The issues are exaggerated in the US where student debt would make even the most extravagant British student feel mean by comparison. But there are some universal truths about law careers that have been doing the rounds in a list of facts law schools don’t want you to know. There are systematic differences over here but, a little adaptation, and much of it is relevant to students of English law:

1. Law books are incredibly expensive, and you might never use them again.
2. Post law-school debts are soon expected to average £23,000.
3. What university you go to does matter.
4. Your chances of getting a high paid job are slim.
5. You can expect to work much more than 40 hours a week as a lawyer.
6. Holidays aren’t really breaks– you must spend them working.
7. Law degrees/law school won’t teach you business skills.
8. Grades aren’t the end all.
9. It is estimated that less than half of all law grads go to law school and even fewer are able to make it as a lawyer.
10. Fewer new graduates are able to find jobs.
12. Misleading employment statistics are often banded around spotlighting those who land top-paying jobs, while ignoring the fact that most students make far-lower average incomes.