No matter your background, selecting a law school is an important decision that must be carefully considered. With so much at stake, making an educated choice is critical for those just out of college or just beginning their career path.
When selecting a law school, there are numerous factors to take into account such as class size, location and alumni experience. To find the school best suited for you, create an equitable list with all these items on it.
Class Size
Class size is an important factor when selecting which law school is right for you. Many students believe smaller classes provide better opportunities for learning, and many schools provide smaller class sizes.
Small class sizes are beneficial for students as it offers them more individualized attention from their professors and increases their access to technology.
Studies have revealed that smaller classes tend to produce higher test scores and student engagement. Furthermore, studies show that small classrooms tend to have more experienced teachers on board.
Many people question if the advantages of smaller class sizes outweigh their cost, particularly given today’s tight educational budgets.
Although much research has been done on this topic, much of it is too old to be useful to policymakers in today’s environment. Additionally, factors that influence student performance in these studies differ from those which influence performance today.
Thankfully, some states are looking to address this issue again. California for instance is considering imposing a limit on class sizes in public schools.
Los Angeles recently unveiled a plan to gradually reduce class sizes throughout its district. To accomplish this goal, 20% reductions in classroom size must be achieved annually with an additional 20 percent added each year until all classes reach or below this threshold by September 2028.
It is essential to remember that class size reduction is not a cost-cutting measure, but rather an attempt at improving education quality. This point has become especially pertinent given recent teacher layoffs and salary freezes.
Location
When searching for the ideal law school, factor in factors like proximity to your current or future home or job. This will dictate how much time can be spent in the classroom and what extracurricular activities such as volunteering, sports leagues or games, and cultural events you may have available.
When selecting a campus for your student-athlete relationship, the layout should be taken into consideration. A well-connected campus will give you the most conducive learning environment.
A top-tier law school will provide you with an educational experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Not only will they grant you a diploma or degree, but they’ll give you access to an unparalleled network of colleagues, experts and mentors as well. With these tools in hand, you’ll be equipped to succeed in today’s globalized marketplace and make your mark on it; additionally, building your professional network could serve as a springboard for future career advancement after law school.
Specializations
Law schools offer you a plethora of specializations to pursue your interests. These degrees will grant you with an exceptional education that will set you apart from other students in the field.
Law offers a vast array of specializations, such as environmental law, labor and employment law, admiralty law and corporate compliance law. All of these areas can prove beneficial in your career as an attorney.
Environmental law is an evolving area that examines how the environment can be safeguarded and preserved. To succeed, one must possess a thorough educational foundation in law, economics, science and ethics.
This type of law degree is ideal for those interested in environmental issues such as climate change, pollution and conservation. This topic has global repercussions and has the potential to make a real difference.
Litigation and trial law is a specialty area of law that involves practicing in courtrooms and preparing for trials. This degree program is ideal for individuals who enjoy working on complex cases.
International law is a specialty area that deals with the legal aspects of interactions between countries and organizations. This field of law can be especially pertinent to those working in international business or policy initiatives.
For those interested in working within government agencies on either a federal or state level, this area of law offers the perfect training. By understanding the legal principles that underlie administrative processes at both levels, individuals can gain invaluable insight.
Financial Aid
Even if you were successful during your undergraduate studies, the financial aid process can seem overwhelming when entering law school. But Nicole Bonito, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at New England Law | Boston, has some helpful advice to help you navigate this maze and pay for your dream education.
Law schools provide various forms of financial aid, such as federal and private loans, institutional awards, and more. The amount, form, and conditions awarded depend on a variety of factors like current federal regulations, school policies, and the school’s available resources.
Most law schools use a combination of need-based and merit-based scholarships to assist students with financing their education. A few institutions, such as Harvard Law School or Stanford Law School, award scholarships solely based on demonstrated financial need.
Thus, the average tuition and living expenses at a law school may be much lower than other institutions. This makes an impact on student-athlete relationships, especially for those who are first-generation or low income and need assistance paying for their education.
Stanford law school’s financial aid office is staffed with experienced professionals who can explain the various funding sources and repayment options/terms after graduation. We recommend speaking to our staff as early in the application process as possible so you receive all of the financial assistance you qualify for.
Before your first year at law school, it’s wise to contact the loan servicers of your school as soon as possible in the summer before to confirm enrollment and federal loan deferment status. Doing this can help avoid undergrad debt from going into repayment or pausing it until after you graduate if you decide to take out federal education loans.
Career Opportunities
A law degree enhances your analytical, communication and management abilities, equipping you to excel in a variety of jobs beyond traditional legal careers such as law enforcement, real estate development, community planning projects and more.
To become a lawyer, the initial requirement is to earn your undergraduate degree and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Doing so will grant you admission into law school and grant you legal license.
Students in law schools across the country can apply with a Bachelor’s degree from fields like English, business, political science, economics, journalism or philosophy. The LSAT test measures candidates’ knowledge and abilities in key areas for future legal work like information management, argumentation, reasoning and analysis.
Completing an undergraduate degree and passing the LSAT is a common path to becoming a lawyer, but not all students choose this route when they enter college. In addition to earning their undergraduate degree, law graduates must also pass the bar exam in order to become licensed in their jurisdiction.
Thus, it is not uncommon for law school students to pursue other careers in the field while in school. While these endeavors often necessitate a significant amount of time and dedication, they can be highly rewarding in the end.
Students can pursue a paralegal career at law firms, government agencies or private companies. Additionally, they could serve as a prosecutor or public defender.
Another viable option for law students is an internship at a judge’s chambers. This experience can be invaluable in prepping for the bar exam and teaching you how to research cases effectively.
Students interested in gaining experience as a legal role but do not plan on practicing as lawyers should consider the Master of Legal Studies program offered by Washington University School of Law. This online course provides non-lawyers with an introduction to the U.S. legal system and how it can be applied in their current job role.
