I work for a global bank in corporate finance and there are tons of lawyers around who never bothered with their bar exam. So, if you plan on being a investment bank lawyer, going to the Oz law school is a decent bet. These IB lawyers also earn a lot, but the hours are really really bad for them. Lots of all nighters. As for the opportunity cost finishing up at 27, I wouldn't worry about it. If you are good, you can earn many times your friends who went the conventional path in a few years. However, if you aren't very driven, the competition is keen, and you won't make it. Ask yourself if you are willing to give everything to a investment banking job, particularly your personal life. Forget about a family and kids until you are in your mid-30s when things might stabilize.