Does The Law School Rank Really Affect My Ability To Get A Job When I Graduate?

Does the law school you attend really affect your ability to get a job? Very much so for your first job, less so as you move on and, hopefully, gather professional accomplishments that show your potential.

Most of the big firms only recruit from top 10 schools -- or maybe 15 or 20, but definitely there's a limit. That does not mean a student from a lower ranked school can't apply to a top-notch firm, but top-status firms are not reaching out to students from these schools.

If you don't go to a top-tiered school, it’s common to feel this is an unfair practice. But notice what the companies are doing -- they’re taking advantage of the rigorous screening process students have already gone through to get into the top-tiered school. In other words, they’re letting the law schools do the work of finding the people with the most potential.

Also, the companies are padding their own resumes by being able to brag to their clients how their associates come exclusively from top-tiered schools.

There are exceptions. Some partners will argue a firm is better off with a top student from a middle tiered school versus a mediocre student from a top school.

Also location can enter the equation. A student coming out of Duquesne Law School has a very good chance of landing a position at a large western Pennsylvanian firm -- perhaps just as good as someone coming out of a higher ranked school.

If you're at a lowered-tier school, don’t fear you'll be unable to get a decent job out of law school (and unable to pay back those loans). Just realize if you wish to compete with students from the top-tiered schools, you’ll need to distinguish yourself. Being at the top of your class or involvement in your school’s law review will certainly help. Also a recommendation or referral from a supreme court justice would aid you. But in the long-run, be persistent and realize you might face far more rejections than offers.

Remember you are just getting started. Your ability to sell yourself right out of law school will be limited until you begin to accomplish more. It’s interesting to note the lawyers in this country who are considered to be the most successful, and how few of them went to a top-tiered law school. The only exception to this might be those lawyers who work for the government. Finally, a reminder that just because you start off in one direction -- working for the DA's office -- does not mean that is what you have to do for the rest of your life.

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