Studying a Law School
posted by Alfred Yen
Here are some suggestions for studying a law school you may be thinking of attending. A lot of this information can be gleaned from the school’s website, and you can use the time you have on campus to get your questions answered.
First, study the school’s academic program. With respect to the first year, look for courses that distinguish the school’s curriculum from those of others. Pay particular attention to the first year writing course. An attorney’s success depends a lot on writing ability, so it’s worth it if the school you attend has a rigorous program staffed with experienced instructors. You will likely discover a broad range of approaches, from second or third year law students as instructors, to recent graduates as part-time instructors, to teaching fellows on three year terms, to full-time faculty. In my opinion, writing programs taught by full-time, permanent faculty are likely to be most effective because those teachers gain experience that can be lavished on you. Teachers who are themselves students, or whose time at the school is limited, cannot do likewise.
Beyond the first year, look for the richness of program in areas that interest you. Don’t necessarily assume a school’s offerings in an area are superior because they have a specialized “program.” Look under the hood. Does the school have full-time faculty teaching the courses that matter to you, particularly the core courses in your area? Are they experts in the field? There’s nothing wrong with seeing some adjunct (i.e. part-time) faculty in a program. Very often they’re experienced lawyers with a lot to offer. But, if there are too many, there won’t be anyone around for you to talk to when you need it most because the adjuncts will be at their regular jobs. Take some time to study the skills program as well. Clinics or externships offer great exposure to the profession and practical experience that can serve you well.
Second, take a look at the strength of the student services program. Every school has a Dean for Students, career counseling, financial aid, and placement offices. However, not every school puts enough resources behind them. How many people are available to speak with you if you want advice? How many job listings does the placement office have, and in how broad a range of jobs? Is there specialized counseling for public interest or government employment? Are there vibrant student organizations you’d like to join?
Third, get a sense of the library because you’re going to do a lot of research and studying for 3 years. You may be tempted to think all libraries are the same, but they’re not. Collection size matters. If you’re doing research and can’t get a book, you’re stymied while you wait for it to come in on interlibrary loan. Reference staff also matters. They’ll help you find things, and they’ll also be helping you learn to conduct research. Finally, when you visit, go into the library and see if you’d enjoy studying there. Is it quiet, comfortable, and well-lit? Believe me, some libraries will make you want to stay and read, and others will drive you to Starbucks.
Fourth, study the physical facility. Go to a classroom and check out the sight lines, particularly from the back of the room with people sitting in front of you. You might be surprised how many large classrooms make it very hard to see the professor when the room is full. If you can attend a class, make sure you can hear the professor and the students. Are there places for students to gather and talk? Space for student organizations? Take a look too at information technology. Is the library/campus wireless, and are there adequate terminals and printers for your use? Is there power for laptops in the classrooms? Is there audio-visual capacity in classrooms so instructors can use the latest technology? If you’ll be driving to and from school, is there enough parking?
Fifth, try to meet some students and faculty. You’ll spend three years talking to them, so get a sense of whether you’ll enjoy them and learn from them.
And last, but not least, get a feel for the place. Every school has a unique atmosphere. It’s a bit like hunting for an apartment. Ask yourself if it feels right.
March 29, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Posted in: Law School (Rankings), Law School (Teaching), Law Student Discussions
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Responses (6)
Dave! - March 29, 2007 at 5:33 pm
Those are all good points, but the order is a bit off…
I would move the “fifth” point to number 1. Nothing, and I mean nothing, will give you a better feel for the school than wandering around and talking to some current students. Mix it up, too… talk to some 1Ls and some 3Ls. And don’t talk to the “guides” or “ambassadors” who the admissions office will foist on you, they may be nice, but they are also not (generally) representative of the *average* student at a school.
I’d also say that the “third” point is quaint and should be at the bottom of the list. Unless you intend to be an academic, you will do virtually no research in the library. WestLaw and Lexis will be your new best friends. And unless your school is in the stone age, they’ll have a ton of other on-line databases you’ll use to find other stuff. Yeah, you’ll use the library a few times–usually on legal writing assignments that require you to look at “Legal Periodicals In Print” or some other such nonsense. But realistically, you’ll use the library as a place to park your butt and work on your laptop, but not a whole lotta time looking at the collection.
Michael D. Cicchini - March 29, 2007 at 8:26 pm
“Dave!” is right, the library is next to useless. It’s a tremendous waste of space and unless you want to, you won’t have to spend much time in it at all, even if you’re on law review. Also, the school’s placement services might be nice, but the biggest factors in getting a job will be your class rank and, if you’re looking to work outside of your school’s immediate area, the school’s US News rank. Finally, don’t forget the net cost of tuition, or projected debt load. If you get a substantial scholarship somewhere, you can certainly live with fewer volumes in the library or fewer student organizations. Remember to think beyond the 3 years of law school.
RMCACE - March 30, 2007 at 12:18 am
The goal of law school is two-fold: 1) Graduate & 2) get employed. Having fun, enjoying law school, and yes, even learning fall after those two key goals. With those primary goals in mind, look for a law school that you can tolerate being at for three years so you will work enough and be happy enough to complete the degree. After that, choose the highest ranked law school you can. That is all that matters for employment.
MConrad - March 30, 2007 at 9:14 pm
While I agree with what was said, I think the most important criteria for choosing a law school is job placement. When speaking with students, that is the first question one should ask. So, if an editor of the law review tells an applicant that he/she does not have job offers from major firm or governmental agencies, that should be a red flag. If students are not happy with the school’s administration, that should be another red flag. Folks, law school is a grinding experience and after investing three or four years and six figures worth of tuition, one does not want to come out unemployed or underemployed, especially due to difficulties with job placement.
tim - October 25, 2007 at 1:01 pm
I agree…study the school. However, sometimes studying the law school is not good enough. Law schools seem to think they are above the law. They think they can do whatever benefits them. Oklahoma City is tops the list for thinking it is “above the law.” This school has serious issues and really needs to be looked into by the ABA and other organizations.
tim - October 25, 2007 at 1:03 pm
I agree…study the school. However, sometimes studying the law school is not good enough. Law schools seem to think they are above the law. They think they can do whatever benefits them. Oklahoma City is tops the list for thinking it is “above the law.” This school has serious issues and really needs to be looked into by the ABA and other organizations.
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