Chicago Injury Lawyer Blog
The Dream and the Reality of Law School
Picture this:
You’re standing outside your graduation ceremony, diploma in hand, wearing a borrowed robe that feels heavy with pride — and possibility. You’ve spent years preparing for this moment. Late nights. Heavy textbooks. Endless exams. And now, you’re ready to step into the world as a lawyer.
But somewhere behind that excitement, there’s a voice asking:
“Was it worth it?”
For too many new law school graduates, the answer comes with a sharp edge — shaped by the size of their student loan bill. If you’re thinking about law school, pausing to really understand the debt, the payoff, and the path ahead is one of the smartest choices you can make.
The Price Tag You Can’t Ignore
Law school is expensive — that’s not new.
But what might surprise you is just how much that price has grown. Today, attending a top law school can easily cost over $225,000 — before you even start counting interest or the costs of living in cities like New York, Boston, or Chicago.
Even students who live frugally and hustle for scholarships often find themselves graduating with $130,000 or more in loans. That’s a mortgage — without the house.
And the reality is: not every law degree leads to the kind of salary that makes repayment easy.
The Payoff: What Law School Graduates Actually Earn
Once upon a time, a J.D. almost guaranteed financial security. Now, the picture is more complicated.
Some graduates — particularly from the T14 law schools — step into $215,000-a-year jobs at prestigious law firms. Others — especially those drawn to public service, small firms, or nontraditional careers — start closer to $60,000–$70,000 a year.
Where you study and what you choose to practice will shape your future.
Debt vs. Salary: A 10-Year Look at the Top 25 Law Schools
Ten years after walking across that stage, where might you stand financially?
Here’s a closer look:
You’ll notice:
- Some schools, like Columbia and Stanford, lead to salaries that outpace debt quickly.
- Others, even highly respected schools, leave graduates with tighter margins.
Choosing where you go matters.
Beyond Money: Finding Meaning in the Law
Your happiness as a lawyer won’t just come from your paycheck.
It will come from the kind of work you do — and the kind of difference you make.
Here’s what many practicing attorneys say about their journey:
Personal Injury Law
For personal injury lawyers, meaning often comes from helping people who’ve been blindsided by tragedy. After devastating accidents, injuries, or losses, being able to step in and help a family rebuild their life is a profound experience.
Many who practice personal injury law talk about the deep satisfaction of making a real difference — helping clients recover dignity, security, and hope after unimaginable hardship.
Criminal Defense Law
In criminal defense, lawyers often find their purpose standing up for the underdog.
When someone’s freedom — or future — is at risk, criminal defense attorneys become more than legal advocates. They become lifelines.
Those who practice criminal defense often say that protecting constitutional rights and ensuring fair treatment in a sometimes unforgiving system gives their work a powerful sense of mission.
Corporate Law
Corporate lawyers often thrive on the energy and complexity of high-stakes transactions.
Sitting at the negotiating table during a billion-dollar merger or shaping the future of a major company can be both exhilarating and demanding.
Many who practice corporate law describe the satisfaction of helping businesses grow, innovate, and navigate risks — even though the pace can be relentless.
Family Law
Family law is about people’s most personal battles: divorce, custody, adoption, protection.
Helping someone through these deeply emotional transitions can be challenging — but it’s also where many family lawyers find their deepest pride.
Lawyers who choose family law often talk about the joy of reuniting families, protecting vulnerable children, and helping people start over safely and securely.
Public Interest Law
Public interest lawyers often measure success not in dollars, but in lives touched.
Working on behalf of immigrants, tenants, civil rights claimants, or the wrongfully convicted offers a kind of fulfillment that few other legal careers match.
Those who work in public interest law describe their careers as calling-driven — a way to pursue justice in its purest form, even when resources are limited.
Financial Planning: Build Your Future Wisely
If you feel that calling — that passion to practice law — you can make it happen smartly.
✅ Apply broadly and fight hard for scholarships.
✅ Think about cost of living, not just the name on the diploma.
✅ Explore income-based repayment options if you pursue lower-salary fields.
✅ Plan for loan forgiveness programs if you work in public service.
You don’t have to give up your dream — but you do need a plan.
The Contributions That Matter Most
Personal injury lawyer John J. Malm reflects on what a life in law really means:
“When I started practicing personal injury law 32 years ago, I didn’t realize how deeply it would change me. I’ve walked alongside clients facing devastating injuries, uncertainty, and fear. I’ve watched families hold onto hope after terrible losses. Every case is more than a claim — it’s a life interrupted. Helping my clients heal, find justice, and move forward is what drives me every single day. It’s not just legal work. It’s about standing beside someone when they need it most — and never giving up on them.”
FAQs: Going to Law School and Finding a Career
Is law school still worth it in 2025 and beyond?
For many people, yes — but not for everyone. Law school can open powerful doors, but it’s a major investment of time, money, and effort. If you’re passionate about advocacy, justice, business, or public service, it can absolutely be worth it. If you’re chasing prestige alone, you may want to explore other paths first.
How important is the law school I choose?
Incredibly important. Your school’s reputation affects not just your first job, but the network, clerkships, and mentors you’ll have access to. A high-ranking law school can lead to higher starting salaries and more choices.
What kinds of jobs can I get with a law degree besides being a lawyer?
More than you might think. Many law graduates thrive in business, consulting, compliance, government, public policy, academia, technology, and nonprofit leadership. A law degree is a powerful tool — even if you never step inside a courtroom.
What if I don’t want to practice traditional law?
That’s perfectly okay. Today, many J.D. holders work in “JD Advantage” roles — careers that benefit from legal training but don’t require bar admission.
Why Law Still Matters
You can’t automate passion. You can’t digitize courage. And you can’t replace the feeling of standing beside a client when they need you most.
If you’re drawn to the law for the right reasons — to help, to build, to advocate — it will always be worth it.
About John J. Malm & Associates Personal Injury Lawyers
At John J. Malm & Associates, we believe deeply in the power of advocacy. Our award-winning team of Chicago personal injury lawyers has more than 90 years of combined experience fighting for the injured and standing up for what’s right. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation.