Going to law school is one of the most important decisions of your life. The next decision is to pick the law school.
You’re probably wondering, Does it matter which law school you go to? Yes.
Depending on where you want to work, the law school you choose to attend could affect your legal career and your financial future. However, this effect is most significant right after law school.
As the years pass, your experience will count for more than the law school you attended. Continue reading to learn more about the effects of your choice in law school.
Choosing a Law School
There are many ABA-approved law schools to choose from. The following are considerations to think about when making your choice.
Law School Ranking
Law schools are ranked by U.S. News each year. It is a common topic of discussion for prospective law students.
But does law school ranking matter? And if so, how much does law school ranking matter? When you’re a recent law school graduate, your law school will count a lot for new jobs.
Being a graduate of a T-14 school will be superb. These schools are nationally recognized, and enrollment is highly selective.
However, as time goes on, your years of experience, awards, and cases will outweigh the impact of your law school alma mater.
Law School Location
You don’t have to attend law school in the state where you will practice law. You can attend law school in D.C. but ultimately practice law in New York.
However, choosing a law school where you will practice can be beneficial. Your network of contacts will be greater if you go to a school where you plan on working.
Your employers will know the law school, and many are probably alumni.
Cost
Law schools have different tuition rates. Higher-ranking schools have much higher tuition rates than lower-ranking schools.
Local schools tend to have less tuition and even some discounts for in-state students. So, it’s imperative to consider your financial situation when choosing a law school.
Law school debt will take time to pay off, and depending on your job after graduation, it may not be beneficial to go to a law school with high tuition.
Practice Area
Consider what type of law you want to pursue. Some law schools have specialized programs in certain areas of the law.
If your passion is intellectual property, you should focus on attending a law school with a robust intellectual property course list and faculty members.
Rent Office Space with Mesilla Legal Center
Once you graduate and are ready to begin your career, consider using the Mesilla Legal Center. We provide office space for all your legal needs, like meetings, depositions, training, and mediation.
Our rooms are fully equipped with the following high-tech amenities:
- Fast internet,
- Teleconferencing,
- Speaker phones, and
- Webcams.
You don’t have to worry about parking because we have it on-site. And our friendly receptionist will be glad to help you with any other questions or concerns.
Call us or go online to reserve your space at the Mesilla Legal Center today.