Choosing a Law School

The saying "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb" may be about the weather but it can also pertain to law school admissions as well. At the beginning of March there are a rush of decisions being released by law schools and then by the end of March things slow down and it becomes your turn to make the big decision. Now the question becomes "how do you choose a law school?"

Assuming you have done a plethora of research on the law schools you applied to and know what programs they offer, below are a few additional things you should do before you make your final decision.

1) Visit the Law School:
Law school is going to be your home for three years. You would never buy a house without a thorough inspection and you should never attend a law school without visiting it first. Each law school has its own culture and environment which will significantly impact your experience as a student and your ability to practice law when you graduate. You should consider the size, composition, and background of the student body as well as the location, size, and nature of the community. You need to be in a place where you can succeed not just academically but also professionally and personally as well. The best way to get a feel for an institution is by putting your feet on the ground and walking its halls to get a sense of whether you can spend the next three years of your life there.

2) Meet the Faculty:
The faculty are the heart and soul of a law school. You will be learning from their expertise, growing from their mentorship, and at some point probably crying in their office. Your success is tied in with the professors teaching you. Do your research and find some professors at the law school who have the same interests as you. You can reach out to the professor directly, however, as a professional courtesy, it is probably better if you contact the Admissions Office and have them contact the professor to set up a conversation. It will help ease the transition to law school if you begin building relationships with the school before orientation - just don't go over the deep end and be a stalker.

3) Explore Student Services Opportunities:
Everyone who attends law school is the smartest person in the class and will get their first choice job. Well... at least that's what everyone seems to think on the first day of orientation. The reality is that everyone who attends law school is smart and has the ability to get a great job; however, mathematically, not everyone can be at the top of the class. That's where student service departments come into play. Departments like Career Services, Externships, and Academic Achievement can have a huge impact on your experience in law school and your opportunities for employment afterwards; however, you need to know what your school offers and, most importantly, take advantage of them. Ask about what kind of support the school provides to help you transition into law school and what opportunities are available to help you transition out and into practice.

Choosing a law school will be one of the most important professional decisions you will make in your life. It is important to do your research and choose the school that is the best fit for you to help you reach your goals. Good luck!