Five Tips for Choosing the Right Law School Type

Choosing a law school is a difficult and important decision for the aspiring lawyer. As law school is very expensive and will require three years of full-time, intensive effort, it’s important that you are first certain that you want to go, and second it’s important that you choose a program that suits you well. As you will be spending much of your time on campus for those three years, and your career that follows will depend on what type of education you received, it’s essential that you choose wisely. No two law schools were created equally, so you should know what type of program will suit your needs prior to the application process. The following are a few tips to consider as you begin the process of choosing the type of program that is right for you:

1. In choosing a program that suits you, start by doing some soul searching. What type of law interests you? Before you answer this question, be sure to do your research. If your immediate answer is "environmental law," find several lawyers who practice this type of law and pick their brains. Find out what a typical day consists of and decide if this sounds like you might enjoy it. Often times, the day to day practice of a specific type of law is not as glamorous as you once thought. The point here is to go into law school with as clear of an idea of what job you want following graduation. If you are lucid in regard to this point, you will have a better chance of picking the right program type to lead you to your goal.

2. Find out as much as you can about your professors. It’s always a wise decision to apply to schools where the faculty shares your interests. This will tip the odds in your favor where having a good relationship with the faculty is concerned, and this is imperative in order to receive good letters of recommendation as well as good general school and career guidance.

3. Are you interested in joint programs? Many law schools offer programs that allow you to pursue two degrees simultaneously. Common examples include a JD/MSW, JD/MBA, or a JD/PhD. If these types of programs interest you, you should certainly make sure that a particular school of interest offers the program you desire.

4. What is the teaching style of a particular law school and is it a good fit for you? Some schools emphasize learning in the classroom while others will emphasize more independent study on your part. Which style suits your learning style? Do you do well in unstructured environments where self motivation is the key, or do you require the structure of the classroom and the daily assignments that come with it?

5. In choosing a program type, you should be certain to inquire regarding what types of internships or externships are available. Depending on the school, you will have different opportunities to gain “real-world” lawyer experiences both domestically and internationally. Before you choose a school, be sure that these opportunities suit your needs.

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