Reply to Which school should we look at with this LSAT score

Forum Index » College and University Discussion

Reply to "Which school should we look at with this LSAT score"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I’m a lawyer pushing 50 who lives and works in Dcumlandia. I routinely advise kids considering law school. FWIW:

1. Where does your kid claim residency? Apply to any law school where in-state tuition is an option. (Tell me the state, and I’ll give you my two cents.)

2. Where does your kid ultimately want to work? What state? If they are aiming for NY or CA, they might want to go to school there. Sometimes it helps with the bar.

3. What do they want to do? If they are willing to sell their soul to big law, then aim for a top 10 school. If they want to do social justice work, school rank doesn’t matter as much (their grades and networking/internships during law school matter more). Certain fellowships are useful. Do they want to be a fed? School doesn’t matter as much.

If they don’t know what they want to do, they probably should not bother with law school unless they get a full ride or can easily commute to state school with merit aid. Truly.

Note: some guidance changes if your kid isn’t white. Diversity applicants have more wiggle room in terms of resume when firms and Feds are hiring diverse candidates.[/quote]

To point 1. this rarely is helpful to manage costs. It was cheaper for me to go to a different T14 with modest aid over UVA.

To point 3., that does not square with my experience. Public interest jobs are as snobby, and often actually much snobbier, than big law.

Also, if you plan to do non profit work, you will get your loans fully forgiven through PSLF and similar programs.

In summary, PP, you're very out of date, and maybe should stop giving so much advice to kids considering law school if you're not going to catch up with the times. [/quote]

I disagree.

In-state tuition is typically less than whatever merit you might receive elsewhere—particularly if you get merit aid at your in-state school. It’s even more of a bargain if you can commute. I commuted an hour each way to minimize costs. I stand by my advice.

Re: public interest - I am a public interest lawyer. After decades on the frontlines in direct legal services followed by policy advocacy, I have a nice six figure salary at the national level. I’ve recruited for positions ranging from entry level to senior leadership. I’m most impressed by experience, not the school.

The best thing you can do if you want to pursue a career in public interest law is get an equal Justice works fellowship. Truly. That, followed by a certain career path where you gain niche subject matter expertise will set you on the best path.

Having said that, your school doesn’t matter if you plan to do legal aid or local government work (prosecute, PD). In fact, your state school is likely your best bet.

You want to network? Get involved with your bar. Better yet: become a law student liaison with the ABA entity related to your preferred sector. ABA staff and members have the best networks and can open doors.

Re: PSLF - It’s been a rocky road (and was nearly cut by the Obama administration). I wouldn’t count on it long-term. [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics