can you work in tech policy without going to law school?

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 neces…