Law schools are highly stratified. First tier law schools are very hard to get in. If you cannot get into first or second tier law schools, your career future is likely going to be a struggle. Even if you get a J.D. from a 1st/2nd tier law school, you will be subject to inhumane workload for several years at least, sometimes 80 hours/week non-stop, right after graduation, provided that you can land a job in a good law firm.
But in this economic environment, and in particular given your age, the chances that you *can* land a job in a good law firm is very slim. Many prestigious law firms are struggling and laying off lawyers.
Finally, your ability to make good money depends on your personality, your connections, and your reputation. You must be a rainmaker. But connections and reputation take time to cultivate. Your age is certainly of no help there.
If you graduate from a third tier law school, and/or if you cannot meet the demanding effort after graduation, you may end up just a law clerk, or a street lawyer, who will make no more money than what you are making right now.
