Law school is looked at as a significant milestone for many Americans, young and old. It represents significant undergraduate study followed by contemplation about which career to choose. Many study communication, English, or philosophy during their undergraduate studies, preparation for law school with understanding of the English language.

There are even pre-law concentrations available in college.

While more and more Americans seem to be choosing the law school route, whether due to the potential salary involved or the increased up-swell of political activism in this country, the numbers of practicing lawyers are still fairly small compared to other professions.

In 2012, there were just 1.2 million practicing lawyers in the United States. And a study years earlier showed a discrepancy: that 70% of U.S. lawyers were male and 30% were female.

Truth is, while going to law school represents dedication to a future well-thought out and perceived, graduating from law school itself represents the beginning a wonderful new career and the opportunity to do some good if that person so chooses.

Many who begin their law school may think of the different avenues for their career. Some may choose to be public defenders; others litigators; still others working at a law firm in a specialty such as real estate law or zoning law.

While law school results often in considerable amount of money in the future, the initial difficulty is being weighed down by considerable debt compiled while attending a law school, many of which aren’t inexpensive.

Law students go through a comprehensive study of the country’s law history including the Constitution and other important documents. The facts they include are:

• It has been more than 200 years since the Constitution was passed.
• To date, there have been 27 constitutional amendments.
• After a proposed amendment makes it through Congress, it must be ratified by three-fourths of the states.

Law students are given an introduction and then in-depth study to federal laws, federal legislative history, federal statutes and regulations, and the functions of government. They are also briefed on law research, legal research websites and statutory history.

Some lawyers may choose to practice in the same state in which they were educated. This is true for many, especially in states that have a high population and sufficient income to allow for the demand for lawyers. California, Texas, and New York are home to some of the largest law firms in the United States.

For those looking to practice law in their state, they must become familiar with state legislative history, state regulations, state rules, and state statues. For instance, someone new to practicing law in Texas might have to learn the Texas legislative history. For a further example, take a look at California.

California is home to the largest state population in America with 38.8 million people in 2017. It has one of world’s most diversified economies, ranking 7th world wide in economic production. It has great attractions, including Napa Valley, the eastern coast, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood Studios.

California is often seen in America as having some of the most progressive laws. The California legislature has passed laws, for instance, for the rights of those in the LGBTQ community often long before the rest of America followed. They are also progressive in terms of legislative transparency. For instance:

15 years ago, the California legislature decided the public had a right to get government records not just on printed paper but in any format in which they exist (including electronic format).

In this past year in 2017, the California legislature has passed:

• AB 797: Good Samaritan Pet Rescue, which allows a bystander to break into a parked car to rescue an animal from overheating.
• AB 1289: Ride-hailing Background Checks, which requires drivers of ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Lyft to undergo background checks.
• AB 1322: Shave and a Haircut – 2 Beers?, which allows barber shops and salons to serve complimentary wine and beer without a license.
• AB 1995: Showers for Homeless College Students, which requires community colleges to offer shower access to homeless students.
• AB 1668: Right To Try, which allows patients who are terminally ill to try experimental drugs.
• SB 1322: Rape Statute of Limitations, which eliminates the statute of limitations for rape cases.

The California legislature, for these laws and many others, are seen as progressive within America.