Author: Law School and Me
Trust the Timing of Your Life
Everything was going well. I was on track with my study schedule and feeling confident. But as the weeks passed and I spent every free moment with my head down devouring LSAT prep, I became painfully aware that I was neglecting my children.
As a stay at home, homeschooling mother that is currently pregnant with baby number four, my main priority is my household and my children. While other moms may be able swing studying + family life, I couldn’t master it in this season of life.
I had become a half assed mom, and while the LSAT would come and go, law school would be waiting, and then the bar exam, then my career. And while it’s incredibly difficult to press pause once again, I know that my time will come.
The LSAT and I will meet again. I will go to law school one day and become an attorney. For now, I choose to be present for my children and husband. One of my favorite quotes is “The blessing was delayed not denied“, and that’s what I’m holding onto.
Good luck to everyone taking the September test! I am cheering you on and hope to join you soon. ❤️
It’s Not You, It’s the LSAT
I have been in an on-again/off-again relationship with the LSAT since 2010. I start studying then quit, deciding it’s just to dang hard. I took it once 5 years ago and did poorly, have spent $1,000s of dollars on study courses, and have determined that I just can’t conquer this mountain.
But here’s the thing, this “mountain” is only there because I put it there. In reality, with some hard work, consistent studying, and faith, I could without a doubt kick this test in the face.
Besides my sometimes lack of belief in myself, this test is the only thing standing in my way of fulfilling this dream.
My husband is supportive and kind and encouraging, but whenever the idea of law school/the LSAT resurfaces he gets completely turned off. I originally though it was because the whole idea of law school was so daunting, and then he shocked me with this:
💥”It’s not you, it’s the LSAT. Law school is exciting, but you have GOT to take this darn test and be. done. with. it. Enough talk, go work!”💥
Well, okay then. That’s exactly what I’ll do. For real this time.✨
How Old is Too Old to Go to Law School?
*Original posted on Instagram on March 21, 2018.*
Three days after my last post (where I shared that I was getting things in order to begin LSAT studying again) I found out that my family is growing, and that I’m due in October with baby no. 4. 😱❤️🎉
While I’m super excited for this new life growing inside of me, it does throw a curveball into my law school plans, and has me questioning this desire.💥
So my question to you guys is this – how old is TOO old to go to law school?💥 Yes, I know you’re never too old to dream a new dream and all that jazz, but realistically speaking, at what point does age hinder you in the field of law?
IF I started school next August, I’d be 33. Going part-time, I’d be 37 when I graduate. Will this impact my chances at gaining employment as an associate (or in general)? I know 37 isn’t elderly by any means, but IS IT in the law world????
Any advice or information is greatly appreciated. 🙌🏼
**The following were comments I received:
- mgiwaamuI am 53 I’ve raised my twins sent them to college. I am creating a job for myself because I stayed home with them. I will attend a school that may not be the best because I don’t want student loans. But when I die I will be an attorney! Go for it. You planned on living 3 more years, follow your dreams!
- veronicamonique76I’m all about writing your own story and making your own path! Age is a number! For me, I see it as this…. It is my responsibility to carve the way for my children , my children’s children and so on. Just think, you could be starting older but think about the impact of your accomplishements when your children talk about what you have done. Who knows, you could be starting a legacy that your children or your grandchildren could continue! Follow your dreams and make the path for your children to follow.
- veronicamonique76And 37 ain’t old… if someone denies you employment because your 37… it’s their loss, not yours. Being an attorney opens up so many doors and provides many opportunities….
- okirksIf you want to do it, do it! I started when I was 31 & also have 4 littles. You can do it!
- myjourneytolawschoolI’ll be starting at 41. When I reached out to several schools about my concern over my age I got a lot of positive feedback. My experience has made me a better candidate they said (10 years military and I will have 5 years as a volunteer teacher for the deaf in the Dominican Republic). The biggest thing I kept hearing was that age and experience in life can provide more depth and variety to the classes, it gives more perspective. Imagine how limited the view would be if it was only 22 year olds? They like older students. And call the schools you are looking at and ask about this, they can help alleviate your concern so you can keep going!
- the_bookish_studentI have a friend from law school who’s 44 and he still has two years to complete so, basically, he’ll be 46 when he graduates. Plus, he’s got a full-time job and cannot drop it for financial reasons. For me, it’s not about how old you are : it’s just a matter of motivation and organization. Good luck and keep us posted 😉
- legallytopazIf I start next year il be 33. A school told me that they like older students bc they’ve lived life and are more balanced and generally have a genuine reason for wanting to pursue law
- mgiwaamuPursing this career can really help you down the line. You may become self employed so that you can manipulate your career so that you can be more of a part of your kids lives. Things such as after school activities will be easier for you to attend to if you hang your own shingle!! Great Luck!
- tekey_wCongratulations!! I had a few classmates well over 40 & I didn’t go to law school right out of undergrad. There’s never a “perfect” time just go when you’re focused and ready!
- lawyer_in_the_makingYou are never too old, if you want it, you’ll get there, no matter how long it takes or what happens along the way! You are clearly a hard worker and super dedicated, and no doubt your children will be immensely proud of you and your achievements!
- puerto_rican_fitness_girlNo , I know a guy he retired from law enforcement at age 42, went to law school at 45 , graduated and is very successful in NYC . So no worries about age. Oh and and another guy was 60 taking the LSAT. When I took it for the first time I did see a lot of mature people there. So times are changing. We are becoming more progressive . There should never be any limitations on your goals. NEVER. If someone in your circle is telling you different , get rid of them.
- puerto_rican_fitness_girlI have seen law associates 65 years old please fulfill ALL your dreams, live your dreams.
- ksimmsy13Hi, I know you don’t know me. But I’m a law student and I’m 25. My class has a student that is in her late 40’s. Go for it girl. It’s true it’s never too late. It will be hard but it will be worth it.
- nerdylatina313This entire post just gave me more motivation! I thought I was the only one thinking this but all these comments just gave me some hope!
- s1nglemamaSo glad I came across your page!! I’m 35 and starting law school in August!!! Go for it!!!
Hello, and welcome!
Hi, I’m HG and my dream is to attend law school and become a lawyer!
I’m an early 30’s, married, mom of 3 living in the South, but that’s all I’m going to reveal about my personal life as I’d like to remain anonymous.
The LSAT and I have been in a relationship since 2010. That was the year I discovered my passion for the law and changed my undergraduate major from English to Criminal Justice. I wanted to become a voice for the voiceless, and quickly realized that I would need more than just a B.S. to do so. So, I began studying in 2010 for the LSAT, but pressed pause on this goal in order to welcome my first child into the world in 2012. As luck would have it (and I mean that sincerely, as my children are truly amazing little blessings) I gave birth again in 2013, and 2016. While holding off on law school, I earned a graduate degree in Human Services Counseling with a Criminal Justice cognate in 2016.
Now it is 2017 and my firstborn is five-years-old, and I believe the time has finally come to try again. I am currently studying to take the December 2017 administration!
(I should note that after baby #2 was born, I did take the LSAT and scored 10 points lower than I had scored in my practice tests, and I was devastated. Completely. Freaking. Devastated. But I applied anyway to 9 schools and was accepted at 4, waitlisted at 3, and rejected at 2, but ultimately decided to wait to enroll. I know that I can do much better on the LSAT, which in turn changes the schools that will accept me, and the amount of scholarship money I will be offered.)
My current goals are:
- Take the December LSAT
- Score at least a 160
- Apply to schools in January
- Get accepted with a full scholarship
- Begin law school in August 2018
My goals are big, but my God is bigger, and I am excited to document this journey here!