Law School and Employment

[Broncos15]

Hello,

I am new to this forum was wondering what are some good general tips and resources to use to seek post grad employment out of law school? I am an undergrad senior and interested in becoming a lawyer.

Throughout my research, I am looking at this from a long term career, perspective and not simply just to get into law school now. I have noticed there has been a decline in law school applications and test takers over the last several years. While, some may think it is a good thing that it is easier to get into law schools than a few years before, one of the main reasons why apps are down is because of this tough legal market

What are some things you would do now while in undergrad, in the admissions process and while in law school to increase employment chances?

One of my strategies for now will be to maximize the LSAT for better future career opportunities- as schools primarily consider the highest, so there is no reason not to retake if you can improve, and better LSAT means more scholarship $ and admissions chances since there is a correlation between school ranking and employment.

and once in law school I plan on taking advantage of On Campus Interviews

Thanks

[Nikki Siclunov]

Hi Broncos15,

Thanks for your question. I understand your concerns completely: law school applications are down, and you want to maximize your chances of gainful employment after graduation. However, you're still in college. No one can predict, at this point in time, what the legal market will be like when you graduate from law school. Some sectors, particularly those in IP law and biotech, have already seen an uptick in employment numbers and median salaries. But, since you asked about online resources that provide information regarding law school placement and employment after graduation, here's what you should be following:

http://www.top-law-schools.com/rankings.html

http://abovethelaw.com/careers/2014-law ... -rankings/

http://www.nalpdirectory.com/

http://www.lawschooltransparency.com/

You are absolutely correct in your view that obtaining a high LSAT score is perhaps the best thing you can do at this point to ensure optimal employment prospects after graduation. Don't forget, however, that your GPA matters as well. You're lucky to still be in college: unlike many fellow law school applicants, you still have full control over both your GPA and your LSAT score. They both matter in your admissions chances.

Good luck!

[moshei24]

Hello,

I am new to this forum was wondering what are some good general tips and resources to use to seek post grad employment out of law school? I am an undergrad senior and interested in becoming a lawyer.

Throughout my research, I am looking at this from a long term career, perspective and not simply just to get into law school now. I have noticed there has been a decline in law school applications and test takers over the last several years. While, some may think it is a good thing that it is easier to get into law schools than a few years before, one of the main reasons why apps are down is because of this tough legal market

What are some things you would do now while in undergrad, in the admissions process and while in law school to increase employment chances?

One of my strategies for now will be to maximize the LSAT for better future career opportunities- as schools primarily consider the highest, so there is no reason not to retake if you can improve, and better LSAT means more scholarship $ and admissions chances since there is a correlation between school ranking and employment.

and once in law school I plan on taking advantage of On Campus Interviews

Thanks

The LSAT is literally the most important thing for getting into law school. GPA is relevant, but usually only the LSAT is 3-4 times more valuable. Anything else is really just icing on the cake. But working in a job before law school will help you when it's time to apply for jobs after your first year, so do a job that's business or legal related if you want to work at a firm. Do something public interest if you want to do public interest.

But keep in mind that law school prices go up each year, and although applications are down, I believe they will likely increase again in the near future, say 2-4 years. So although it seems like it will get easier and easier to get into top schools, that will likely be short-lived, as the legal market is improving. So don't delay too long, and once your LSAT is strong enough for a top school, jump right into the deep end.