As a software developer interested in transitioning to a career in technology policy, and potentially attending law school, I was wondering your thoughts on alternative ways to pursue tech and law besides the traditional law career? Perhaps pros/cons, given the opportunity cost?
- Anonymous
There are certainly avenues to pursue tech policy outside of going to law school! I feel like one of the greatest misconceptions I hear is that law school is necessary for any career in policy (whether health, tech, social, etc.). Could it be helpful? Sure; I learned a ton in law school and made a lot of connections that would be helpful for working in tech policy. But is it definitely worth the hefty price of law school and the three years? Eh.
One thing I love doing when trying to figure out what qualifications are needed for a role is to stalk the bios of employees at an organization I want to work for. For example, reading through EFF’s staff bios suggests that a graduate degree isn’t really necessary—but if you were looking to get one, M.A. or Ph.D. seem to grace the bios just as frequently as J.D. CDT is another great tech policy organization that you can peruse staff bios of. Some other tech policy organizations to investigate:
Hope that helps, and good luck!!
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