Build financial confidence before and after law school.

Financial Planning for Aspiring & New Lawyers is a comprehensive guide that walks you through the real financial realities of becoming a lawyer—from the cost of applying to law school to managing your first attorney paycheck.

Created by Ana Mendoza, JD (UCLA Law)—a public interest attorney and advocate for first-generation students—this workbook blends financial literacy with career planning. You’ll assess costs, map your budget, explore funding options, and create a financial plan that actually fits your life, values, and long-term goals.

What You’ll Learn

Understand True Law School Costs: Calculate your total expenses, from LSAT prep and applications to bar exam fees.
Plan Your Law School Budget: Build a personalized 3-year financial plan and estimate living, tuition, and bar-related costs.
Explore Scholarships & Aid: Learn how to find and track scholarships, fellowships, and loan forgiveness programs.
Create Your First-Year Attorney Budget: Compare salaries, repayment options, and create your first financial roadmap.
Set Long-Term Financial Goals: Define what financial wellness looks like for you and map actionable steps to get there.

Inside the Workbook

Chapter 1 – The Price of Admission

Break down law school application costs—from LSAT prep and fees to travel and application waivers—with a fillable Google Sheets template to calculate your actual spending.

Chapter 2 – Breaking Down Law School Expenses

Plan your three-year law school budget, including tuition, living expenses, and bar exam costs, and create a realistic spending plan.

Chapter 3 – Funding Your Future

Explore scholarship and fellowship opportunities, federal and private loans, and financial aid options, including tips for undocumented students.

Chapter 4 – Life After Law School

Compare salary expectations, repayment plans, and create your first-year attorney budget. Includes Google Sheets templates for budgeting and goal-setting.

Chapter 5 – Your Roadmap Ahead

Reflect on your journey and establish the habits and systems you need for financial wellness as a lawyer.

Features

56 pages of guided exercises, charts, and planning templates
Interactive Google Sheets templates for budgeting & tracking
Bar prep and loan repayment planning tools
Real examples, resource links, and money mindset affirmations
Tailored for first-gen students, aspiring lawyers, and public interest careers

Perfect For

First-generation college students and law students
Pre-law students planning for application costs
Law students seeking financial clarity
Recent grads entering public interest, government, or private practice
Anyone who wants to align their career decisions with financial goals

What You’ll Gain

A clearer picture of the true financial costs of applying to and attending law school
Insight into different ways to fund your education—through scholarships, grants, or careful budgeting
Tools to estimate your student loan repayment and compare salary options across sectors
A framework to create your first-year attorney budget and set financial goals
Greater awareness of how to align your financial choices with your personal values and career aspirations

Product Details

Format: PDF (instant download)
Length: 56 pages
Author: Ana Mendoza, JD
License: For personal use only
Delivery: Instant email link & account download access

FAQ

Q: Do I need to be in law school to use this workbook?

A: No! This guide helps you prepare financially before law school or get organized during your first year of practice.

Q: Is this only for public interest lawyers?

A: It’s designed for everyone, but includes practical advice and examples tailored for public interest and first-generation professionals.

Q: Can I print it?

A: Yes! You can print the workbook or fill it out digitally.

Q: Are refunds available?

A: Because this is a digital product, all sales are final—but if you have any download issues, we’ll make sure you get access right away.

law school budgeting

Financial Planning for Aspiring & New Lawyers (Workbook)