Consideration #1: Do I Really Want To Be A Lawyer?
When you're considering applying to law school, the first thing you should ask yourself is if you really, truly want to be a lawyer. There used to be a time when law school was a great default option for people who weren't sure about what they wanted to do, but knew they wanted financial security. Maybe it's because this idea has gained so much currency, but the truth is that now a law degree does not automatically equal a high-paying job right out of school. Of course, if you are able to get into one of the top law schools, there will always be a job waiting for you. For those who are not as lucky, however, a fearless look at why you're considering applying to law school is your best course of action. If you truly love the law, by all means, go ahead and apply, but know that the job market for new lawyers is tougher than ever before.
Consideration #2: What Type Of Law Do I Want To Practice?
So, you've determined that you're not just applying because you can't think of something else to do. Then you might already know the answer to the question of what type of law you would like to go into one day. If you don't know, before you apply is the time to start mulling it over. Environmental law or corporate contracts? Real estate or intellectual property? There are many specializations for you to pursue, and some schools are more focused on your area of choice than others are.
Consideration #3: Who's On The Faculty?
Check out the faculty of the schools you're considering. This consideration goes hand in hand with consideration #2. If you are a true lover of the law, then you probably have a wish list of legal rock stars you'd love to learn from. Look into the biographies of the various professors of schools you're considering and make sure you'll be able to take classes with the ones you find fascinating.
Consideration #4: Where Do I Want To Live When I Am Practicing Law?
You might not know where you want to live once you get out of law school. This is also worth some thought for a couple of reasons. First, if you study in the state you'd eventually like to practice in, you'll have an easier time passing the bar. Secondly, think about the job market. If you go to a school that's well-known in a certain area, you'll be a more attractive job candidate than if you take that degree on the road and have to explain its merits to people in a faraway city who are less familiar with the strengths of your law school.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing grad school for MBA
By: Jason | 09-07-2008
Does it matter which grad school you go to for an MBA or how many credits the MBA program is? Currently I am looking at the accelerated program at Monmouth University which is 30 credits and the Rutgers Unvitersity program which is 60 credits.
Time frames
By: aimcomm | 06-07-2008
what is the shortest time frame that one can earn an online degree?
Looking for distance learning providers in the UK
By: supaswag | 03-07-2008
I am looking for a provider to gain a [online] distance learning Foundation Degree in Internet Marketing. I found Kaplan Open Learning and would like to find out if anyone has any experience with them. Their offers look very good.
How important are work based achievements on my CV?
By: imconfused.com | 23-06-2008
I am currently writing my cv and wondered how important it was to include work based achievements? Do employers really care? Don?t they just care about my qualifications?
Safe Haven Babies and Mothers
By: judymamab | 20-06-2008
I am writing a paper for school and need information on what a mother who has dropped her infant at a safe haven must do, if she changes her mind and wants the child back. I know that there are alot of questions to be answered and certain things she has to go through, but need either a url or someone who can go into depth on the situation.
Qualification statement
By: Adriana | 19-06-2008
I have to write 5 qualification statements for a leadership program offered at my job (government), and I am completely blocked, I don't even know how to start. I know once I get started I'll be fine. Help?!
Q&A Powered by:
More from Elizabeth Saas
How to Conquer the Lsat - Tips on How to Succeed
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
The LSATs are required before applying to law school and it’s important that you know what will be on the exam. This article includes tips on how to succeed and conquer the LSAT exam.
Gaining Work Experience - Make yourself Marketable
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Are you about to finish school with your amazing degrees but lack any work experience? This article tells you how to gain work experience and make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
Why you Should Get Involved in College Activities
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
The primary reason people go to college is to continue their educations, right? But what some students don’t realize is that opportunities to learn don’t shut off after the class day is through. There are many reasons listed in this article about why you should get involved in college activities.
When you Need to Get a Tutor
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
When do you need to get a tutor? The short answer is that getting a tutor is never the wrong thing to do, unless you're so strong in a given subject that you're a tutor yourself. This article helps you decide when you really need a tutor's help.
What to Look for in a Roommate
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Your college roommate -- what will he or she be like? Some roommates will be randomly assigned and you will choose others. Before you decide that rooming with your best friend is the perfect solution, for the sake of the friendship, you should read the following tips.
Ways to Improve your Book Report
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Here's how not to do a book report: write down everything that happens in the book. If you’re struggling with ways to improve your book report, this article is just what you need.
Utilize your Guidance Counselor
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Whether you are on the college track or if you are going to join the workforce after high school, drop by your guidance counselor's office early and often so that you don't get to the end of high school and wonder: what's next?
Understanding your Learning Style
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Are you a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner? How can you tell, and why is it important for you to know? It's important for you to understand what kind of learning style works best for you so that you can use this knowledge to boost the amount of information you learn.
Education 
