I am frequently asked by young people (and by those who are young at heart) if they should go to law school. Instead of answering this question myself, I conducted an informal survey of local attorneys and judges. The collective wisdom presented here is second to none.
The survey question posed: A young person (high school student or young college student) approaches you and says, “I am thinking about going to law school. Should I go? Do you have any advice for me?”
Hon. Robert Gusinsky, Justice South Dakota Supreme Court: I would ask the prospective student, “why are you thinking about going to law school?” I want to make sure the student has realistic expectations. But presuming that expectations are realistic, I would say that going to law school is an incredible educational opportunity that can open the doors to many different fields, not just traditional law practice.
Jennifer Williams, Esq. (21 years of experience): It depends. A law degree doesn’t mean becoming the kind of lawyer people see on TV. Instead, a law degree gives you a tool, regardless of your career type, to more powerfully change communities, associations, companies, and governments. If those possibilities interest you, pursue law school. And remember, you can get there from any bachelor’s degree—mine was Elementary Education.
Hon. Camela Theeler, U.S. District Judge, District of South Dakota: I would encourage anyone interested in law school to attend. A law degree is incredibly versatile and supports many career paths. It builds critical thinking and communication skills, trains you to analyze complex issues, evaluate arguments, and respond under pressure. Whether you end up practicing law, working in a business, or a job in public service, a law degree will serve you well.
Brad J Lee, Partner, Beardsley, Jensen & Lee: I would absolutely say, “Yes!” to anyone considering law school. While it can be demanding and certainly requires an investment, the experience will reshape how you approach problems and sharpen your thinking in ways you never imagined. Beyond the traditional legal practice, earning a law degree opens up numerous career paths and opportunities across many fields.
Hon. Josh Hendrickson, Circuit Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit: It depends. If you have a good idea of what you want to do with a law degree and it is required for you to do that, I encourage it. Many people go to law school without contemplating the endgame of what they intend to do afterwards. A law degree may not be necessary. Many people go to law school but do not actually end up practicing law. In today’s economy, one should weigh the cost of higher education against the value of the return. A law degree may not be required to satisfy one’s goal.
Carla Cushman, Interim City Attorney, City of Rapid City: A law degree opens up a wide range of possible career paths – criminal or civil trial work, transactional work, in-house practice for governments or private businesses, among others. Each path asks you to cultivate curiosity and a willingness to build expertise in diverse fields (legal and otherwise) to serve your client. For many, the practice of law serves up new challenges and interesting problems on a daily basis and asks us to meet those challenges with confidence and hard work. If that’s the kind of career that interests you, do it!
Greg Erlandson, Partner, Bangs McCullen Law Firm: Yes — if you’re drawn to it, go. Law is challenging, constantly changing, and genuinely rewarding. You’ll solve real problems for real people when they need help most. Find mentors you admire and learn everything from them. The work is hard, but so is anything worth doing. Don’t overthink it — commit and go all in.
Judge Heidi L. Linngren, Presiding Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit: You absolutely should go. The law is the one steady thing we have in our society. There are so many things that you can do with a law degree. There is satisfaction in helping people and making a difference by doing the same. My love of the law is rooted in a deep understanding of empathy and a desire to do what is right, even when right is sometimes hard. We need the next generation to pick up where we leave off to make sure we continue the service of justice for all.
Cris Palmer, Partner (retired), Gunderson Palmer Nelson & Ashmore: If you are interested in a profession that focuses on problem solving, law school is a great option. You will work hard but be rewarded with real gratification. You will meet and work with some truly amazing people. In the meantime, work on your written and oral communication skills.
Hon. Eric Strawn, Circuit Judge, 4th Judicial Circuit: Going to law school is an admirable choice. When I decided to go to law school I was told there are many benefits to becoming a lawyer with plethora of fields. You could find your way into banking, administration or trial work. With the advent of AI, I would recommend finding a specialty in criminal defense or technology.
Kylie M. Riggins, Riggins Family Law & Mediation: Balance the pros and cons. Pros: Financially rewarding, new challenges daily, and the trust people will have in you is humbling. Cons: Law school is expensive. Law is high stress requiring more hard work than you anticipate. If law excites you, go for it! If not, there are easier ways to earn income.
Hon. John Fitzgerald, Circuit Judge, 4th Judicial Circuit: I would tell the student to go to law school – being a lawyer is a great opportunity to help and be useful to others. Setting the goal to be a lawyer teaches you the value of discipline, education, and persistence in achieving a goal. You must believe and convince yourself that you can achieve the goal. Visualize yourself achieving that goal. But, first and foremost, take action towards that goal. Without action, a dream is just a dream.
Alecia E. Fuller, Esquire, (20 years of experience): Go. There is a large variety of practice areas in law as well as other professions where a law degree may be helpful. My advice is: talk to lawyers about what brought them to their particular area of the law; treat law school as a job – show up, do the work, and go home to something that isn’t school; and get involved at the law school and in the bar.
Jeffrey R. Connolly, Circuit Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit: You should. A law degree opens countless opportunities. Expect to work hard. Law school is not easy. You should participate in moot court or law review. You do not need to decide what your career will look like too early. Internships and judicial clerkships are wonderful opportunities to explore all the profession has to offer.
Sarah Baron Houy, Partner, Bangs McCullen Law Firm: The study and practice of law stretches you intellectually, emotionally, philosophically, and, sometimes, even physically. It is a challenging and fascinating career, where you are implicitly granted a great deal of deference and prestige, but also held to very high standards and expectations. If you’re looking for the adventure of a lifetime, the law might be a good fit for you.
Note: In regard to the preparation of this week’s column, the author would like to thank his kind and long-suffering spouse, Claudia Baron, for her assistance and input.
Anyone desiring to communicate with the Author, may do so by sending an e-mail to the author at rogermbaron@gmail.com .
About this column: Roger Baron is a former professor of Law for 40 years. This Column is designed to provide readers with similar summaries, in non-legalese language, and to also provide a forum for other observations (notes) about relevant legal issues.
Roger Baron is a guest columnist for the Rapid City Post. Opinions expressed may not necessarily represent the views of the Rapid City Post, its affiliates, or advertisers.
