Comments on: Advice for Incoming Mature Law Students

By: Debbie Adams

Debbie Adams — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:53:24 +0000

What if you have complex layers such as being mature (almost 45), disabled, poor and outspoken – what kind of a mix is that for a law student. I attended Law School for one year and it is the impetus for my current career as a Diversity Strategist – we need to address the worse case scenarios and not limit ourselves to the little problems that may arise – we could have used a mature students forum in 2005. Way to go – great information.

By: Dave

Dave — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:59:01 +0000

Comment on Bob’s posting:

Well done Bob. It is annoying that age is regarded as a disadvantage. Sure, one may not consider a career which requires a younger man’s skills and physical abilities, but no one can tell me that a younger man is necessarily advantaged by age in his intellectual capacity. I am 55 and thinking of a career change, may even be law if I can get in !

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:43:56 +0000

I’m 44 years old, and about halfway through my undergrad, with aspirations of law school and hanging out a shingle for a niche market that is currently underserved by the legal profession. I won’t make a killing, but I’ll make a decent living compared to my years as manager of a small mom n pop carpet cleaning company. The key for me so far has been the unwavering support of my wife, which in combination with the support of my family and friends, is keeping me on track for this. I’ll be at least 50 by the time I’m able to enter the profession, but that’s okay with me. There is a benefit to being much older than the other students in an academic environment. The older one gets, the less important it is to “fit in” for the sake of fitting in, and conflict is much easier to deal with considering the years of experience in the “real world”.

By: Dani

Dani — Wed, 04 May 2011 02:49:12 +0000

Thanks. This was encouraging. I struggled through my undergrad because I found it difficult raising my family and dealing with health issues. Plus I was unsure if university was still for me. I am 27 now and 1 credit shy of my undergrad degree. I am excited and nervous because I have to wait three more years before I apply as a mature student. I am confident that the wait will test my patience, but as long as I stay focused, I can do it. Do you think the trend will change? Where firms will start to see that mothers/parents with older children make more stable employees than the care-free, twenty-something grad who is continuously looking for the next thing???

By: Dakonella

Dakonella — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:27:59 +0000

I like your article very much. I think that anybody over 25 years of age is considered a Mature Student. Thank you for posting it and will pass on the wise words to others.

By: Frank

Frank — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:15:40 +0000

I’m 29. Does that count as mature? I went to campus for the first time today and almost lost my mind. When I was 19 I didn’t have a girlfiend. Now I do. Hopefully my old-maness scares them off so I don’t have to.

By: E. Bardowell

E. Bardowell — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:19:32 +0000

Well said. However, the mature student brings a wealth of life experience to the class room. This experience is important in discussions and summation of legal facts. Many of the mature students have lived through some of the cases that are discussed in the lecture hall and they are able to bring a new and refreshing perspective to the discussions. A law degree is still an undergraduate degree; some of the mature students have advanced academic degrees and know how to study and do competent research. The most important thing they bring to the table is the ability to plan and balance their activities in terms of meeting deadlines and produce quality work. Future employers should be happy to have mature students among the young and experience. Finally, they tend to do well in law school due to their work ethics.

By: Tim B

Tim B — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:13:23 +0000

Good post. I sort of wish there had been a Mature Students Club at UVic when I was there.

By: Joel Welch

Joel Welch — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:59:30 +0000

Thanks. I’m new to this blogging thing but I’ve been known to start a good discussion now and again. I appreciate the comment.

By: Pulat Yunusov

Pulat Yunusov — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:24:08 +0000

Well said.