Where To Apply

The decision to attend law school is a big one. One of the next biggest decisions is deciding where to go. For some, options might be limited because of geographical necessities. Maybe you can't leave your home state because you have a sick family. Maybe you don't want to uproot children or spouses. These are all important considerations to bear in mind when compiling an initial list of where you'd like to apply to.

Geography aside, you may also be limited by your performance as an undergraduate or because of your LSAT score. A low LSAT score will prevent you from attending a "prestigious" institution. That being said - a low LSAT score shouldn't deter you from sending out applications to other schools that can meet your needs.

If, like most people, you didn't manage to pull a 170+ LSAT score - the way you approach your law school application process should be significantly different. Now, you're looking at a lot of schools that just simply can't guarantee you gainful employment at the end of your three years of education. What can they offer? If you manage to graduate at the TOP of your class (between the top 15 - 1%) - you MIGHT be able to land an interview with a large firm.
Otherwise, depending on the economy, you'll wind up doing an internship for a local law firm, government institution, or public interest group - and it won't necessarily blossom into a full-time offer after the internship is over. To bolster your chances at landing a job offer at graduation when attending an average law school - it becomes critical to distinguish yourself in meaningful ways.

You'll want to enroll in a clinical program where you'll be able to actually practice in front of judges. Knowing a thing or two about going before a tribunal will set you apart from your snobby counterparts who are working away in the law review suite. Participate in moot court competitions. Firms love people with a competitive edge who aren't afraid to speak in front of a judge and think on their feet. If you need to, volunteer a small amount of your time with a local practitioner who is skilled in his or her field. Every city has their "top" lawyers in different specialties. Does your interest lie in prosecution? Medical malpractice? Criminal defense? It's guaranteed that someone connected to your law school is practicing in that city and is damn good at what they do. You'll need to find out who they are and reach out to them. Don't be shy.

In this regard, every law school below the US News' "Top 15" seems relatively similar on the surface - so it becomes important to examine potential schools with the strictest of scrutiny. Find out what you can about the school's moot court programs, clinical opportunities and the availability of internships. Find out WHEN you can start in a clinic that interests you. What sort of commitment is it? Get a list of firms that have recently hired students in the past. Find out what percentage of students have found work. If you're not in the top 15% - make THEM sell YOU their institution. It's not all that different from scoping out a car at a dealership. You NEED to do your research, ask the hard questions and dig deep for information. A school simply won't come out and explain its drawbacks to potential students, it's bad for business. It's up to you to find out where the problems lie. You wouldn't purchase a vehicle without knowing a thing or two about the engine, transmission, interior or gas mileage. Hell, you might even take it for a test drive. Do the same with your future law school.

Once you've compiled a list of schools that meet your needs - both geographically and academically - it becomes necessary to take cost into consideration.

Now, if you're independently wealthy or have wildly generous parents - this may not apply to you. If you're like most people, and you're facing the possibility of student loans, then read on.

The recent recession has wrecked havoc on the way many law firms operate. In the aftermath of our nation's economic collapse, firms have started doing more with less and will, in my opinion, continue their stingy practices well into the future. Tough times have taught firms that it's possible for one attorney to do the work of three people. Not only is he capable of more - but he'll comply with the increased demand because he has nowhere else to go and needs to put food on the table. The bottom line is that as of now, jobs are scarce and the ones that do exist suck.

I am of the position that the last thing anyone needs, now (and even in the future), is educational debt. I would advise anyone who asks to AVOID STUDENT LOANS at all costs - even if it means putting your legal education on hold. This is especially true for mediocre institutions that charge students in excess of $50,000 a year to attend. Just imagine what you could do with a $150,000+ loan if you didn't attend law school. It's enough money to open up a franchise or purchase a home. Some will argue "Oh, but it's an investment in my own future." That's a load of garbage - especially given the fact that the return on this alleged investment will come in the form of little to no pay, massive repayments (to the tune of $1000 per month) and the implosion of your credit score. No matter what your situation might be - DO NOT TAKE OUT STUDENT LOANS. The ONLY exception to the rule I could fathom would be to accept an offer at Harvard, Yale or Stanford - where you're all but guaranteed lucrative employment after three years because of the reputation of the school.

Otherwise, the notion of borrowing that amount of money for a piece of paper should be off the table and out of your head.

So what do you do next?

Find a law school that's reasonably priced. After doing some light research, I came across a list of public law schools sorted by their 2010 tuition rate. Be sure to note the in-state from out-of-state rates. Here's the list of private schools. Brigham Young University's J. Reuben Clark Law School is a fantastic school with a tuition of less than $10,000!

Another option would be to consider a law school that's on the verge of being fully accredited by the ABA. These law schools tend to be "newer" and will often offer substantial sums of money to students with LSAT scores that are even slightly above average. They know they are being carefully monitored so you can be sure they're on their best behavior and are doing everything they can to prove that they deserve the ABA's stamp of approval. The following is a list of schools that are provisionally accredited by the ABA and probably offer a remarkable value in terms of the quality of education for the cost of attending the school.

Sometimes these (and other) schools allow prospective students to submit an application free of charge. You can send in your paperwork and just see what happens. If you're offered a full-ride or substantial scholarship, then give it serious consideration. If not, then you've lost nothing.

The bottom line is that if you're going to be shelling out six figures for an education - there needs to be a guaranteed return on your investment, otherwise it's far too risky. If a school doesn't have a track record of producing successful legal practitioners in your field of interest then you shouldn't be paying the same price as students who attend the top schools in the country. Do your research and find yourself a law school that matches your needs and can offer you a good price. You deserve nothing less.

If I've missed anything worth mentioning, please feel free to comment.