To go or not to go.To go or not to go.Is law school right for me?Is law school right for me?

Tracie Thomas, MA, MSMary Lou Taylor, MAChristina Siders, MA

LAW SCHOOL

WEEK

Things to consider before Things to consider before any graduate level workany graduate level work

Group discussionGroup discussionWhy are you considering law school?What is your understanding of law and

law school?Where are you stuck?

Top reasons for not going to Top reasons for not going to law schoollaw schoolYou are not ready to work in the "real" world. Everybody else is doing itYou don't know what else to doYou are sure a bachelor's degree just isn't

enough any moreYou want to seek shelter from the bad economyYou are sick of school and want to get graduate

school over withYou are certain an advanced degree will

guarantee you a good job and a much higher salary

You can't face moving back in with your parentsYou missed all the on-campus interviews

What makes a good What makes a good lawyer?lawyer?

Necessary Skills

Reading and Writing Active ListeningPersuasion Judgment and

Decision MakingCreativityDebating

Time ManagementNegotiationSpeakingCritical ThinkingAnalysisLogical reasoningAdaptability

What makes a good What makes a good lawyer?lawyer?

Necessary Characteristics

IntegrityAttention to DetailDependabilityStress Tolerance Initiative

PersistenceAchievement/EffortAnalytical Thinking IndependenceLeadership

What makes a good What makes a good lawyer?lawyer?

Necessary Values

RecognitionAdvancementAchievementIndependenceAutonomy

Where are lawyers Where are lawyers working?working?

What do lawyers do?What do lawyers do? Advise clients Interpret laws, rulings and regulations Analyze the probable outcomes Present and summarize cases to judges and juries. Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in

preparation for presentation of cases. Gather evidence to formulate defense Represent clients in court or before government agencies. Examine legal data Research and review large quantities of documents for

evidence and legal rulings Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges and

question witnesses Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants

Types of LawTypes of Law

Civil Rights Corporate and Securities

Law Criminal Law Education Law Employment and Labor

Law Environmental and Natural

Resources Law

Family and Juvenile Law Health Law Immigration Law Intellectual Property Law International Law Real Estate Law Sports and Entertainment

Law Tax Law

There are many specialties that exist within the legal profession. Here are some of the most common specialty areas:

How is law school How is law school organized?organized? 3 years of full-time attendance, or four years of

part-time study Typically rely on the “case method” or Socratic

style of teaching First 1-2 years consist of mandatory coursework,

final year allows for more electives Practical training or Internships are completed in either/and first summer and second summer

First year tutorial: http://www.law.smu.edu/firstday/

Sample 1Sample 1stst year year curriculumcurriculumCivil procedureConstitutional lawContractsCriminal law and criminal procedureLegal methodLegal research and writingProperty lawTorts In addition to attending classes, you may be

required to participate in a moot court exercise in which you take responsibility for arguing a hypothetical court case.

Years followingYears following

Required coursework in most legal programs:

Common electives and additions:

Administrative law Civil litigation Commercial law Corporations Evidence Family law Professional responsibility Taxation Wills and trusts

International law Environmental law Conflict of laws Labor law Criminal procedure Jurisprudence Bankruptcy Employment law Entertainment law Human Rights Intellectual property Public Health

Dual DegreesDual DegreesPros Less time and less expensive than getting degrees

separately May provide a backdoor for getting into a top tier

business school/law school (if apply to other during first year of either school)

Cons Doubles the degree of difficulty in getting in You will be increase your student debt load while not

necessarily raising your earning potential May not be any more marketable than you would with

the single degree; depending on your career goals (very few careers require both degrees)

Dual DegreesDual DegreesSome common combinations:

◦ JD and MA/PhD: Variety of possible combinations and specialties. ◦ JD and PharmD: 5 years, leads to careers in biotechnology, intellectual property, and pharmaceutical industry.◦ JD and MBA: 4-5 years◦ JD and MPH/MPP: 4-5 years, Applies public policy, law, regulation, and the courts as tools in the formulation of effective public health and public policy interventions.◦ JD and MSW: 4 years, family law, family policy, social policy, or social welfare. Careers in juvenile courts, mental health policy reform, child custody matters, and social welfare agencies.

How to find out moreHow to find out more Read

◦ Visit the Career Services Library resources (lower floor)◦ www.lsac.org◦ www.wcas.northwestern.edu/advising/prelaw.html◦ http://www.abanet.org/legaled.html

Talk and Do◦ Schedule an individual appointment with a Career Counselor:

(847)491-3700◦ Join Phi Alpha Delta or Minorities in the Pursuit of Law◦ Do an informational interview lawyers in differing specialty areas◦ Shadow a lawyer or law student for a day◦ Audit a law school class at NU (312-503-8465)◦ Enroll in the NU Prelaw summer institute:

http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/summernu/programs/prelaw.cfm◦ Attend Diversity in Law