How to Choose the Right Law School for You

If you are already beginning the application process to get into law school, you have probably given some thought as to which law school you would like to attend. Unfortunately, many students have their minds made up for months or years before beginning the law school application process, without doing the slightest investigation. Many factors should be taken into consideration as you sort through the brochures and make your law school visits. Here are some tips from an experienced attorney on how to choose the right law school for you.

One. The "best" is not always the best for you. Keep in mind that the "best" law school on your list of prospective institutions may not be the best law school for you. Many law schools are incredibly competitive, and not all of them (or even most) are competitive in a good way. Law students can be vindictive and back-stabbing. You have likely heard horror stories about students hiding books in the library and stealing other students' outlines and notes before a big test. It happens, more so at some law schools than others. If that doesn't sound like a desirable way to spend the next three years of your life, you may want to investigate which schools' students have a reputation for that kind of behavior. The best way to do that is to speak with current students at each law school you are considering. Whatever school you choose, you do not want to be overwhelmed. So do not simply select the "best" law school you get accepted to; choose the law school that is right for you.

Two. Location can be key. If you want to practice law in a certain state, you may want to consider attending a law school in that state. A large part of law school involves networking and making connections. Many of my fellow law students felt "trapped" into practicing law in New Jersey after law school even though they never had any intention of remaining in the Garden State. But they felt that if they returned home or moved to another state, they'd have to start from scratch. Also, many law schools offer procedural classes on its home state's law.

Three. The type of practice you want to go into can be equally important. Consider your career goals. Many professors and administrators will tell you that's not necessary before your first year. But your career goals should be a factor that is considered when choosing the right law school for you. For instance, some law schools have excellent Health Law programs, while some law schools excel in Constitutional Law. Keep in mind, also, that your career goals could be important when selecting which law school is right for you in that hiring partners at national or international law firms or corporate firms may put more emphasis on which school you attend, while some employers, such as Prosecuting Attorneys' Offices or Public Defenders' Offices may put more emphasis on grades and social service.

Four. Maintain an excellent quality of life during law school. Quality of life is important during law school; don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's three long, hard years, and if you are attending law school right out of college, they are three of the most important years of your life. Choose wisely. Do your homework before applying. Choose the law school that is right for you.

Five. Do your research. Once you've narrowed down your list to just a few law schools, follow up with extensive research. Do not limit yourself to book research. Visit each prospective school, and meet with professors and administrators. More importantly, interview current students at each law school. Current students are the most likely to be honest and up-front about the goings-on at their law school, its pros and cons, and what you can expect in terms of quality of life.

Six. Money matters. Tuition fees vary from law school to law school, and yes, money should be taken into account. The biggest mistake many law students make is getting in over their head when paying tuition and taking out school loans. Apply for financial aid early, and take into account which law schools offer you the best financial aid packages. Remember, if you decide to go into public service, you may not have the salary to pay back law school loans when they become due. Investigate repayment options prior to taking out any law school loans.

Seven. Research your housing options. Make sure your commute is easy enough so that you can get back and forth to law school without added hassle. Check out public transportation options, and remember that you may have law school classes in the evening. Choose a law school that is in a safe area if safety is a concern. And make certain that housing prices in the area are not going to be an added burden, and that they will be covered by your budget and financial aid.

In conclusion, do not select your law school blindly. Careful consideration can prevent catastrophic results, including an untimely second year transfer.