Legal Question in Technology Law in Massachusetts

Hello. This is a career path question, actually. I am 40 with 15 years of IT experience (servers, network systems and telephone systems). Honestly, I am burnt out on IT and really dread going to work. My question is: am I too old for law school and if not, can I parlay that IT experience into a law career or should I aim elsewhere? I do not have a pure science degree like chemistry or physics so I believe that limits my IP/patent possibilities. Could I try to focus in computer/networking in some way? I should add that I would have to do an evening program and the only ones in Boston are T3 and 4. Should I even start down this road?

Thank you.


Asked on 1/16/12, 7:57 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

John Mitchell Interaction Law

I attended law school in the evening program, along with a lot of older students who, like me, were on second or third careers. Plenty of us were over 40.

The IT background could prove rewarding, assuming you don't wish to leave it entirely behind. It can come in handy even in run-of-the-mill legal practice, as technology is radically changing the way we practice law, and your background can help considerably on the learning curve. Moreover, there is plenty of litigation and policy work that can benefit from your IT background. In fact, there are some wonderful cutting-edge public interest organizations who rely heavily on lawyers and technology professionals, precisely because they are helping to shape the rules by which we will be governed in a networked world of digital communications.

But before taking the plunge, consider it carefully. Too many people go to law school for the wrong reasons. If you don't have a passion for justice, then I suggest you look elsewhere because (a) it is a tough course of study and it not easy work once you pass the bar, and (b) we already have far too many lawyers who don't have a passion for justice who are mucking things up bad enough without your help. ;-)

But don't wait too long to make a decision. In another 40 years, you might indeed be too old to feel that starting law school is worth it.

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Answered on 1/16/12, 10:27 pm


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