Law School

JD1983 · 09-27-2007, 21:23

Right now I'm going into my second year of law school (prior to law school I received a B.A.) and like many law students I've realized that being a lawyer isn't for me. As my reply on the introduction thread states I've had an interest in the military and specifically SF since I was a child and now I've come to the realization that I want to give it my all and sign an 18x-ray contract. I want to be SF first and foremost, and secondarily apply for OCS and become an 18A after serving some time as an SF NCO (This is just a goal and I know there is definitely no certainty).

My question is should I finish my last two years of law school then enlist, or enlist sooner rather than later? I'm lucky enough that tuition money isn't an issue and I'm wondering if having an advanced degree would help me as an officer?

**Razor** · 09-27-2007, 23:52

SF planning focuses on PACE--Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency. Making the bold assumption you are selected and complete training and are assigned to a Group, what is your Alternate life plan if you get seriously injured and can no longer serve? I believe it would be handy to have a professional degree to fall on in that circumstance, but in the end you have to make your own life decisions.

CPTAUSRET · 09-28-2007, 07:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razor

SF planning focuses on PACE--Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency. Making the bold assumption you are selected and complete training and are assigned to a Group, what is your Alternate life plan if you get seriously injured and can no longer serve? I believe it would be handy to have a professional degree to fall on in that circumstance, but in the end you have to make your own life decisions.

That advice comes from someone who has lived it!

magician · 09-28-2007, 08:49

Get the law degree, and take the bar exam as soon as you are eligible, so that everything is still fresh in your mind. Just because you graduate and pass the bar does not mean that you actually have to practice. I worked with a DEA special agent who graduated from law school, for example, and he never worked a day as an attorney.

This war is not going anywhere. There will be a war to go to for a long time.

JD1983 · 09-28-2007, 09:16

That sounds like good advice. I've definitely considered that aspect, but hearing it from QP's really drives it home.

I guess I have to get back to writing my mock appellate brief for advocacy

.

**Roguish Lawyer** · 09-28-2007, 09:47

Get the best grades you can. Makes a big difference in the opportunities you'll have after school no matter what you end up doing.