It had to finally happen.  This blog has posted on the problems facing post-Great Recession law graduates: gigantic non-dischargeable student loans; a glut of newly minted lawyers; and few law-related job prospects.

According to the Law School Admissions Council, over the past year, law school admissions have dropped by over 11% to their lowest levels in a decade; perhaps due to the factors listed above.

The profession will no doubt rebound.  But not before more pain is inflicted.  Some in the industry predict that law school applications will continue to fall off over the next two years as the U.S. economy tries to mount a sustained recovery.  And any newly minted lawyer can tell you how difficult it has been to become engaged in the industry.

In the meantime, if you or a family member is absolutely determined to enter the profession, one advantage is to get an early start.  Along these lines, the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center is again offering law-related programs for middle school and high school students this summer.  The program features a moot court exercise, discussions from jurists, lawyers and other legal professionals, and other law-related activities.

If you have a student interested in the law that would benefit from this program, contact Rachel Drenovsky:

drenovskyr@courts.mi.gov or (517) 373-5027.  

Here is the link to more information about the program from the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center.