5 answers
Carson
Student
Herrin, Illinois
2
Questions
Asked
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Police or Lawyer?
I’m torn between wanting to be a police officer and a lawyer. Law would be a lot harder but pay better, but police seems more feasible. Any advice on how to choose?
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5 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Carson, my friend, you’re in a classic career crossroads situation, but don’t worry—we’ve got this. You’re weighing two badass professions: one that puts you in the trenches of law enforcement and another that has you battling it out in the courtroom. Both have their own appeal, but let's get down to business and help you figure out which one is the best fit for you.
First things first—let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, lawyers generally make more money, and yes, becoming one takes forever (seven years of school, plus bar exams, plus probably some existential crises along the way). On the other hand, becoming a cop is a much shorter process—academy training takes a few months, and boom, you're in uniform. But before you base your entire decision on salary and feasibility, let’s take a deeper dive.
The Cop Life
If you thrive on action, adrenaline, and hands-on work, then law enforcement might be calling your name. It’s physically demanding, unpredictable, and requires a serious mental and emotional commitment. Some days, you might feel like a real-life superhero, while other days, you’re dealing with stress, paperwork, and tough situations. But if you love protecting and serving your community, and you want a career that keeps you on your toes, this could be it.
Pros:
Quick entry into the field
Hands-on, active work
Potential for a stable career with a pension
Tuition assistance for further education
Can later transition into federal law enforcement or investigative roles
Cons:
High risk and stressful situations
Less financial upside compared to law
Public perception can be tough, depending on where you work
Physically and mentally demanding
The Lawyer Life
If you’ve got the patience to grind through years of studying, enjoy the idea of debating, strategizing, and making a real impact in the justice system, law could be your calling. Lawyers don’t just argue in court; they negotiate, advise, and help shape society in big ways. The mental challenge is huge, but so is the reward—financially and in terms of influence.
Pros:
Higher earning potential
Huge range of specializations (criminal, civil rights, corporate, environmental, etc.)
Intellectually challenging and rewarding
Potential to make major legal and social impacts
Cons:
Long, expensive schooling process
Highly competitive field
Can be stressful (court deadlines, client expectations)
Not as action-packed as law enforcement (unless you count intense coffee-drinking sessions and late-night case studies)
The Middle Path—Why Not Both? Aye😎
Kim brought up a genius point—why not start as a police officer and use tuition assistance to later transition into law? Many police officers go on to law school and become incredible criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, or civil rights lawyers because they’ve seen the system from the inside. It gives you a huge edge over other law students who only know the theoretical side of the law. Plus, the real-world experience will either solidify your love for law or help you decide if you’d rather stick to policing.
So, Carson, buddy.
If you're all about action, community service, and want to get to work sooner, go for law enforcement.
If you love debating, strategizing, and are willing to invest years into your education, go for law.
If you’re still torn, start as a cop, see how you feel, and use your experience as a stepping stone to law school if that fire for law is still burning.
At the end of the day, go with what excites you the most—because passion beats paycheck every single time. Keep us posted on what you decide, Carson, and whatever path you take, own it like a boss!
First things first—let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, lawyers generally make more money, and yes, becoming one takes forever (seven years of school, plus bar exams, plus probably some existential crises along the way). On the other hand, becoming a cop is a much shorter process—academy training takes a few months, and boom, you're in uniform. But before you base your entire decision on salary and feasibility, let’s take a deeper dive.
The Cop Life
If you thrive on action, adrenaline, and hands-on work, then law enforcement might be calling your name. It’s physically demanding, unpredictable, and requires a serious mental and emotional commitment. Some days, you might feel like a real-life superhero, while other days, you’re dealing with stress, paperwork, and tough situations. But if you love protecting and serving your community, and you want a career that keeps you on your toes, this could be it.
Pros:
Quick entry into the field
Hands-on, active work
Potential for a stable career with a pension
Tuition assistance for further education
Can later transition into federal law enforcement or investigative roles
Cons:
High risk and stressful situations
Less financial upside compared to law
Public perception can be tough, depending on where you work
Physically and mentally demanding
The Lawyer Life
If you’ve got the patience to grind through years of studying, enjoy the idea of debating, strategizing, and making a real impact in the justice system, law could be your calling. Lawyers don’t just argue in court; they negotiate, advise, and help shape society in big ways. The mental challenge is huge, but so is the reward—financially and in terms of influence.
Pros:
Higher earning potential
Huge range of specializations (criminal, civil rights, corporate, environmental, etc.)
