So, I've been studying for the LSAT and looking to go to law school in the next year or two. DH has been very supportive, but he's heard having a spouse that's a lawyer while married to someone in the military is very difficult with all the moves. He's said he's willing to get out so he can follow me around for awhile, because I've had a hard time getting a job since we've moved to Bragg.

So are any of you lawyers that are spouses, or have known of any? I think it's workable, but I wanted to seek you out before we talk about it further. I thought being a journalist would be easy with moves, but with the industry being how it is, it hasn't been at all. I don't want to deal with this again after accruing debt from law school.

I think the main difficulty you would have is having to get licensed in the various states in which you would live. I don't know about the army, but I know that with the navy, many people are able to stay in one state for quite a long time. We've been were we are at for 7 years now. I have a friend who has been here 14 years and I've known others that have managed to do the same. May not be the best thing for a military career but it has been done (at least with the navy, that is). This may be a way for you to still be able to practice law somewhere without having to bounce around from state to state or your DH getting out. At least you have a few years to get it figure out.

Yeah the bar exam is the problem.

The CA bar won't let you waive into the state... you HAVE to take the test. So you're looking at at least a six month wait by the time you take it and get results, and that's if you pass. I know NY is the same. There are other states where if you are an atty in one state, you can waive into the other state, but a lot of times you need 5 years active as an attorney.

The other thing, is that once you do take the exam and get licensed in another state, you have to find a job, and a lot of places won't want to hire you knowing you will leave in a couple years. It's doable, but that is a concern.

A paralegal at my office is a PA atty w/ 13 years experience. His wife got a job out here as a professor at a university, so he moved, b/c you pretty much take whatever teaching job you get. He didn't pass the bar, so now he is WAY underpaid and trying to pass.

If you want to be a lawyer, go for it... don't let the military dissuade you. But do know that it WILL be a difficult job to keep up, AND you won't progress quickly as an attorney, and you won't ever make partner if you keep moving. It all really depends on what you want out of this job. If you want to be a partner, military = bad. If you want to just run your own shop, military = not so bad.

Feel free to PM me again. I am always here and still always an attorney :)

I don't think it would be too hard. I plan on becoming a paralegal. :)

Thanks so much for the help. I've heard of people sucking it up and taking the bar every place they move and with a reporting background it's possible I could use the degree elsewhere, like as a researcher or judicial reporter for a newspaper. BUT those don't pay well and I don't know. It's a crossroads, but if I can end up finding a school that I like that gives good financial aid it could be completely doable :) Thanks again!

Thanks so much for the help. I've heard of people sucking it up and taking the bar every place they move and with a reporting background it's possible I could use the degree elsewhere, like as a researcher or judicial reporter for a newspaper. BUT those don't pay well and I don't know. It's a crossroads, but if I can end up finding a school that I like that gives good financial aid it could be completely doable :) Thanks again!

To my understanding, those who are teachers have to re-certify in each state they move to as well.