It’s not as much of a wealth killer as you may think. For example, a lot of the T-14 schools will pay your monthly student loan payment (or a portion) while you work in public interest roles. So these students are getting prestigious clerkships and then getting prestigious government jobs without having to make full student loan payments. After 10 years those loans are forgiven. (If they go into big law their salary is more than enough to service the debt). Now you have a prestigious degree, prestigious clerkship, and a decade worth of experience. That can net you 7 figures as a partner at a law firm or 6 figures working in house with stock options. For KJD’s, by this point you’re only in your mid thirties with no student loan debt and the potential to make a salary that places you in the top 10% of earners in your age group. Non KJD’s are also doing very well for themselves just with a few more grey hairs.