Do the Math: Law School Excellence Doesn't Equal Law Practice Success

By William Vogeler, Esq. on October 03, 2018 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Jack was great at law school, but struggled in law practice.

A top law school, law review, and honors didn't seem to matter. There was a big disconnect between law school and law life.

He had to face it: excellence in law school doesn't equal law practice success. What he didn't know is, it happens all the time.

Life Is Too Short

Jack -- not his real name -- had a happy ending to his story because he found success outside the law. That's what it takes sometimes.

Andrea, a top-ten law school graduate, was working in Washington, D.C. when she heard that President Ronald Reagan had been shot.

Curious, she left her law office and walked to the nearby hospital where the president was being treated. She saw the crush of reporters, television crews, and police at the scene.

She decided at that moment to change careers and never went back to her law office. She said to herself, life is too short.

Passion in the Law

Although they won't admit it, lawyers are generally unhappy. Endless studies on high suicide rates, alcoholism, and drug abuse can't be wrong.

It doesn't mean you have to quit the law to be happy. Carolyn Elefant, a lawyer/blogger, says you have to find your passion in the law. Figure out what you love, then figure out how to do it for a living.

If you are a good student, you'll figure it out. You may decide to leave law practice, but there are at least 100 things you can do with a law degree.

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