Description

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.