They say not to follow the crowd. I say, sure — but what if the crowd is headed to law school, and you were already halfway there?
That is the harsh reality for me and every other pre-law student right now. The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that law school applications have surged by more than 20% from last year. Georgetown University Law Center, for example, received 14,000 applications for just 650 seats. The University of Michigan Law School reported the highest number of applicants in its 166-year history. Getting into law school is getting more competitive than ever, and many are struggling to understand why.
Analysts suggest a range of factors. Some attribute it to changes to the LSAT, due to the removal of logic games, which some believe made the test easier. Others claim mass layoffs at federal government agencies, because the field of law often offers a similar career path or pipeline into government work without needing to work in an agency directly. The soft economy and new desire for systematic change under President Donald Trump’s administration, which some are calling a “Trump bump,” are also likely playing a role. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that competition is steep.
So, should you still apply? If law school is what you really want, then of course. Without hesitation.
It’s easy to panic when you see the numbers. But the reality is that more people are applying to everything these days: college, grad school and jobs. While it is increasingly stressful, it’s important to remember that law schools will still admit strong, thoughtful applicants. It might be harder to stand out, but if you’re genuinely interested in the work, the rising stats shouldn’t scare you off.
Do I wish fewer people were applying? Selfishly, yes. I’d love to have a guaranteed acceptance into my dream school without worrying about how many other qualified applicants hit “submit.” However, I acknowledge that’s not how it works (and it shouldn’t be). Everyone deserves a shot at law school, regardless of how it affects my odds. I’m actually glad others are finding purpose in something I also care about. We need more people in law who are passionate, not just strategic.
That being said, law school shouldn’t be a fallback plan or a shortcut to stability. It’s expensive, mentally exhausting and extremely time-consuming. Don’t apply because it sounds impressive or because someone told you it guarantees a six-figure job. Apply because you love the work.
What kind of work, exactly? Reading dense material. Writing constantly. Building arguments that actually hold up. Thinking critically, speaking clearly and advocating for a position. These are the versatile skills law school teaches and are the reason law degrees are so versatile. But they’re also skills you can build elsewhere, through different degrees or professional experience that may better align with your passions.
If you feel law school is for you, I suggest taking a gap year. Spend time immersed in the field, working, interning and learning to make sure this path makes sense before committing to the full investment. Paralegal work, legal assistant positions, even just shadowing attorneys, are all ways to get valuable experience. Law school and legal experience should not be something that you choose blindly.
So yes, law school in 2025 is competitive. But so is life. Don’t let a spike in numbers be the thing that stops you; just make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Not because you’re chasing status. Not because you’re scared of the job market. Do it because you want to. Because it challenges you. Because it makes sense for you.
The application is hard. Law school will be harder. But if you’re doing it for the right reasons, I think it’s more than worth it.
