- Start saving as early as possible by creating a budget, cutting back on luxuries, and exploring scholarships and grants.
- A law bachelor’s degree costs range from PHP 50,000 to 150,000 annually.
- Pre-law courses can help broaden perspectives of law and its impact on society.
- Investing in self-improvement is necessary to stay ahead of the competition and remain competitive in a constantly evolving field.
- With guidance from parents and loved ones, taking the first step towards a legal career is achievable.
Becoming a lawyer is a favorite childhood dream for many due to the appeal of being able to make a difference. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, 1,315,500 lawyers in the United States earned an average annual salary of $144,230. Additionally, the job outlook for lawyers is expected to grow by an average of 6% from 2019-2029.
Becoming a lawyer has been romanticized through movies and television shows, leading many children to imagine themselves as courtroom heroes. Law also has a certain level of prestige, which can be attractive to ambitious people looking to advance their careers.
You might want to study law for its challenge, intellectual stimulation, and available career opportunities. Fortunately, you can do it as early as possible with the help of your parents. Here are a few steps to consider for your efforts:
Saving Up for Education
The cost of law education is expensive and can be daunting for aspiring lawyers and their parents. A law bachelor’s degree can range from PHP 50,000 to 150,000 or more a year. It is wise to start saving for law school as early as possible. Here are a few tips to help you save up:
Establishing a Budget
Creating a budget is essential when starting any savings plan. It would be best to start by calculating your income and expenses so you know exactly how much you have to save each month. Establishing categories such as groceries, rent/mortgage payments, utility bills, etc., will help you prioritize your spending and identify areas where you could cut back or eliminate unnecessary costs. It will also help you track your progress toward your saving goals.
Cutting Back on Luxuries
This may seem obvious, but assessing your expenses to see if any luxuries can be cut back on or eliminated to put more money towards educational savings is essential. Consider reducing outings with friends or cutting back on ordering takeout food to free up more money at the end of the month.
Exploring Scholarships & Grants
Taking advantage of scholarships and grants is one of the best ways to reduce the financial burden of pursuing a legal education. Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for law students, including those based on merit and need-based criteria such as race or gender identity.
Seeking Help from Loved Ones
Friends and family may be willing to help fund your law studies if you explain why you want to pursue it. They can even set up a trust or other financial arrangement to ensure the money is managed correctly for your benefit. It’s important to remember that any funds received from loved ones should not be considered as income or factored into your budget when calculating expenses and savings goals.
Identifying Pre-Law Courses
While you might want to start by taking law classes, it’s important to remember that pre-law courses are often just as valuable. It is best to consult with your guidance counselor or other experts in the field before committing to any classes. Pre-law studies may include philosophy, ethics, history, psychology, and sociology. These courses can help broaden your perspectives of the law and its impact on society, thus giving you a better understanding of how it works.
Efforts can also begin in online Senior High School (SHS). You can find a lawyer strand in SHS by researching different schools that offer it and looking for programs that include legal studies. The technology available for improved education can ensure you can start achieving your dream career as early as possible.
Investing in Self-Improvement
Studying current law is essential for aspiring lawyers as it helps them understand the scope and complexity of the legal system. It familiarizes them with the latest legal theory and practice developments, allowing them to develop their skills and make better decisions. This can be highly beneficial when tackling challenging cases or understanding complex legal concepts.
In addition, the more up-to-date a lawyer’s knowledge is, the better equipped they are to handle difficult situations. For example, if a lawyer is not well-versed in recent case law on a particular issue, they may be unable to provide practical advice or support during litigations. Their client could suffer significant financial losses due to inadequate legal representation.
Investing in self-improvement is also essential to stay ahead of the competition and remain competitive in a constantly evolving field. Keeping up with changes in the law is necessary for any lawyer who wishes to stay at the top of their career field.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a lawyer is long and arduous, but you can make it happen with dedication and hard work. Taking the time to start preparing early by exploring options such as scholarships, pre-law courses, and self-improvement will help you achieve your dreams of being an advocate for justice. With guidance from parents and loved ones, taking that first step towards a successful legal career is within reach.
