Husband and Wife Law Students: Don't Be Disillusioned
If you're considering a career in law for the glamour and prestige, think again. Mr. Ambrosio Rodriguez and Mrs. Natalie Sanchez Rodriguez, second year law students at Georgetown University and George Washington University respectively, agree: "law school is a tremendous, three year commitment with no guarantee of success, so don't go to law school because it's expected or because you don't know what else to do. Go for your own reasons and [your own gratification]." If you are at all uncertain about your motives for studying law, the Rodriguez's warn, "you'll be miserable. The first year of law school deserves the reputation that it has. It's one of the worst years of your life. There's an intense academic rigor that's overwhelming. And it's a lot of money." But in spite of the stress and debt, both are pleased with their decision to study law. "It's something I've always wanted to do," Mr. Rodriguez states, "I'm fascinated with knowing the law, and it's a great tool to know in our country." And Mrs. Rodriguez adds, "There are rewards. I work as a law clerk for the Department of Commerce and I love my job. I get to see theory in practice and that's really the best thing."
After graduating from Bates, Mrs. Rodriguez pursued a Masters degree in East Asian Studies at Stanford University. Graduate school, she states, "is a great way to mature academically and intellectually. It gave me the maturity and confidence to look beyond the competition in law school. [Especially since] there are very few women law professors, very few role models for women." Mr. Rodriguez, on the other hand, took time off to work at the San Francisco Urban Service Project. For two years he worked with various agencies creating new programs for education reform, AIDS, the homeless, and the elderly. This experience allowed his interests in public service to flourish and renewed his interest in the law. Both would encourage people to take time off, at least a year, to gain experience and establish a secure sense of self. "The worst thing you can do is go to law school right out of college. Take time off. [This is important because] it gives you a sense of self worth which law school tends to take away from you. It's not nurturing like Bates. Your strength has to come from within. You really have to want it to survive. There are a lot of unhappy people in law school so take time off to be sure it's what you want to do."
When applying to law schools this husband and wife duo urge people to remember that most firms are geographically oriented; they do most of their recruiting from around their area, "so unless you are at a top school [one ranked in the top 25] you should chose a law school in a location where you want to work." Mr. Rodriguez also recommends, "[While at Bates] take classes that interest you, classes that are fun. Law firms prefer people from diverse backgrounds." The more experience you can gain, the better, "because it shows you're well-rounded." Mrs. Rodriguez would encourage students to gain some work experience in public interest before attending law school, "working at a legal aid society you would see the people whose lives are affected by what you'll be doing." But most importantly, both advise undergraduates to do well academically at Bates and prepare for the LSAT's. These two factors are key to getting accepted to the school of your choice.
Jennifer Johnson '97
