the only, cheapest, or even best way to gain the skills that MS cited.

For the record, I am a lawyer. I loved law school and I enjoy practicing law. But I very much fear for the futures of those individuals who attend law school to "learn to think like a lawyer" or acquire "lawyer skillz" but have no intent to practice law. You will certainly acquire those critical thinking skills in law school, especially if you work hard and dedicate yourself while there. But to go to law skill without the intent to practice law is a dangerous, often foolish game.

Unless you're already successful, are a trust fund baby, or have a sure-fire job afterward, law school for law school's sake is simply something I could never recommend.