The Atlanta Lawyer February 2016 | Page 12

STUDENT LOANS AND FINANCE LAW SCHOOL: A GREAT INVESTMENT, A GREAT BURDEN By Sam Crochet Hall, Booth, Smith, P.C. [email protected] E ach year of law school has its overwhelming aspects. Third year precedes the bar examination and continuing to look for a job. Second year might consist of internships and heavy networking. First year speaks for itself. Throughout this marathon of optimism, resignation, ups, and downs, we experience(d) mixed advice, humbling OCIs, and a whole hosts of “firsts.” The transition from classroom to practice is not always smooth either. The point is—a lot is happening in the first three years. Having lived this rollercoaster and remembering it very well, I’ve noticed one topic about which local law schools do not offer the common courtesy of even a night class: Financial Management. To shed light, the American Bar Association and U.S. News & World Report indicate F