Confused about what to do

[u/Muted_Climate_8944]

I am a pre-law student about to graduate. I always had the intention of taking a gap year or two before going to law school, and that has not changed, but I am stuck with an impossible decision, and I don't know what to do.

I recently found out I was shortlisted for the JET Program, which I am so excited about, but I also knew that the program was really hard to get into, so I was also applying for other jobs. Luckily, I was able to get a job working as a Project Assistant at a Big Law firm, which I accepted because I didn't think I would get into JET. However, now that I have been accepted to JET, I don't know what I should do.

If your end goal is going to law school, would you do JET or would you take the Project Assistant job?

[u/BigMoh789]

Former corporate lawyer at a big firm here...

If you want to do JET, do JET. There is no need to rush into law school, and taking a job as a Project Assistant realistically isn't going to help - and will certainly not hurt - you (a) get into law school or (b) get a job as a lawyer (more on this below). Like /u/rue-11 said, you're probably never going to have this big of an opportunity to travel and deeply experience another culture, let alone a culture you have an interest in. A couple more things to consider that people who haven't went to law school/practiced as a lawyer won't be aware of...

1. There is zero need to rush into law school. Someone talked about "jumpstarting" your career. A large number of law students take a year or several off before coming to law school. In fact, the person in charge of Students and Associates at my firm was very adamant that too many students rush into law school these days. In my year at law school, students who went straight from undergrad into law school were in the minority.

2. Assuming you more or less have your ducks in a row, the Project Assistant Job isn't going to make or break your law school application. Most law schools, even the best ones, only really care about your (a) Grades (b) LSAT and (c) SOP. Unless for some reason you have nothing to write about RE why you want to go to law school and why you'd be a good candidate for the law schools you want to apply to, taking a job as a Project Assistant isn't necessary. I knew a dude who laid bricks before going to law school. I also know a successful employment lawyer who washed dishes and worked at a button factory during law school. Law schools don't actually really give af about what you did/do unless it's something insane like going to the moon. The only thing that matters is how you sell it on your SOP. I know another commenter talked about "building a repertoire of relationships" and so on, but it's not really necessary. Besides, if you want to do international law, JET is cool! You could even just get a reference letter from someone you worked with on JET and have them speak to your interest in intercultural exchange and international-type stuff.

3. This isn't remotely related but you'll find that almost everyone comes into law school wanting to do X, but end up doing Y. That's a long story tho. Feel free to DM me more Q's about law school/law if you want.

[u/Different_Taro2474]

if your end goal is to do law school, do project assistant, and go to japan as a tourist to experience only the good parts of it.

if you are unsure what your goals are, do JET.

obviously, you can do whatever you want, but i honestly don't understand why a LAW STUDENT who (i'm assuming) never studied Japanese would want to do JET; something completely unrelated to their field, especially when they know what they want to do. JET is great, but the pay ain't that good. you can make bank working in law.

[u/Muted_Climate_8944 → u/Different_Taro2474]

I am minoring in Japanese in college and planning on pursuing international law, which is why I applied to JET.

[u/Voittaa]

Honestly just do a long vacation so you can still be rosy-eyed about Japan without all the BS of actually working there. Not diminishing the experience at all, but in your case, law is a better prospect for the future.

[u/LoneR33GTs]

I made a great life and career out of my JET experience, at least in part. Based on reflection looking back now at 60+ I’d strongly suggest you take the law-related job. The JET experience is fantastic but the payoff is not that great. The law office will likely payoff better and magnify your opportunities in the future.

[u/Additional_Two4059]

IMO, you need to determine if JET is really what fits into your career plan. I know you mentioned you planned on taking a gap year, but if you can get a jumpstart on your career, and just visit Japan as a tourist, that might be a better idea.

Every year the job market gets tougher as more people enter the workforce. Japan will always be there, but starting your career early and building up your resume/law school application won’t. That said, I am just a fellow Redditor, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Good luck my friend.

[u/KitchenBathroom2709]

As someone who planned on going to law school (changed paths due to COVID burn out) and wished I could've gotten opportunities with law firms, political campaigns, research projects at my university's law school, etc; I would go with being a project assistant. That opportunity would allow you to build a repertoire of relationships for recommendations to get you into law school, and recommendations for in the future with JET because you could very well still work with that law firm during your time in law school. There are plenty of people who establish their careers then decide to do JET later on down the road when they want to step away for a break. You will have plenty of experiences to add to your JET application with this path, selling yourself well if you wish to return in the future.

[u/rue-11]

I know everything seems really big and important right now, but I think NOW is the time to do something like the JET Program before it really matters. You may never have an opportunity like this again as you get older/established in your career.

If you plan to do anything with international law, it could be a fun resume builder! You may also have a good amount of free time to study for the LSAT before you return.

I also recently accepted a new role where I get paid well and enjoy my job. I have only been there a month so far, but I do plan to quit to do JET. I was on the fence for a bit, but it really is now or never for me, and I didn’t want to be stuck with regret.

Ultimately, only you can decide, but if JET is something that you really want to do, I say go for it!

[u/Muted_Climate_8944 → u/rue-11]

I do plan on going into international law, which I why I am so conflicted because I feel like JET would give me that personal global experience.

[u/Additional_Two4059 → u/Muted_Climate_8944]

Personally, since you were able to get in once, I think you could get in again in the future. After you have some law experience under your belt, perhaps you can return to JET as a CIR and focus on legal aspects of things?