My seminar class this morning started with the professor asking a classmate: “[V], why don’t you introduce your friend?”

V: “This is my friend. He’s thinking about law school.”

A single snicker resonated through the room. Then the class, in unison: “Don’t do it. Don’t do it! Don’t do it!” with a few “Not worth it!” mixed with “Stay away!”

V could only sit there smiling and shaking his head.

After what seemed like a few minutes, the professor interrupted. “Now, now. It isn’t that bad. Law school is a good thing. For instance, even if you don’t practice law, you’ll find your analytical training useful and employers will seek you out. I’ve had employers tell me that they want me for a non-legal job specifically because I have a JD.” (She neglected to mention that her JD is from Yale Stanford. Her B.A. is from Yale, and she’s a Rhodes Scholar.)

K, another classmate: “It’ll make you paranoid!” Followed by a hearty round of laughter.

Professor: “Yes, it makes you paranoid, but that isn’t such a bad thing.”