Is law school worth it? California's top lawyer says yes.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who once managed laundry rooms to finance his education, reflects positively on his journey through Yale Law School despite the heavy debt it incurred. Addressing inquiries from young individuals about the value of a law degree, Bonta confidently asserts, "Yes, it's worth it." The financial commitment to law school is significant, with the Education Data Initiative projecting the average total cost to be around $217,480 by 2025. This investment may seem precarious, especially as artificial intelligence begins to take over tasks traditionally assigned to junior lawyers. However, Bonta emphasizes that the knowledge and skills gained during law school are crucial for making a meaningful impact in society. He believes these competencies will distinguish graduates in the job market, whether they pursue legal careers or not. Bonta himself acknowledges that his law degree has been indispensable in his career. He stated, "I couldn't do this job, or many others, without a law degree. My thinking, learning, speaking, and writing are all shaped by that training." Beginning his professional journey in private practice, Bonta initially postponed his ambition for public service to address student loan debts. He later became a young lawyer in the San Francisco City Attorney's Office and served as a state legislator before being appointed California's attorney general in 2021. In his current role, he plays a pivotal part in California's initiative to regulate artificial intelligence, which includes efforts to combat deepfakes and protect children. When asked about the potential integration of AI tools within his office to enhance efficiency, Bonta mentioned that his team is currently evaluating available technologies but refrained from naming specific vendors. He recognizes the tendency of government agencies to lag behind the private sector in adopting new technologies, noting, "We can't be too out of sync." Bonta’s colleagues in the private sector have reported increasing pressure from clients to implement AI solutions and reduce legal expenses. He stated, "We will need to start doing that more, as well. I think it'll enhance our output and our product."