analyzing complex problems, and advocating for others, then a career as a lawyer may be a strong fit.

Self-Assessment: Should I Go to Law School?

Before committing three years (and significant debt), ask yourself some tough questions:

• Why do I want to go to law school? 
• Am I seeking the prestige (and perhaps income) that accompanies being a lawyer, or do I possess a genuine passion for helping others navigate the law? 
• Do I enjoy reading, writing, and solving complex problems daily? 
• Am I truly ready for the academic rigor of law school, where first-year grades largely determine post-graduation career opportunities? 
• Will a J.D. help me achieve my long-term career goals, or are there alternative paths worth exploring? 

Your answers will help you determine whether investing the time and money to become a lawyer is right for you.

Additional Steps to Take Before Applying to Law School

If you’re still reading and we haven’t dissuaded you from considering law school, take these additional steps before applying:

• Talk to practicing lawyers in different practice areas to hear honest perspectives. Most attorneys are willing to share their experiences and provide insight into the realities of the profession. 
• Shadow or volunteer at a court, legal aid office, or government agency to see legal work firsthand. Internships and volunteer opportunities can give you an authentic view of how lawyers spend their days. 
• Work with your pre-law advisor to understand admission requirements and explore realistic career paths that align with your strengths and interests. 

Final Thoughts

Law school isn’t the right fit for everyone. But if your goals, strengths, and expectations align with the realities of legal training and practice, it can be a powerful, worthwhile investment in your future. Take the time to weigh the costs, understand the life of a lawyer, and answer tough questions about your motivations. That reflection is the best first step toward answering the question “should I go to law school?”. 

Additionally, if you would like to get a real look at what law school is like at a reasonable cost. Consider enrolling in a JD-Next cohort. For only $399, you will get first-hand experience what a 1L class is like before writing a larger check.