How to Pick a Law School

I graduated law school three years ago. When I was in college I was sure I would pursue civil rights law. Once I got to law school, however, I filled my schedule with intellectual property courses. Since graduation, I have been practicing securities litigation. My path has not gone exactly as I'd planned. Looking back, there are many things I would have done differently. There are many options I would have explored had I known they even existed. These are some things I wish I knew when I applied to school and advice I would give any prospective law student.

1) Location

When thinking about where to go to school, you should consider where you want to live after school along with where you want to live while in school. Although many of the top tier schools will host recruiting events with firms from around the country making location less of an issue smaller local schools will have stronger connections with the firms or organizations in their area. National firms will travel to certain schools or recruit through their satellite offices, but, especially for smaller firms, it is easier to recruit from the firm's main location. If you are interested in working in a city in which you've never lived particularly the more popular ones the school will give you a connection with the area. Many firms will want to make sure that you are serious about moving and not just looking to use your interview as an opportunity for a free vacation. For those who want to do non-profit work, going to school in the area may help you learns the area and make connections with the organizations serving those local communities. Lastly, you cannot forget about THE BAR. Getting a head start on the laws covered in the bar may help you add enough points to push to you to the passing line.

If you don't know where you want to work afterward, or if you tend to change your mind, you may want to broaden your reach. Schools in big cities with national profiles will help you keep as many options open as possible

You also want to consider where you want to live while you are in school. Do you need the distractions offered by the big city or do you prefer a bigger campus in a more rural setting? Do you get depressed in the winter or do you need to be in close proximity to the slopes? Law school can be fun, but it is also extremely hard and very stressful at times. Environment can play a big part helping to balance that out.

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