Intellectually challenging and rewarding
Potential to make major legal and social impacts
Cons:
Long, expensive schooling process
Highly competitive field
Can be stressful (court deadlines, client expectations)
Not as action-packed as law enforcement (unless you count intense coffee-drinking sessions and late-night case studies)
The Middle Path—Why Not Both? Aye😎
Kim brought up a genius point—why not start as a police officer and use tuition assistance to later transition into law? Many police officers go on to law school and become incredible criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, or civil rights lawyers because they’ve seen the system from the inside. It gives you a huge edge over other law students who only know the theoretical side of the law. Plus, the real-world experience will either solidify your love for law or help you decide if you’d rather stick to policing.
So, Carson, buddy.
If you're all about action, community service, and want to get to work sooner, go for law enforcement.
If you love debating, strategizing, and are willing to invest years into your education, go for law.
If you’re still torn, start as a cop, see how you feel, and use your experience as a stepping stone to law school if that fire for law is still burning.
At the end of the day, go with what excites you the most—because passion beats paycheck every single time. Keep us posted on what you decide, Carson, and whatever path you take, own it like a boss!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1835
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Carson,
Why not do both? There are attorneys who started out as police officers. It gives you an insight into the world of law enforcement you will never get from a gazillion years of law school classes. Plus, you can use tuition assistance available in law enforcement jobs to get your bachelor's degree, and maybe even an Associate's in Paralegal studies, which would help you with law school.
The ones I know of went into Civil Rights law. I met them through a group called NPAP - the Nat'l Police Accountability Project. Check out the website. These lawyers share information with each other to help further the cause of bringing police officers to justice. I imagine you could also become a good Criminal Defense attorney.
I was a police officer before getting involved with Civil Rights cases. The attorneys I worked for truly appreciated the insights I provided.
Do you happen to know what area of law you might want to specialize in?
One thing for certain. If you go into law, you have to be "all" in. Not just something that sort of interests you. It's very intense. However, if you become a police officer, you have to have a similar mindset - I CAN do it. Because, ultimately, we all want to go home at the end of the shift. both require a mental commitment.
Hope this helps!
Kim
Why not do both? There are attorneys who started out as police officers. It gives you an insight into the world of law enforcement you will never get from a gazillion years of law school classes. Plus, you can use tuition assistance available in law enforcement jobs to get your bachelor's degree, and maybe even an Associate's in Paralegal studies, which would help you with law school.
The ones I know of went into Civil Rights law. I met them through a group called NPAP - the Nat'l Police Accountability Project. Check out the website. These lawyers share information with each other to help further the cause of bringing police officers to justice. I imagine you could also become a good Criminal Defense attorney.
I was a police officer before getting involved with Civil Rights cases. The attorneys I worked for truly appreciated the insights I provided.
Do you happen to know what area of law you might want to specialize in?
One thing for certain. If you go into law, you have to be "all" in. Not just something that sort of interests you. It's very intense. However, if you become a police officer, you have to have a similar mindset - I CAN do it. Because, ultimately, we all want to go home at the end of the shift. both require a mental commitment.
Hope this helps!
Kim
I would be interested a civil attorney, but i wouldn’t be opposed to being a prosecutor.
Carson
Sophia Molina
Scoop
8
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Sophia’s Answer
I'm gonna answer this from more of a civilian perspective since you got a very technical response. Over the years, people in the judicial system have seen a lot of hate, making it dangerous for their lives and their families. Both of these careers are highly respected among themselves, but for civilians, lawyers are often treated and paid better than police because of their community's actions. Both of these careers also have a good and a bad side. Dirty cops and nasty lawyers, or workers on the people's side. You want to strive for what you think is best, but you have to understand the political complications that come with them. I hope you don't pick police just because the schooling is faster and I hope you don't pick lawyer just because the pay is better. Do what you feel called to the most and something that can bring out the best in you without causing the expense of others. Good luck!
Wayne Paschke
Attorney
1
Answer
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Carson, you've asked a fantastic question! It's important to have a bit of perspective when thinking about this, and Michelle's answer touches on some points I also want to highlight. From what I've seen, many people successfully transition between careers. For instance, during my time in law school, I met several classmates who were police officers pursuing law degrees. Some always dreamed of studying law, others became interested through their police work, and some were planning a second career after early retirement from law enforcement.
These careers are quite different. Lawyers often engage in less physical activity, while police officers are usually very active. Law has many fields, but those with a background in law enforcement often lean towards criminal law because it's familiar. So, if you're interested in criminal law, spending some time in the police force could be beneficial.
The good news is you don't have to choose just one career path. Many people switch careers throughout their lives, finding it both fulfilling and exciting. While lawyers generally earn more than police officers, some attorneys still pay off loans while police officers can earn well with overtime and pensions. So, don't base your decision solely on salary.
