3 answers
Liliana
Student
Akron, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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Does the specific school you attend really affect how successful of a lawyer I could be ?
I feel I have heard before that for law-school one of the most important things is which school you attend, like Harvard or Yale for example. I am not sure I would ever have the necessary requirements in order to attend the top schools, and I worry about the pricing as well. I have a local law-school I could attend for much cheaper, but I am worried it will hinder my success when trying to get a job in the future. Does the specific school matter as much as people say?
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3 answers
Bob Echols
Retired lawyer and ethics officer--current blogger and author of the For Our Friends the Animals quartet.
32
Answers
Fairhope, Alabama
Updated
Bob’s Answer
Hi, Liliana. Thank you for your question, your interest in studying law, and of course in becoming a lawyer.
To answer your question it is necessary to define what a "successful" lawyer is. Some believe that success is measured only in terms of the accumulation of wealth, of high salaries, higher fees, a status defined by money.
Those who hold such beliefs will never be satisfied, and hence never successful, as there is always someone richer to be jealous of, always more money to be sought after.
Remember that the practice of law is a service in which attorneys represent and assist clients who find themselves in various difficulties or need advice and guidance on various areas of life.
More than that, lawyers serve society by upholding the principles of ethics and justice, of seeking fairplay, by striving to right wrongs, make the injured whole, defend the innocent, protect animals and the environment. You get the idea, I'm sure.
If you view the practice of law in that light, then you can be successful regardless of the school you attend.
Now, let me be candid. Harvard and Yale, as you mention, enjoy a reputation for excellence above many of the other law schools in this country, and there are many employers who give a preference to graduates from those and similar schools, (Chicago, Michigan, UVA).
But that is only the beginning of one's legal career.
I have encountered graduates of these so-called top tier schools whose careers did not live up to expectations, and I have worked with many graduates of so-called second tier law schools whose accomplishments dwarfed those who attended the "premier" schools.
So, Liliana, it's really up to you, your initiative, your desire to succeed at serving others through the practice of law. You can go as far as those attributes take you, and that's pretty far.
By all means, if you are able to gain admission to Harvard or Yale, then go. If not, don't sell yourself or your school short.
Whether you are successful is in the end up to you.
Good luck, and may God bless you!
To answer your question it is necessary to define what a "successful" lawyer is. Some believe that success is measured only in terms of the accumulation of wealth, of high salaries, higher fees, a status defined by money.
Those who hold such beliefs will never be satisfied, and hence never successful, as there is always someone richer to be jealous of, always more money to be sought after.
Remember that the practice of law is a service in which attorneys represent and assist clients who find themselves in various difficulties or need advice and guidance on various areas of life.
More than that, lawyers serve society by upholding the principles of ethics and justice, of seeking fairplay, by striving to right wrongs, make the injured whole, defend the innocent, protect animals and the environment. You get the idea, I'm sure.
If you view the practice of law in that light, then you can be successful regardless of the school you attend.
Now, let me be candid. Harvard and Yale, as you mention, enjoy a reputation for excellence above many of the other law schools in this country, and there are many employers who give a preference to graduates from those and similar schools, (Chicago, Michigan, UVA).
But that is only the beginning of one's legal career.
I have encountered graduates of these so-called top tier schools whose careers did not live up to expectations, and I have worked with many graduates of so-called second tier law schools whose accomplishments dwarfed those who attended the "premier" schools.
So, Liliana, it's really up to you, your initiative, your desire to succeed at serving others through the practice of law. You can go as far as those attributes take you, and that's pretty far.
By all means, if you are able to gain admission to Harvard or Yale, then go. If not, don't sell yourself or your school short.
Whether you are successful is in the end up to you.
Good luck, and may God bless you!
Ilan Marouani, Esq., LL.M.
Tax Attorney
14
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ilan’s Answer
Hi Liliana,
As a recent graduate from not a top law school, I can tell you that unless you go to a top-14 Law School, which mostly carries a name and connections, all the other law schools are the same. My law school actually had 25% of my graduate class go into big-law even though we are not such highly ranked law school.
