Looking for law schools is a difficult process. You have to look at multiple factors, including the ranking of the school and the city it’s in, while also thinking of costs and the brand name of universities. It can be overwhelming, but luckily there are some simple steps you can take to help pick a school that will fit you best.
However, before you decide on any school, you should always take a visit to the campus. This will give you a feel for the environment and student body. It’s also a good idea to talk with some professors while you’re there.
This article will give you more insights on what to look for when picking a law school.
1. Location
If you’re not interested in commuting, location will be a big consideration when choosing your law school.
This is especially true if you want to practice in the same city where you went to school. You may have already lived in that city for years and don’t want to move away from your family and friends. Or perhaps it’s where you’ve always wanted to live or where your spouse or significant other has ties.
If you’re willing to move after graduation, this factor won’t mean much to you. But location might be important to you if you have strong ties in one place and aren’t sure if they’ll hold up while you’re in law school.
2. Ranking
The ranking is another factor that can play into your decision. If you want to work for a big law firm right out of school, then going to a top-ranked school will likely give you a better chance. The same is true if you’re looking to clerk for a judge or work in government.
However, ranking might not be as important to you if you’re not sure what to do after graduation or if you’re interested in a smaller law firm or public interest law.
3. Cost
Cost will always be a consideration when choosing any school, but it’s especially true for law school.
Law school is expensive, and you’ll likely graduate with a lot of debt. So you’ll want to consider how much you’re willing to spend on tuition and living expenses.
If you have scholarships or other forms of financial aid, this will be a factor in your decision. But if you don’t, then you’ll need to think about whether you’re willing to take out loans or how much you’re willing to work while in school.
4. Reputation
Your reputation may not be top of mind when choosing a school, but it can impact your career in many ways.
Reputation matters because people care about where they went to school, and their perception of your education will affect whether or not they hire you. For example, if you have graduated from Harvard Law School, most people will assume that you did well at Harvard Law School and are likely very intelligent.
The assumption can help you get interviews and jobs even if your GPA or LSAT score was not ideal. A good reputation also means that other highly regarded schools look favorably upon your degree, which gives you more options when applying for jobs after graduation.
Another reason reputation is important is because it helps determine what job opportunities are available to graduates after graduation. Employers often look for graduates from top-tier law schools because they know these students have been vetted by their peers during their time in school and thus possess the skills necessary for success in their field of choice.
5. Career Options
When looking at law schools, you should also consider the career you want after graduation.
If you’re looking to work for a big law firm, then you’ll want to go to a school with a good reputation and is ranked highly. The same goes if you’re looking to work in the public sector or for a nonprofit.
But if you’re looking to start your law firm or become a solo practitioner, you may not need to attend a top-tier school. Going to a lower-ranked school can be beneficial because it will be cheaper, and you’ll have less debt when you graduate.
6. Size
The size of the law school you attend can also influence your decision. If you want a more personal education, then a smaller school might be a better fit for you. But a larger school might be better if you’re looking for more opportunities and resources.
The size of the school can also impact the type of job you get after graduation. If you want to work for a big law firm, then you’ll likely need to go to a large school because that’s where most firms recruit. But if you’re looking for a job with a smaller firm or in the public sector, then it doesn’t matter as much.
7. Diversity
Diversity is another factor to consider when choosing a law school. If you want to go to a school that has a diverse student body, then you’ll want to look at the percentage of students of color and the percentage of women at each school. You should also look at the faculty diversity as well.
Diversity can be important for a variety of reasons. It can make your law school experience more enriching, and it can also give you a better sense of the real world. Employers also value diversity, so it’s something to keep in mind as you’re making your decision.
The bottom line is that you should pick a law school based on what’s best for you, not what’s cheapest. Consider all the factors important to you and make sure the school you choose meets those needs.