PolSci? So maglo-law school ka?
This is apparently the most asked question that I have heard in my entire life. Job interviews, personal introductions, family gatherings, name it. While I cannot blame those that ask these kinds of questions, this kind of questioning seems like saying that there is no other way for graduates of Political Science but to enter law school and, well, be a lawyer.
I beg to disagree. There are some people who pursued Political Science as a passion to learn politics more just like me. Also, there are those who took the course in the hopes of preparing themselves for law school but ended up liking politics so much that they end up not going to law school.
So, to answer the question: will I be at law school?
No.
1. The legal profession was never my first choice
When I was thinking for a course for college some years ago, I was also thinking what I really want to be in the near future. First of them is to be a journalist, and by taking up Political Science, I was hoping to work in politics beat and avoid, you are right, showbiz beat. Second would be somebody who travels a lot or go to countries for work, which at the time of my study I learned that it is called a diplomat. Being a lawyer was just my third choice --- back then.
After my four years of study, I thought of becoming a journalist (I was writing for some publications in college) and working for the defense sector. This has brought my little desire to go to law school as a last resort --- either it is needed for promotion at work or out of severe boredom. Or out of desperation. Or if its study is essentially needed for international law studies. Or maybe not all.
2. I wish I have more resources.
In an interview, I was asked what is little known about me. Unknown to many, I was a scholar since my high school days due to my academic performance. This is also one of the reasons why I entered UST for college as it was the only university to offer a scholarship directly to valedictorians, of which I was in high school. While my parents tell me that they can support my studies, we all know that law school can (and actually is) very expensive. I do not want to burden again my parents for shouldering my studies (again) as they have done it for the past 14 years. I rather try to support myself by finding scholarship opportunities if ever I pursue further studies, whether a master's degree, law school, another degree, foreign language training or even coffee making.
3. Me? You really want me to become a lawyer?
While I can remember some of my batchmates and relatives suggesting that I should go to law school, I have yet to hear a very convincing reason to pursue law. Maybe at some point somebody would make me believe in my supposed-to-be "potential" being a lawyer but for now, there is none.
4. There are just too many lawyers in the country.
Let me use this reason, please.
I saw this word from an article somewhere in the internet: "Rather than compete in a crowded field, find a niche where you can dominate." And yes, I feel that I cannot dominate the legal profession. There are enough people who can actually memorize 40 articles of a law in a day and read 300 cases, plus articulate words very clearly and precisely. That person cannot be me. Also, I doubt that there would be a shortage of lawyers, at least in our lifetime. There are some sectors who I can be with and I think I will opt to go to those.
5. I would rather hire a lawyer.
Or marry one. ;)
But seriously, I think I would know a lot of lawyers from Political Science people that can defend me in case I will have a libel case if I become a journalist or pin down my political enemies when I become prime minister (or whatever). By then, I made a lawyer richer and have something productive to do.
There you have it. While I can say more, this could be enough. This me-not-gong-to-law-school-thing does not mean, at any rate, that I will not be thinking about pursuing law or a related field. Maybe if reforms in the legal profession take place, or if I have a chance to study law abroad, who am I to refuse it?
So, to answer the question: will I be at law school?
No.
1. The legal profession was never my first choice
 |
| Almost every batchmate of mine that will pursue have his/her photo taken at this display at UST grounds. (Photo by Lynk Juren Baysa) |
After my four years of study, I thought of becoming a journalist (I was writing for some publications in college) and working for the defense sector. This has brought my little desire to go to law school as a last resort --- either it is needed for promotion at work or out of severe boredom. Or out of desperation. Or if its study is essentially needed for international law studies. Or maybe not all.
2. I wish I have more resources.
In an interview, I was asked what is little known about me. Unknown to many, I was a scholar since my high school days due to my academic performance. This is also one of the reasons why I entered UST for college as it was the only university to offer a scholarship directly to valedictorians, of which I was in high school. While my parents tell me that they can support my studies, we all know that law school can (and actually is) very expensive. I do not want to burden again my parents for shouldering my studies (again) as they have done it for the past 14 years. I rather try to support myself by finding scholarship opportunities if ever I pursue further studies, whether a master's degree, law school, another degree, foreign language training or even coffee making.
3. Me? You really want me to become a lawyer?
 |
| Who makes the laws of the land? Congress. But not everyone there is a lawyer. At the Philippine Model Congress 2013 |
4. There are just too many lawyers in the country.
Let me use this reason, please.
I saw this word from an article somewhere in the internet: "Rather than compete in a crowded field, find a niche where you can dominate." And yes, I feel that I cannot dominate the legal profession. There are enough people who can actually memorize 40 articles of a law in a day and read 300 cases, plus articulate words very clearly and precisely. That person cannot be me. Also, I doubt that there would be a shortage of lawyers, at least in our lifetime. There are some sectors who I can be with and I think I will opt to go to those.
5. I would rather hire a lawyer.
 |
| "Okay, Cabinet. Tell me how to have MP from the Ilocandia arrested. Plunder, graft, rebellion? Oh wait, how about (insert ridiculous case here)?" |
But seriously, I think I would know a lot of lawyers from Political Science people that can defend me in case I will have a libel case if I become a journalist or pin down my political enemies when I become prime minister (or whatever). By then, I made a lawyer richer and have something productive to do.
There you have it. While I can say more, this could be enough. This me-not-gong-to-law-school-thing does not mean, at any rate, that I will not be thinking about pursuing law or a related field. Maybe if reforms in the legal profession take place, or if I have a chance to study law abroad, who am I to refuse it?
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