A question regarding law school

Yep.. a little different than the norm.

Lets say... hypothetically of COURSE... that you have two law schools in your area. For the purposes of this question, lets also assume that one has both the GPA and LSAT score to pretty much go wherever they want, but are locked to a geographic area.

School 1- This school is a lower level Tier 1 school. Decent reputation, decent standing in the rankings, etc.

School 2- This school is a Tier 2 at best. Lower ranking (In the bottom 1/3 of the nation).

Now.. School 1 is the better school from the standpoint of ranking.. but with the "hypothetical" scores and GPA mentioned earlier, School 2 would offer what would essentially amount to a "free ride". So.. school 1 would put a person about 60K in the hole after scholarships and school 2 has the potential for zero debt.

Which school do you choose and why? Part of me thinks that the school with the lower ranking but potential for no debt is a great way to go-- as a career in law isn't necessarily the path to riches... but would going to a lower level school have a drastic impact on the employability of said student after graduation?

Thoughts?

I don't understand why you're being coy about the names of the law schools. We're all adults here. Going to law school isn't a crime, although being in law school sometimes feels like you're in prison.

I assume the Tier 1 is SMU. Is the Tier 2 UNT or A&M? My answer depends on yours.

If I'm missing something and there's a reason you don't want to name the schools, you can email me privately at ShysterJonEccie@gmail.com.

Email sent-- there is a reason for the coyness.

To answer a bit for someone else with a similar question...

I would say tread cautiously based on what you intend to practice. There are urban myths that only T14 law schools or top 10% of your class will get a decent job. Obviously that is way too clear cut than the reality, but it is true thst the market is flooded with lawyers. I mean I had classemates at Georgetown wanting to do corporate law (M&A) that worked at local bars for a couple years before they got reasonable offers. But my brother in law got a job in family and criminal law, a week after graduating from Memphis (T3/T4 I think -- in the bottom quarter of his class) when he hadn't even passed the bar. So there are exceptions.

So it depends on practice area or geographic region you want to practice. If you're locked into a geographic area for school, I assume that you'll want a job in the same area. That's good because lots of law schools have regional networks that can overcome that flooded market a bit.

And as a provider, I would guess you have good people skills. Use them.

Lastly, I would advise higher ranked law school every time unless the lower level school has a strong reputation for what you intend to practice.

Good luck!!

I answered your email.

btw, regarding sketchball82's comment: I think it's unrealistic to have an idea of what kind of law you want to practice before you even start law school. A law student should have an open mind and explore different subjects. Also, a student needs to be flexible enough to go where the job market leads her.

More than one road to Rome, Shyster. I know several attorneys that went to law school for a particular field, myself included. I do agree that having the flexibility to go where the market takes you is beneficial and helps overcome the flooded market.

So if you don't know, then you don't know. Or if you want to maximize your chances of getting a high paying job quickly. In that event I would suggest the higher tier law school if there is any significant difference in their rankings. If they are close and one gives you a scholarship, judgment call time. But I wouldn't call a T1 school vs. a T2 school "close." In my opinion, the difference in employment rates, starting salaries, and average salaries would be expected to make up the tuition differences and then some.

I think a law degree from the College of American Samoa does the job for some.

Or just attend a trade school and get a real job. Plumbers earn more than most lawyers anyway and deal with lot less flushed matter.

Yeah. No.

Save yourself before it is too late, don't go to law school.

A first rate person will succeed no matter where they buy their credentials. A second rate person may get a boost from a prestige school, but at the end of the day the credentials are legally equal and Harvard is no substitute for ability.

A first rate person will succeed no matter where they buy their credentials. A second rate person may get a boost from a prestige school, but at the end of the day the credentials are legally equal and Harvard is no substitute for ability. Originally Posted by Buying a *Way to Heaven

If I ever need someone to write a greeting card for me, I'll contact you.

If I ever need someone to write a greeting card for me, I'll contact you. Originally Posted by ShysterJon

If I ever need an attorney, I will not contact you.

If I ever need an attorney, I will not contact you. Originally Posted by Buying a *Way to Heaven

I don't practice in Oklahoma. I didn't meet their Bar's qualifications. I read and write.

If I ever need someone to write a greeting card for me, I'll contact you. Originally Posted by ShysterJon

No, contact me. Here's a sample of my work. You can use this one, too, for free.

Roses are red,
Violets are blue.
Sugar is sweet,
So let's have a screw.

Ain't nobody working for Hallmark got nuthin' on me.