Staff report
July 19, 2023
Uplift Legal Funding has released a comprehensive ranking of the best and worst states for aspiring lawyers in the United States. According to the findings, Indiana has been placed among the worst states for those looking to pursue a career in law, considering factors such as affordability, job prospects, and overall well-being.
The study evaluated each state based on multiple criteria, including local job prospects, degree affordability, academic success rates, college experience, cost of living, and emotional well-being. New York emerged as the top-ranked state for aspiring lawyers, earning high marks in job prospects, academic success rate, and college experience.
Indiana’s performance, however, left much to be desired. The state earned a total score of 6.5 out of 10, placing it in the bottom ten of the ranking. While Indiana showed promise in academic success, its college experience and cost of living were areas of concern. Students in the state reported relatively lower academic experience and quality of life, based on Princeton Review scores, which may impact their overall satisfaction while pursuing a law degree.
In terms of financial aspects, Indiana faced challenges in providing an affordable degree, and the average student loan debt in the state was higher compared to many other states. These factors combined to contribute to Indiana’s placement in the lower rankings of the study.
According to Jared Stern, a law expert at Uplift Legal Funding, aspiring lawyers should consider local job prospects and salary alongside work-life balance when choosing a state to study law. He stressed the importance of prioritizing mental health during the law school journey to avoid burnout and ensure a successful career.
The nationwide study also highlighted that emotional well-being remains an area of concern for aspiring lawyers across the country. The American Psychological Association’s data revealed high levels of occupational stress and an average happiness score of 52 out of 100 among law professionals, indicating the need for greater attention to mental health within the legal field.
It’s important to note that Alaska was excluded from the final ranking due to a lack of available data.
For more information on the ranking and the study’s methodology, please visit Uplift Legal Funding’s website.
