MBA versus Law school: thoughts?

[JanusthePhoenix]

I've seen too many of "this major versus that major" threads to think that there could be a straight answer to this that doesn't involve "what interests you more?" or something along those lines. So I'm just after comments and thoughts here. Let's assume for argument's sake that I am equally interested and possess sufficient aptitude (debatable...:o ) for either a MBA or a graduate law degree. What does the board think about these options? I think I would enjoy doing both, with the biggest difference is that the law school is on the opposite end of the state at University of Idaho which means I would have to move again. If I went with the MBA, I could stay here in Boise. I think either one would be applicable to the vague cloud of possible professions I am envisioning, although I am tempted into thinking that the law degree might be more useful.

Thoughts, comments, or opinions?

[nj593]

I've seen too many of "this major versus that major" threads to think that there could be a straight answer to this that doesn't involve "what interests you more?" or something along those lines. So I'm just after comments and thoughts here. Let's assume for argument's sake that I am equally interested and possess sufficient aptitude (debatable...:o ) for either a MBA or a graduate law degree. What does the board think about these options? I think I would enjoy doing both, with the biggest difference is that the law school is on the opposite end of the state at University of Idaho which means I would have to move again. If I went with the MBA, I could stay here in Boise. I think either one would be applicable to the vague cloud of possible professions I am envisioning, although I am tempted into thinking that the law degree might be more useful.

Thoughts, comments, or opinions?

Since you like to debating I would say law. :o
Not only law for that reason but because law if you choose to do business you know law inside and out and im sure a business would want that. But why would you want to? Dont lawyers make like 120k in private practice and like 70k in firms?
I would say law. If i had the age to play with that option I would venture into law. Theres nothing like going into a court room and shutting them down because you were more prepared and on point.

[cookderosa]

Since you like to debating I would say law. :o
Not only law for that reason but because law if you choose to do business you know law inside and out and im sure a business would want that. But why would you want to? Dont lawyers make like 120k in private practice and like 70k in firms?
I would say law. If i had the age to play with that option I would venture into law. Theres nothing like going into a court room and shutting them down because you were more prepared and on point.

>>

I say law because I'm turning 40. I would have told you to follow your heart if I were 20. I think your question is less about "should you follow your dreams of rainbows and puppies and saving the world or earn a living" (which is a tough call) Your choices are both reasonable, and I think there is a measurable difference between the two paths.

Seriously though, MBA is generalized, so unless you're attending a top program you are unlikely to get any job security in a specific targeted way. Both my husband's brothers have MBAs and are in their late 40's. Both had "jobs" not careers. One brother left the job to open his own business, and is doing well. Now their cousin, same age, went to Wharton - he is the CEO of a large company. These are just 3 people in my world, but my point is, that you'll still be the one who has to make things happen for yourself. For some that sounds exciting, I'm too old for that, so I vote law school.

If you get the degree and pass the bar, you ARE a lawyer. Very targeted, very specific, very secure. Even if you attend a bottom tier school, you will be credentialed. Of course, a top tier school can get you into a firm, but that's a question for another day.

[P00057870]

I guess different perspectives come from different parts of this country. I have worked in the legal field as a legal assistant and paralegal in the past and am married to a brilliant attorney who never did anything but work for others at salaries that never exceeded $50,000 practicing in real estate and family (wills, estates, etc.) law. Living in Florida, things are not what they may seem on the surface. As stated above, it is ultimately up to you and your drive and not all of us have the amount that is necessary to excell -- in any position. He started later in life after having first followed his dreams of trying to play pro golf. This delay was definitely a hindrance and other attorneys held it against him, as he had not "made it" by a certain age.

Our biggest problem here in Florida. is that almost every college churns out people with legal degrees, they pass the bar exam, but cannot always find jobs where they can get actual experience. They are actually creating more attorneys than there is need. Only a few will be hired to work in the larger firms and then they will be expected to work and bill for 80 hours or more a week. Like others have said, I'm too old to consider that possibility -- both physically tired and tired of the internal politics of any organization.

If you are young enough, first research the need for attorneys in your part of the country. Then, for those who are willing to work hard enough, many and probably most attorneys DO make in excess of $100,000 a year.

There is the possibility of having both degrees, if you have that much time, money, and drive. Then you will certainly have the edge on the others, regardless of which path you choose to follow.

[MISin08]

It's a long haul, but this dual degree looks good and might even be conveniently located.

Phillip

[15%Luck]

I would go with getting your J.D.
In terms of bang for your buck Law school is going to win out over an MBA in the long run. I've had this debate myself and decided that if I do go to grad school Law school is where I'll go. I'm kinda already inclined towards law since I was in High school Policy Debate and made it to the National Championship last year

The biggest obstacle is the LSAT which is a beast. I went and got the Kaplan LSAT prep book and started looking over it and it's pretty intimidating. It's not about info recall like a GMAT it's all about interpreting data that's thrown at you. Just another test to conquer though :p

Anything to go through 3 years of hell to become the devil.

I actually found an LSAT prep program on the web by a guy and it looks pretty dang good! If you want me to send you more info on it PM me.

Good Luck with whatever path you choose!
-JD

[JanusthePhoenix]

Thanks everyone, for your input, and hilarious at nj593. My brain is beginning to hurt thinking about all this...:p

Here are some issues I have found: Firstly, if I chose the J.D. option there is a good chance I wouldn't be able to start until fall 2011. :eek: The deadline for the application is Feb 15th, and while they do accept February LSAT scores they make a point of not liking to do so. That, and my undergrad degree might not even be conferred until Feb. If I don't start until 2011, that puts me in school for 3 years and getting out at 27...I don't know how much I like the idea of not being employed again until I am nearly in my thirties. You all make very valid points about the merits of having a J.D. though, so I am conflicted.

The MBA can be done in roughly half the time, AND I can start next fall as long as my GMAT is sufficient (I need at least 700)...decisions, decisions. Maybe I should take the GMAT now, and if I biff that I can take the LSAT which I think I am more confident about knowing that it doesn't involve math. If I score high enough on the LSAT, all that's left to do is find something to do with myself for about a year...

Just thinking out loud, since that is what this thread is for anyway.

[soupbone]

I would go with getting your J.D.
In terms of bang for your buck Law school is going to win out over an MBA in the long run. I've had this debate myself and decided that if I do go to grad school Law school is where I'll go. I'm kinda already inclined towards law since I was in High school Policy Debate and made it to the National Championship last year

The biggest obstacle is the LSAT which is a beast. I went and got the Kaplan LSAT prep book and started looking over it and it's pretty intimidating. It's not about info recall like a GMAT it's all about interpreting data that's thrown at you. Just another test to conquer though :p

Anything to go through 3 years of hell to become the devil.

I actually found an LSAT prep program on the web by a guy and it looks pretty dang good! If you want me to send you more info on it PM me.

Good Luck with whatever path you choose!
-JD

Just post the link! hilarious


I have to agree with the others about the JD. I'm in my early thirties and I'm all but decided on going to law school. Maybe for me the difference is that I've been in law enforcement for 13 years but either way I feel confident that even at my age I'll do fine. My resume should speak for itself. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[Katterina]

I think I'm going to go with the rainbows and puppies response and say that you should follow your heart. I know many thirty-something ex-lawyers that loved law school and the idea of being a lawyer, but did not love the profession itself. I think either degree will open doors for you, but only you can really decide what sort of work and lifestyle will suit you in the long run.

[jaer57]

I'll be the odd one out and say neither!

Ever thought about a medical profession? With the pending legislation, the medical field could have a boom and now may be a great time to start a program. Maybe a MD, RN, or NP?