On Dating Other Law Students: Things to Consider
Should you date other law students? While many of you may have entered law school at the point in your lives where you're lucky enough to already be with a committed, loving partner, there are also the (somewhat vast, at times) majority of law students who are, how do we put this ... sorely single?
It's not uncommon for folks who work or go to school together to end up dating, but, law school is an especially particular animal when it comes to dating and love. With that said, here are some things to consider:
Time and Commitment
Okay, so that one guy or girl who sits across the aisle from you in ConLaw is seriously adorable and you mutually have been feeling the sparks. Aside from that, though, do you have the time to actually commit to dating?
Dating in any arena, law school or not, takes up a lot of one's time. Consider all your current priorities (especially for 3Ls gearing up to study for the bar) and what you want to be focused on, and if you still can't fight Cupid's chokehold after that, then go for it.
Your Reputation
We don't want to be presumptuous and accuse you of dating one of those people -- but, one's reputation in law school should just always be a general concern, regardless of how adorable you and your prospective beau are currently. Since dating is incredibly unpredictable, be wary of the many risks that you may be faced with while doing so in law school.
From public break-ups to nasty rumors being churned out by other bored law students, there are many social implications that may affect your decision to date another law student. A good general rule of thumb to go by is: keep all your dating matters private.
Communicating Your Needs
Communication is key in all relationships, but especially ones that occur during law school. If you're going to be dating a fellow law student, make sure that the two of you are on the same page when it comes to how serious you want to be, how much and what you're willing to put forth, and what type of relationship you want it to be. Without communicating any of this, things could dissipate fast.
Throwing Caution to the Wind
It's safe to say that, in general, many will frown upon and deter you from dating another law student. But, if you just can't fight those feelings and are willing to take the risk of eating where you do your other business, then, by all means, throwing caution to the wind is also your decision. Who knows? Maybe you'll soon be asking the larger question of whether lawyers should marry each other.
Good luck!
Editor's Note, July 7, 2015: This post was first published in December 2013. It has since been updated.
Related Resources:
- Where to Find Law Love Online (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- Summer Associate Hook Ups Could Lead to the White House (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- 6 Apps to Help Busy Lawyers Find Dates (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)