The Timeless Pursuit of Knowledge: Going to Law School at 50
Introduction: In a world where the traditional trajectory of life is often challenged, the idea of attending law school at the age of 50 might raise a few eyebrows. Yet, it’s a decision that can bring profound personal growth, societal impact, and unparalleled rewards. In this blog, we’ll explore why pursuing a legal education at this stage in life is not only feasible but also incredibly worthwhile.
1. Embracing Life Experience: At 50, I bring with me a wealth of wisdom and life experiences that serve as invaluable assets as I embark on this journey. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on the world, human nature, and the complexities of society. In the legal field, such insight can be a powerful tool, allowing me to understand and empathize with my clients on a deeper level.
2. Specialization Aligned with Passion: Law is a vast field with various areas of specialization, from family law to environmental law. At 50, I have the advantage of choosing a niche that aligns with my personal interests and passions. This alignment can transform my legal career into a deeply fulfilling endeavor.
3. Advocacy for Social Justice: The legal profession offers numerous opportunities to advocate for social justice and positive change. My age and life experiences can make me a potent advocate for causes I deeply care about, whether it’s championing the rights of the elderly, advocating for environmental protection, or promoting equity and inclusion.
4. Challenging Perceptions: By pursuing law school at 50, I challenge the conventional notion that certain career paths are reserved for the young. My determination and commitment can inspire others to follow their dreams, regardless of their age or circumstances.
5. Personal Fulfillment: Ultimately, attending law school at 50 is about personal growth and fulfillment. It’s a chance to expand my horizons, acquire new skills, and make a significant impact on society. It’s proof that learning and growth have no age limit.
Conclusion: In a world where lifelong learning is increasingly celebrated, going to law school at 50 is a testament to the enduring pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. It’s a decision that empowers me to use my unique life experiences to make a positive difference in the legal profession and society at large. So, if the law has always beckoned, I won’t let age deter me from embarking on this exciting journey. The pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds.
The Timeless Pursuit of Knowledge
Twenty years ago, I found myself sitting in our condo, grappling with the LSAT—a test I took not once, but three times. They usually advise against this, and with good reason. If you retake it too many times, your scores get averaged, which isn’t ideal. However, in the grand scheme of things, my LSAT score doesn’t matter as much as what it revealed to me—my language skills, or rather, the lack thereof.
You see, professional writers attend school. Writing is a challenging process, and only those with a strong drive to understand it will embark on the journey to untangle jumbled writing. Professional writers excel at crafting compelling narratives that captivate their readers. But, there’s a crucial question to ponder—does your writing lead to tangible results?
Do you struggle to get your novels published? Does the majority of your work go unnoticed, with your earnings barely covering your bills? This is where a copywriter like Laura Belgray comes in. Copywriting is about using the power of words to sell your ideas, products, and services, excuse my French, but it’s true.
Through the process of sitting for the LSAT, I discovered that I lacked a strong command of language to achieve a high score and surpass the competition of aspiring lawyers. This realization fueled my passion for promoting literacy, selling children’s books, and homeschooling my child. I found my true calling—passion.
When I decided to apply to law school, I wrote my admission essay and showed it to seasoned lawyers. Their advice was consistent: “Marla, you need to be punchy and concise.” Of course, my initial reaction was, “What on earth does it mean to be punchy?” In essence, I failed to sell myself to the law school administration. I also discovered that minority applicants who faced similar language challenges were sometimes given affirmative action precedence. This irked me even more—it made me angry. Why, I thought, would someone’s ethnicity be considered in admissions decisions?
I must confess, I’m not a fan of affirmative action.
In law school, if you aren’t a strong reader, you’ll struggle to grasp the main points of the often convoluted opinions you’re assigned to read. You’ll find it challenging to crack the top 10 in your class or make it to the law review. Every law student reads vast amounts of perplexing writing and is expected to decipher the opinions’ main points for class discussions. There’s a high incentive to do so. Some lawyers, though not all, have a tough yet clear writing style. They must learn how to present their case convincingly to a judge. Yes, lawyers are essentially glorified salespeople.
What deeply troubles me is that only 34% of our nation’s children read proficiently in the 4th and 8th grades. Why is this concerning? Because SAT scores correlate with LSAT scores. Of that percentage, only 25% of Black and Latino students read proficiently in the 4th and 8th grades. Shocking, right? But wait, it gets worse by 8th grade, with even fewer students reading proficiently.
My journey into law school was unconventional. I wasn’t accepted into the lawyering program; instead, I joined a non-lawyering program within the law school. I found myself studying law alongside second and third-year law students. It was an eye-opening experience for me, one that I’m profoundly grateful for. After completing my post-graduate level certificate, I enrolled in a paralegal program at a community college.
