Law school is a challenge for any student and commands a great deal of time and effort. But for the non-traditional law student many unique challenges are often presented. In an effort to deal with some of these unique challenges I suggest following the EDGE method.

Evaluate – Before deciding to attend law school you must do some serious evaluation. Law school is a huge commitment of time, money, and energy. The very first step you should take is thoroughly evaluating yourself and your individual situation. Just a few of the many factors you should consider are

  • Do I really want to be a lawyer?
  • How organized am I?
  • How much time do I have to devote to classes, study, and externships?
  • How much time will I have for my wife? My kids? My friends?
  • Do I have a support team behind me?
  • Is there a law school that supports non-traditional schedules nearby?
  • Will my employer work with me if my schedule requires it?
  • Can I afford to spend tens of thousands of dollars or go into debt?
  • Will I be able to get enough sleep?
    • DO NOT underestimate this point in your evaluation! See This Article of how sleep deprivation affected one attorney’s life.

These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself before you consider taking the next step in the method. If after a thorough evaluation you have decided that you can do it, move on to the next step.

Determine – This step is relatively simple, but it is no less critical. For this step you just change every question in your evaluation into an affirmative statement (of course, you must also mean it).

  • I do want to be a lawyer!
  • I will find time for family, work, and school!
  • I will manage my debt!
  • Etc . . .

There are some non-traditional students in my classes that travel hours to attend law school on the weekends. I know one individual that actually flies in on Friday and flies back out on Sunday night to attend classes. This is determination!

After you have evaluated yourself and decided that you can do it and then determined that you will do it, you can move on to the next step.

Go For It – Thinking about going to law school is one thing; actually doing it is quite another. You have decided you can. You have decided you will. Now, act on those decisions. Taking that first step can be difficult. Believe me, I know. But you can do it.For most traditional law students this is just the next step after college. But for the non-traditional law student it may be a return to school after 10, 20, or even 30 years! Entering back into “school mode” can be a challenge in itself. You must once again fill out your FASFA application, take enterance exams (the LSAT), and attend orientations. And this is before you even start classes!

Hang in there and have hope. If you have truly been honest and forthright in the first two steps then you should be fine. Go for it and don’t forget to read the last – and very crucial – step in the process.

Endure – All three of the previous steps will be in vain if you do not endure. Be prepared; this is not a journey for the faint-of-heart. But there will be wonderful times and great rewards. You will have a sense of purpose, and you will be learning one of the oldest and most noble professions. Tap into your support team (family, friends, church, etc . . .) when you feel overwhelmed. Don’t forget to relax and take some personal time when you can. This is important to maintain your health and sanity and give you the strength to endure.As a non-traditional student you have probably already accomplished many difficult tasks in your life. This is just another step along the journey. You have decided you can. You have determined you will. You have taken the first step. Now put on your game face and look to the future.

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