Law grad considering becoming cop

[Kyle49]

This is my first post on this forum so let me start off by saying hello to everybody.

My name is Kyle and I just graduated from law school. I had planned on becoming a prosecutor, but after 3 years of law school and a bunch of legal internships, I can safely say that I am no longer that excited about becoming an attorney. In fact, as lame as this sounds (and I know it sounds lame), I pretty much went to law school in the first place to appease my parents, who were not that excited about me becoming a police officer. However, I have always wanted to be a police officer and now that I am a little older and more mature, I realize I need to go the route in life that I feel is best for me, but not necessarily for my parents.

My question is whether a law school grad entering the force would be looked on weirdly by other officers. Do any of you have graduate degrees or know any officers with graduate degrees? I should point out that this message is not at all meant to be condescending. One thing I have realized about higher education (at least in regards to law school), is that you do not have to be an einstein to attend. But I was just curious as to how officers would react to my background, if there would be any reaction at all. I assume there wouldn't be a problem, but I figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

Anyway, this forum is a great resource. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds to this message

Kyle

[Kyle49]

DC Law, thanks for the reply. So what made you decide to become an officer after law school? Or was that your original plan maybe? If that wasn't your original plan, what factors went into your decision to pursue a career as a police officer rather then an attorney?

[steelcityk9cop]

No negative there at all..... alot of officers do law school or go after their masters part time. It will deffinatly come in quite handy and your guys will like your opinions on new case law. Not to mention it would be a nice side gig if needed!

[Kyle49]

Whoops, I just realized that you said you did in fact practice as an attorney. what made you decide to drop out of the proffession? I assume disatisfaction with the job? Most attorneys I know constantly complain about their jobs

[scott715us]

Law school graduates will have a better grasp of court proceedings than other rooks and I believe it definitely helps. I am about to take the LSAT in a couple of months. I believe I'll eventually want to become an attorney down the road after doing enough time on the street.

I believe one of the degrees the FBI was looking for in the past was a law degree, so it could also help you out with federal employment. You may want to ask the folks in the federal threads. ;)

[mcsap]

As long as you don't make a big issue out of your legal credentials, you will be fine. YOu will have a nice leg up on any courtroom proceedings and you will be able to help other officers out including the DA's office. When I go to any kind of traffic hearing in which an ADA is involved, I typically have to hold their hand to explain traffic laws and regs. I even made a window tint guide up for one of local ADA's to use for summary appeals court.