Mamas 2011: Is a Law Degree a Good Investment Today?

24 Pages Posted: 11 Nov 2011 Last revised: 31 Dec 2012

See all articles by Herwig J. Schlunk

Herwig J. Schlunk

Vanderbilt University - Law School

Date Written: December 16, 2011

Abstract

There continues to be an active debate on the question of whether or not law school is a good investment. I prefer to think of the question not in terms of “whether,” but in terms of “when.” In this essay, I conduct an analysis for three current undergraduates who are considering attending private law schools. I demonstrate how such individuals should take all known costs and all expected benefits into account in making their “investment” decision. As the calculation necessarily differs dramatically from one potential law student to another, my conclusions are far less important than my methodology.

Keywords: Law degree, Investment, Mamas, Economics, Education Law, Law and Economics, Legal Profession

Suggested Citation

Schlunk, Herwig, Mamas 2011: Is a Law Degree a Good Investment Today? (December 16, 2011). Vanderbilt Law and Economics Research Paper No. 11-42, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1957139 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1957139

Herwig Schlunk (Contact Author)

Vanderbilt University - Law School ( email )

131 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203-1181
United States
615-322-1527 (Phone)
615-322-6631 (Fax)

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