A specific law school matters less in the grand scheme of things, but it could definitely boost your chances at a job early on in your career. A big law school, such as Harvard or Yale, will have connections and good relations with law firms and partners all across the country. These connections could provide you with a very strong start in your career at one of the major law firms in the US.
However, they do come with an expensive bill at the end of the year.
You should consider the pros and cons of everything! The tuition cost, where you want to work, the field you are aiming for (which might change once you join law school), how many hours you are willing to work, and the salary you want to take home.
I believe, in our day and age, the name carries less importance, and your law related experiences, connections, and ability to converse with people are significantly more sought after by law firms.
Finally, every law school has a strong advantage to it. My law school, for some reasons, has a strong connection to Big Law, and is able to send a lot of its students into Big Law, or judicial internships. Others are more focused on specific area of law; for example NYU has one of the strongest if not the best Tax Law program in the country.
Research is needed, and if you can talk to students from the schools you are considering, even better.
But overall, the choice is yours, and you should go for whichever school you believe is best for you!
Good luck!
As a recent graduate from not a top law school, I can tell you that unless you go to a top-14 Law School, which mostly carries a name and connections, all the other law schools are the same. My law school actually had 25% of my graduate class go into big-law even though we are not such highly ranked law school.
A specific law school matters less in the grand scheme of things, but it could definitely boost your chances at a job early on in your career. A big law school, such as Harvard or Yale, will have connections and good relations with law firms and partners all across the country. These connections could provide you with a very strong start in your career at one of the major law firms in the US.
However, they do come with an expensive bill at the end of the year.
You should consider the pros and cons of everything! The tuition cost, where you want to work, the field you are aiming for (which might change once you join law school), how many hours you are willing to work, and the salary you want to take home.
I believe, in our day and age, the name carries less importance, and your law related experiences, connections, and ability to converse with people are significantly more sought after by law firms.
Finally, every law school has a strong advantage to it. My law school, for some reasons, has a strong connection to Big Law, and is able to send a lot of its students into Big Law, or judicial internships. Others are more focused on specific area of law; for example NYU has one of the strongest if not the best Tax Law program in the country.
Research is needed, and if you can talk to students from the schools you are considering, even better.
But overall, the choice is yours, and you should go for whichever school you believe is best for you!
Good luck!
Alexandra Grashkina-Hristov
International Tax Professional
188
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Liliana,
Going to a top law school like Harvard or Yale can sometimes help you get your first job because of their strong networks and reputation. Some firms only hire from these schools. However, your first job might not be perfect, and that's okay.
You can still join a great firm even if you're not from a top school, though it might be tougher to get that first offer. What's important is finding good mentors who guide you and help you grow, and discovering a law area you enjoy and can excel in. Your skills, work ethic, relationships, and passion are what truly lead to success, not just your law school's name.
Finding good internships is also crucial. They give you real-life experience and teach skills you might not learn in class. Working with a local lawyer, for example, can provide practical insights.
A local law school can still offer great opportunities if you build strong connections, gain meaningful experience, and take advantage of internships. Many successful lawyers come from various schools, so don't let rankings stop you from reaching your goals.
Focus on what you can control and make the most of your opportunities. Good luck!
Going to a top law school like Harvard or Yale can sometimes help you get your first job because of their strong networks and reputation. Some firms only hire from these schools. However, your first job might not be perfect, and that's okay.
You can still join a great firm even if you're not from a top school, though it might be tougher to get that first offer. What's important is finding good mentors who guide you and help you grow, and discovering a law area you enjoy and can excel in. Your skills, work ethic, relationships, and passion are what truly lead to success, not just your law school's name.
Finding good internships is also crucial. They give you real-life experience and teach skills you might not learn in class. Working with a local lawyer, for example, can provide practical insights.
A local law school can still offer great opportunities if you build strong connections, gain meaningful experience, and take advantage of internships. Many successful lawyers come from various schools, so don't let rankings stop you from reaching your goals.
Focus on what you can control and make the most of your opportunities. Good luck!