You mentioned law seems harder and police work more feasible. This isn't always the case. Some lawyers do repetitive work, which may not be very challenging, while police officers face new situations daily, which can be tough.
Best of luck with your decision!
Think about what you might like to do the most--putting aside the salary and difficulty of the the work. Which do you think would make you the most fulfilled if you could start doing either tomorrow? If you dont know, I suggest trying some volunteer police work and check with some of the local smaller law firms and ask if they need someone to assist with legal research or other tasks.
These careers are quite different. Lawyers often engage in less physical activity, while police officers are usually very active. Law has many fields, but those with a background in law enforcement often lean towards criminal law because it's familiar. So, if you're interested in criminal law, spending some time in the police force could be beneficial.
The good news is you don't have to choose just one career path. Many people switch careers throughout their lives, finding it both fulfilling and exciting. While lawyers generally earn more than police officers, some attorneys still pay off loans while police officers can earn well with overtime and pensions. So, don't base your decision solely on salary.
You mentioned law seems harder and police work more feasible. This isn't always the case. Some lawyers do repetitive work, which may not be very challenging, while police officers face new situations daily, which can be tough.
Best of luck with your decision!
Wayne recommends the following next steps:
Thank you! I plan on going to a local community college and getting an associates degree in criminal justice.
Carson
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Carson !
You have a choice to make and perhaps comparing the two careers of Lawyer and Police Officer would make it easier for you to choose.
Let's start with the Education and training. It takes 7 years for the education to become a Lawyers and 16 weeks in Illinois at a Police Academy to become a Police Officer. You can go to 4 years of college and get a degree in Administration of Justice and that could waive some courses at the Police Academy. The degree can also help you with promotions at your police department.
As an attorney, you would be spending your time in an office, sometimes speaking with clients at a hospital, their home or in your office. You will spend a lot of time in court and there's a lot of public speaking, presentation and excellent analytical and organizational skills are needed. As a Police Officer, you will be in a car, running, standing, using a fire arm and other tools, and keep a calm demeanor throughout your shift. This means seeing crimes and the results of crimes on a daily basis. Although being an attorney requires high energy, being a police officer requires a lot more tolerance for stress.
Both being a Lawyer and a Police Officer have potential for advancement, promotions and appropriate career transitions. Now, I admit this is a guess, but I'd say that your earning potential might be greater as a Lawyer. You will have to weigh out your skill level, your interest and how long or if you want to go to college or not and for how long. Do you want to defend clients in court or do you want to apprehend potential and suspected criminals that are breaking the law.
Take your time exploring both careers and think about going on a Ride Along at your local Police Department. Visit them and ask about that. You can attend court as a spectator to observe how it is to be a Lawyer. Start making more contact with both and soon enough, you will find an easy way to make your choice.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
You have a choice to make and perhaps comparing the two careers of Lawyer and Police Officer would make it easier for you to choose.
Let's start with the Education and training. It takes 7 years for the education to become a Lawyers and 16 weeks in Illinois at a Police Academy to become a Police Officer. You can go to 4 years of college and get a degree in Administration of Justice and that could waive some courses at the Police Academy. The degree can also help you with promotions at your police department.
As an attorney, you would be spending your time in an office, sometimes speaking with clients at a hospital, their home or in your office. You will spend a lot of time in court and there's a lot of public speaking, presentation and excellent analytical and organizational skills are needed. As a Police Officer, you will be in a car, running, standing, using a fire arm and other tools, and keep a calm demeanor throughout your shift. This means seeing crimes and the results of crimes on a daily basis. Although being an attorney requires high energy, being a police officer requires a lot more tolerance for stress.
Both being a Lawyer and a Police Officer have potential for advancement, promotions and appropriate career transitions. Now, I admit this is a guess, but I'd say that your earning potential might be greater as a Lawyer. You will have to weigh out your skill level, your interest and how long or if you want to go to college or not and for how long. Do you want to defend clients in court or do you want to apprehend potential and suspected criminals that are breaking the law.
Take your time exploring both careers and think about going on a Ride Along at your local Police Department. Visit them and ask about that. You can attend court as a spectator to observe how it is to be a Lawyer. Start making more contact with both and soon enough, you will find an easy way to make your choice.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much for answering! I have no trouble with public speaking, but I would have more trouble with getting my degree. I am currently physically fit, so my body would be good for police. There is more risk though which I have considered.
Carson
You're welcome for the advice. I am glad it could help and I wish you a wonderful day !
Michelle M.