To KJD or Not?

Three things to consider as a KJD applicant

In 2024, the average first year law student is about 24 years old. In my class of 2027, 79% is at least one year out of college, 66% are two or more years out, and 15% are four or more years out; that is, 21% of us are “KJDs,” students who essentially go from kindergarten straight through to pursuing their J.D., usually without significant work experience.

How did I decide to go straight through? I’ve planned on going to law school for what feels like my entire life, and never really second guessed that it would be my immediate next step after university. I wrote a little bit about why in my introductory Substack post:

“I began working at my parents’ business from a young age, and continue to step into my role as manager whenever I’m home. My early exposure to the realities of business ownership informed my desire to work at the highest level of business; rather than hacking the weeds of daily operations, I want to work among the trees and assist many businesses across industries as a corporate lawyer.”

Still, I’ve spoken to and consulted many people in their path to (or ultimately their diversion from) law school, as well as many people who have taken time off, and I think there are three main things to consider as students decide for or against applying as a KJD applicant.

This post is not for people who aren’t sure if law school is in their future — it is way too expensive and intense of a decision to make haphazardly — but for those of you who know that law school is something you want to do, but just aren’t sure if now is the time.