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October 2009
Interview with Author
Ursula Furi-Perry
Ursula Furi-Perry
is the author of Law School Revealed (Jist
Publishing, 2009), a new book that includes valuable tips
and information about achieving success as a law student and
beyond. The book describes techniques for academic success,
including briefing cases, outlining, studying, and preparing
for law school exams. Law School Revealed also offers
advice on law student activities, law school work-life
balance, and law student ethics and professionalism.
In this Q & A, Furi-Perry answers JD
Admission.com's questions about the law school experience.
Q: How do I know if law school is right for me?
A: The
reasons people apply to law school are as varied as the
applicants themselves. For some, law school is a lifelong
dream; others are looking for a career change and are
enticed by the many career opportunities the legal field
presents. The right reason for going to law school depends
entirely on you. There are, however, some wrong reasons to
go to law school, including the following, which I mention
in my book:
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Because you're lured by the promise of money. There is a
perception that all lawyers make lots of money, but the
truth is that only a small percentage of recent law
graduates get jobs that pay the amounts so often advertised
in the press. Don't go to law school because you expect to
make lots of money; go because you expect to be in a
fulfilling and exciting legal career.
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Because your mother/father/spouse/teacher/best
friend/yogi told you to go. It doesn't matter that you
come from a long line of litigators or that you were the
star of your school's mock trial team. Like anything else in
life, going to law school is a decision you have to make for
yourself. Don't let others influence your decision as to
whether law school is the right track for you.
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Because Law & Order and Boston Legal
make the legal field seem so glamorous and intriguing.
What you see in Hollywood isn't what you'll experience as a
law student or attorney. So don't base your decision to
become an attorney on what you read in novels or see on the
screen. Instead, do diligent research about legal education,
career prospects, and the work of real lawyers to see
whether you're still interested.
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Because you just love a good debate. Good debate skills
won't get you far in law school—lawyers debate little, but
communicate and analyze a lot. Written and oral
communication skills are what will make you successful in
law school and beyond—not your ability to wow a panel.
Because you can't think of anything else to do with your
life. Law school is an arduous graduate program that
will have a huge effect on your life. Go to law school
because you want to be a lawyer, because you're interested
in the many versatile career options a Juris Doctor offers,
and because you're lured by an interesting intellectual
program—and make sure law school is something you really
want to do!
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