BlogUniversityThe 3 Reasons Why You Should NOT Study a Law Degree

The 3 Reasons Why You Should NOT Study a Law Degree

Are you thinking about studying a Law degree when you finish high school?

So many students tell us they want to study law when they finish the HSC! Even Rowan, our CEO and founder studied a law degree when he finished high school!

However, there are 3 major reasons why you SHOULDN’T study a law degree.

In this article and video, Rowan from #AOSTV shares the 3 reasons why you shouldn’t study a law degree.

1. Employment Prospects
2. Salary Expectations
3. It Won’t Help You Stand Out

Ready to find out why you shouldn’t study a law degree? Let’s jump in!

Reason #1: Employment Prospects

When Rowan decided to study a law degree, he thought that this would give him lots of amazing career prospects, lots of jobs and a great salary!

But it turns out he was incredibly wrong. 

The truth is, there are about 15,000 law students graduating each year in Australia, with 50,000 students actually studying a law degree in Australia each year. 

The scary fact is, there are only about 66,000 solicitors practicing law right now in Australia. 

There is a huge oversupply of legal graduates in Australia right now. This means that when you graduate with a law degree and go out to find a job, there isn’t a lot of work available to you and it is very competitive.

The Australian Government predicts there will be approximately 5,000 new jobs available in the legal industry over the next 4 years.

This means there will be 45,000 law students graduating in the next 4 years, and competing for 5,000 jobs.

The truth is that employment prospects for law graduates over the next 4 years are pretty limited, which is the opposite of what most students believe!

The bottom line is, you should NOT study law if you think it will automatically give you amazing career prospects. 

Reason #2: Salary Expectations

Many students think that studying law and becoming a lawyer will mean they will be making a lot of money with a great salary! 

However, according to PayScale.com, the average salary that lawyers in Australia earn is $70,000 per year, and the range of salaries goes from $48,000 all the way up to $117,000. 

But in reality the amount of hours that you are going to need to work and the amount of time you’ll be spending on work as a lawyer, the return on your investment of time really isn’t great in terms of the salary you’ll be getting.

In fact, you’re probably better off becoming a teacher. That’s right, a teacher.

While the perception is that teachers don’t make a lot of money, in reality they tend to earn similar salaries to lawyers, in that $70,000-$110,000 range.

PLUS, teachers get 3 months holiday every year while getting to do very rewarding and powerful work with students. 

You should NOT study a law degree if you think it will provide you with a fantastic salary. 

Reason #3: Studying Law Won’t Help You Stand Out

Many students decide to study one degree in Arts, Engineering or Commerce and think that adding a double degree in Law will help them stand out from the crowd in the job market.

However,  because of the sheer amount of students studying law degrees at the moment, in reality this really won’t differentiate you from other applicants for jobs.

You should NOT study a law degree if you think it will help you stand out for jobs in other industries or related areas.

Want to know the reasons why you SHOULD study a law degree?

While we’ve just outlined 3 very valid reasons for you to rethink studying law, there are many good reasons to study a law degree as well! 

Reason #1: To Learn How to Think

A law degree is a fantastic way to learn how to think and problem solve effectively! The structure of the degree is based on giving you real world problems and a legal framework by which to look at both sides of an issue or problem.

This is an incredibly powerful and important skill that you can take into many industries and careers across your lifetime. 

Reason #2: You’re Genuinely Passionate About the Law

If you are genuinely passionate about the role the law plays in our society and it’s ability to make a difference in people’s lives then you definitely should think about studying law!

This is because you’re wanting to study law for the right reasons and have genuine passion for it.

Reason #3: Practical Knowledge

Our lives touch upon the law each and every day, so it’s an incredibly practical degree that can help you in your interactions with the people and the world around you, in lots of different careers. 

This means that even if you’re not planning on becoming a solicitor or practicing law, by studying a law degree you can gain experience and knowledge in areas of the law that are fundamental in other careers and parts of society.

The best way to get advice on your degree choice and learn what it’s like to study law is to attend a University Open Day! Lucky for you, we’ve collected a Master List of University Open Days for you to choose from!

Looking for a mentor to support you when deciding what to do with your life after school?

We pride ourselves on our inspirational mentors and tutors who can help you make that important decision. 

With small groups classes, or personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at our state of the art campus in Hornsby, we can help you regardless of where you live!

To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today! 

Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at [email protected] or check us out on Facebook!

Isabella Hanley loves science. She loves science so much she’s making it her career. While completing her Bachelor of Medical Science she is also a Coach and Digital Content Manager at Art of Smart. She is super passionate about sharing her knowledge on surviving the HSC since completing the HSC herself in 2014. In her downtime she enjoys Netflix binging like a pro, singing in the shower and hanging out with her awesome rescue dog, Ruby.

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