[blindlaw] Research into a Legal Career

[Julie McGinnity]

Good afternoon everyone,

I have been on this list for a while reading the messages and
following the discussions with interest.  So now it's my turn to seek
some perspectives.

I have been considering law school and a legal career for several
months now.  This is not something that would happen for me for a few
years at least, but I want to plan, and I want to be absolutely sure
before pursuing such a demanding path.  I've done a lot of research,
even looked through and worked on study materials for the LSAT.  The
internet and this list have warned me sufficiently about going to law
school and seeking a legal career for the wrong reasons.  None of the
warnings have scared me away, though they have increased my caution as
well as my desire to do this at the right time and for the right
reasons.  Although I am open to a variety of possibilities, I am most
interested in education and higher ed law in terms of advocacy for
students with disabilities.

So here are my questions:

Lawyers, what is your day like?  Do you stay in an office?  Do you
travel often?  Do you go to court often?  I know these answers will
depend on what kind of law you specialize in, but I'm just interested
in hearing what your jobs are like in general.

I have read on this list that there is plenty of discrimination in
this field as there is with any other for us blind people.  How have
you prepared for that, if there is a way, as you've gone through law
school?

What are the challenges entering law school as an older adult, like over 30?

Since law school would still be a couple years out for me, how do you
suggest I prepare?  I gather that superior tech skills are most
valuable.  What else is essential?

What else do you suggest I do to continue my investigation?

I am open to feedback both on and off list.  Thank you for taking the
time to read this and for any responses that come my way.



-- 
Julie A. McGinnity
MM Vocal Performance, 2015; President, National Federation of the
Blind Performing Arts Division; First Vice President, National
Federation of the Blind of Missouri