Hi all.
I currently work in a big law firm in Arizona as a zoning and land use paralegal of 8+ years. My husband works at a university that recently started an online part time JD program (yes, it's legit and accredited) that will take about 3.5-4 years. This means if I apply and get in, my tuition would be practically free aside from fees and books.
I already have a bachelor's and master's from the same school in social work and minor in public policy. I am generally decent at academics also. However, I have hesitation. I am already 35 and a mom to a 2 year old and I am the breadwinner currently. Assuming I do all the work and somehow get admitted, I think I would need to reduce from full time to part time work. Financially, that would be a strain. Doable, but we would need to change a lot of our lifestyle to make it work. Based on other people's experiences in law school, is it even possible to work more than part-time while enrolled? It seems like the online program is condensed also, which might be intense.
I am also worried about the workload and being present as a young mom to my child. I also worry about the impact on my partner who would essentially need to pick up my slack and also lock into his job for the next four years. I'd be curious to know other parents who went though law school.
However, if I do end up going, passing bar etc. I would basically be assured a job at my current firm due to my strong relationship with my attorney and our division (I helped start and build our department). I've trained probably close to 50 associates over the lifetime of my career at this firm and I would like to continue within the practice. they pay their associates well and the opportunities I would have might be worth the stress. Lots of assumptions here, but obviously need to look at long run.
I'm not sure. I know ultimately it'll be a personal decision but would love to hear any feedback, personal experiences, etc. from anyone else in any kind of similar boat. Thanks!