As paralegals, we also read case law, but our incentive to grasp the main points isn’t as strong as that of law students. We’re guided through the process. The goal of a paralegal is to assist lawyers administratively, and that wasn’t particularly enjoyable for me. I yearned for more—more reading, more writing, and the chance to improve my writing. I wanted to share ideas. So, it deeply frustrates me that my public education didn’t equip me with strong reading and writing skills. It’s a source of melancholy. I aspired to be a lawyer because I adore words—not quite as much as my husband, who enjoys creating quirky words with our son, Isaac. Imagine the satisfaction of resolving people’s legal issues, presenting persuasive arguments, and standing before a judge.
Remember, work to learn, not solely for money.
Recently, during a book show, a mother shared her story with me. She said, “I’m pursuing my master’s degree in information technology.” She aspires to be a “professional.” It struck me how many people shy away from sales roles, often viewing salespeople negatively. They assume we’re only after one thing—money. I couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for her. In reality, we should all learn to embrace the skills necessary for a sales role. After all, sales is a field that everyone should master to some extent.
Michelle Nelson-Schmitt is a true standout in the world of writing. With a background in graphic design, she brings a unique perspective to her craft, making her a best-selling author and accomplished illustrator—a combination that sets her apart.
Yet, as Robert Kiyosaki astutely observes in his book, “The world is filled with smart, talented, educated, and gifted people.” It’s undeniable that there are countless individuals with incredible potential and skills. However, the unfortunate reality is that many of these highly capable people find themselves struggling financially.
The question that naturally arises is: Why? Why do so many Americans, despite their talents and education, face financial difficulties? The answer to this complex issue often lies in a combination of factors, including economic disparities, access to opportunities, financial education, and personal choices.
In today’s world, financial challenges can be attributed to various reasons:
1. **Income Inequality:** Income disparities exist, and not everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. Systemic factors, such as wage gaps and limited access to quality education, can hinder financial progress for many.
2. **Lack of Financial Education:** Despite having academic knowledge and skills, many individuals lack financial literacy. Without a solid understanding of personal finance, they may struggle to manage their money effectively.
3. **Debt Burden:** High levels of debt, especially student loans and credit card debt, can significantly impact one’s financial stability and ability to save or invest.
4. **Spending Habits:** Personal choices and spending habits also play a crucial role. Overspending, living beyond one’s means, and failing to save can lead to financial stress.
5. **Unforeseen Circumstances:** Life can be unpredictable, and unexpected events like medical emergencies or job loss can quickly erode financial security.
6. **Inadequate Savings:** Many people lack a financial safety net in the form of savings or investments, making them vulnerable to financial crises.
Addressing these financial challenges often requires a combination of personal financial education, prudent financial planning, and systemic changes to create a more equitable economic environment. While being smart, talented, and educated is undoubtedly an advantage, financial success often hinges on the ability to navigate these complexities effectively.
Michelle Nelson-Schmitt’s unique journey is a testament to the idea that success can come in unexpected ways, but it’s important to acknowledge that each person’s financial path is influenced by a multitude of factors. Understanding and addressing these factors is essential for achieving financial well-being in today’s world.
Because most people simply need to master one skill to witness a significant income boost. Financial intelligence is the amalgamation of accounting, investing, marketing, sales, and law. When you combine all of these elements with money-making endeavors, success becomes more attainable—or so they say. But for most, the one skill they are intimately familiar with is hard work.
So, when you subscribe to receive my emails (rest assured, I’ll send you a free book as a token of appreciation 
) and scan through the key points for something truly worthwhile—something that could inspire, educate, or motivate you—it’s of paramount importance to get straight to the point. My future hinges on it. (Feel free to shoot me an email and let me know how I’ve fared.)
This concise, punchy writing style isn’t a walk in the park. (And self-editing can be just as challenging.) To articulate your ideas clearly and succinctly, with that added punch, that’s what copywriting is all about. It’s like being a judge on the bench, tasked with deciding the case at hand—fun, isn’t it?
My objective is to ignite your inspiration and drive to become proactive educators for your children. It’s an absolute necessity. Otherwise, they might end up like me, working on reading, writing, and arithmetic later in life. So, for the love of all things holy, invest in the best kind of books. Buy our books. Now! What are you waiting for? Start shopping, and fill every nook and cranny of your home with those precious tomes. It sends a powerful message about fostering a love for reading.
In summary, to achieve success, don’t labor for money. Labor to learn.
In conclusion, when I completed my studies, my starting salary was $40,000, and a promising career lay ahead. However, I made the decision to step away from it when my son was born. I enrolled in a mediation school and dedicated 40 hours to learning the ropes. Volunteering at a mediation center in Colorado, I honed my conflict-resolution skills. Subsequently, I delved into the realm of property law by enrolling in a real estate school.
In life, the goal is to acquire a little knowledge about a broad spectrum of subjects.
In both legal practice and academia, the prevailing notion at the time was specialization. The belief was that specializing as an immigration paralegal, real estate paralegal, or personal injury paralegal would lead to higher earnings. However, if you delve into American history, you’ll discover that our founding fathers valued being well-versed in a wide array of subjects.
So, seek work that promises more in terms of learning than earning.
Don’t let yourself become ensnared in the never-ending rat race.