The Clash isn’t alone in asking, “Should I stay or should I go?” Fall grades were just released and many disappointed students are asking themselves the same question: should I stay in law school? If you are a student evaluating whether to continue in law school, the list below may be helpful.
Consider that law school grades are different than undergrad grades. Although you may have earned all As in undergrad, few students do so in law school. Are you in good standing or on academic probation? Find out what the curve is at your law school and assess where your grades fall within that curve.
If you are a struggling student, become informed about your law school’s policies on academic probation, dismissal, and reinstatement.
If you are on academic probation and are concerned about potential dismissal, use an online grade calculator to calculate what you would need in each course this semester to be in academic good standing by the end of spring term. If the calculator shows that you need to earn all As and Bs and you’ve only Cs and Ds, consider whether moving forward is a realistic endeavor.
Consider the value of making an affirmative decision—a deliberate choice is far better than just forging ahead with the possibility of the decision being made for you based on your grades at a later date.
Consider your future employment. What truly makes you interested, happy, and fulfilled? If being a lawyer seems like the perfect job (or at least a really good), it may make sense to stick around.
If being a lawyer just sounds okay, consider whether a law degree or being a licensed attorney is really necessary for the work that appeals to you. For example, if you are interested in real estate, do you need a law degree or would you be happy working in the field and outsourcing legal work?
If your goal is to develop legal literacy because your desired field relates to the law but isn’t necessarily law practice, then consider pursuing an alternative degree, such as a Masters in Legal Studies. Some law schools allow students to transfer J.D. credits into the program, so that may be an option worth exploring.
Depending upon your circumstances, consider whether a leave is possible, as opposed to discontinuing law school altogether. Inform yourself about the leave policy at your law school and any potential financial ramifications of a leave.
There is no shame in considering whether law school is the right choice for you. Doing so is not a failure but instead a deliberate consideration of your desired life path. Law school is a time consuming and expensive commitment that is worth evaluating. It is not for everyone, and you should make the decision for you and nobody else. Those who love you and support you will do so regardless of your decision—they just want you to be happy. For those who may judge, they are not worth your consideration. It is your life to live and your decision to make.