Should I go back to school to burnish my law degree?

Q: Should I go back to school to burnish my law degree?

A: That’s not a simple question. Steps to take in deciding include finding lawyers who have done so and asking them about their return on investment, the pros, cons, and whether they would make the same choice again. You don’t want to look overly academic (unless you want to be an academic), you likely don’t need (more) debt, and studying while working is always a challenge. On the other hand, if a new credential would be squarely in your field, if there’s an LLM/MBA or certificate program (such as in compliance or cybersecurity) offered nearby, and if you can afford it (or even better, obtain or share the cost with your employer), it could be worthwhile.

We lawyers like being immersed in the world of thought, we like learning, and we often could benefit from an enhanced network of professors/alumni. Like any other decision, you need to research, investigate, weigh the factors, and make a solid, reasoned choice.

If you just want a reason for a change of pace or some time off between jobs, there are other ways to gain skills, contribute, and burnish a resume, School may be one possibility, but there are others. I repeat: research, investigate, weigh the factors, and make a solid, reasoned decision.