Hello Everyone!
I'm about a year away from getting an undergrad in History and Philosophy with a minor in Italian. I was thinking about going to law school, but I don't really know that much about it. I was wondering if anyone here is/was in law school or knows someone who is and could give me any advice about what the classes are like and the application process. Thanks!
My advice to you is this:
1) Know 110% if you really want to go.
2) Be sure how much debt you're willing to take on.
3) Check the job market for lawyers in the area of the country you want to settle in.
Right now, there is a dearth of lawyers and not quite enough jobs...thus people are not making the money they thought they would upon graduation and their loans (anywhere from $60,000 to $110,000) start to choke them a bit.
Check out these links:
http://opinionjournal.com/taste/?id=110008556
http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2008/01/the-dark-side-o.html
I'd also recommend checking various articles on the web regarding the state of law schools in the US.
If you still want to go, more power to you. I love the law and very much enjoy being a lawyer, but the job search can kill a guy. Some tips if you do decide to go:
Before Law school:
1) Study for the LSAT. You don't necessarily need to take a Kaplan review course, but DO get a couple LSAT study books from your local Borders and take practice tests (2-3). As for the right score to get? a 165 is a guaranteed good score, but a lot of schools will take as low as a 150 based on other factors.
2) Extracurriculars. Get involved in undergrad. It gives you something to write about in your admissions essay. It also shows you can multitask and operate in a diverse environment.
3) GPA. Try to have at least a 3.5. This will get you into most law schools when combined with the other 3 things.
4) Know the requirements of the school(s) you want to go to. Have at least 4-5 schools you would attend. One top choice and 4 backups.
When you get into school:
1) STUDY STUDY STUDY!! First year sucks, but if you study hard, you'll be fine, think of it as law school boot camp.
2) Find a clerkship at a firm that might get you a job after graduation. Many larger firms do this, and it will very much help you in your post-grad job hunt. Smaller firms are good to learn from, but your chances of being hired as an attorney there are slim.
3) If you do not find such a clerkship, try to graduate in the top 5% of your class, otherwise finding a job can be very tough.
4) Get involved with your law school trial clinics. (I can explain this more later if you'd like)
5) Network! You can often meet people who will lead you to good job opportunities.
6) Participate in law school social events, law fraternity, etc. They will keep you sane.
7) Smaller law schools (or 2nd/3rd tier schools) are often more like family, and people are more likely to be helpful and provide guidance, whereas big or top tier schools (like Harvard or notoriously: Michigan) people will try to sabotage you and undermine you so as to get a higher grade/class rank than you.
Now mind you, there are many good things about law school. I just feel compelled to warn you of the bad, as I wish someone had told me so I could be prepared. I'm not trying to scare you, just inform. If you have any specific questions about law school or my experience, feel free to PM me or post them here and I'll do my best to help.
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