4 answers
Betty
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
5
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Is law school super competitive?
#law #law-school #lawyer
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4 answers
Kevin T. Kramer
Lawyer
12
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Kevin T.’s Answer
Hi Betty,
Thanks for taking the time to ask this question.
I agree that law school is demanding, but each school has its own culture that probably changes from year-to-year depending on the students who go there.
All schools will likely be competitive in the sense that everyone will want to get the best grades that they can. However, most schools will not be cut-throat in a way that students will intentionally or maliciously undermine each other. Quite the opposite, you will likely find a group of friends that you can study with, learn with, and grow with. For example, you will form study groups, quiz each other on the rules of law you learn in class, and help each other write outlines to understand the material. You might also have practical courses where you are paired-up and do projects together, like in a moot court setting or a trial advocacy class. Best of all, you will likely attend social functions together and get to know each other personally.
All in all, I would say that my experience in law school was challenging but fun and rewarding. I am still very good friends with several of the people that I went to school with, and I remember my time in law school very fondly.
My suggestion to you would be to research the culture of the school before attending there. See if there are any online reviews, visit and talk to current students and observe how they treat each other outside of class, and talk to recent alumni of the schools you might be interested in to see what the culture is like. Also, you will have a better time if you are studying the types of subjects that you want to practice when you get out. So, for example, if you know you want to do trial work, make sure you a trial advocacy class is offered at the school. Or, for example, if you want to study sports law or equestrian law, then make sure those classes are offered at the school you want to attend. The resources at the school will make a big difference to whether you are comfortable there and enjoy your time there.
I hope this is helpful, and good luck in your decision to attend law school and your choice of school.
Visit law schools to get a first hand look at their culture
Talk to students of schools that you might be interested in to see what they think about the culture of the school.
Talk to professors at the school.
Talk to recent graduates of the school.
Thanks for taking the time to ask this question.
I agree that law school is demanding, but each school has its own culture that probably changes from year-to-year depending on the students who go there.
All schools will likely be competitive in the sense that everyone will want to get the best grades that they can. However, most schools will not be cut-throat in a way that students will intentionally or maliciously undermine each other. Quite the opposite, you will likely find a group of friends that you can study with, learn with, and grow with. For example, you will form study groups, quiz each other on the rules of law you learn in class, and help each other write outlines to understand the material. You might also have practical courses where you are paired-up and do projects together, like in a moot court setting or a trial advocacy class. Best of all, you will likely attend social functions together and get to know each other personally.
All in all, I would say that my experience in law school was challenging but fun and rewarding. I am still very good friends with several of the people that I went to school with, and I remember my time in law school very fondly.
My suggestion to you would be to research the culture of the school before attending there. See if there are any online reviews, visit and talk to current students and observe how they treat each other outside of class, and talk to recent alumni of the schools you might be interested in to see what the culture is like. Also, you will have a better time if you are studying the types of subjects that you want to practice when you get out. So, for example, if you know you want to do trial work, make sure you a trial advocacy class is offered at the school. Or, for example, if you want to study sports law or equestrian law, then make sure those classes are offered at the school you want to attend. The resources at the school will make a big difference to whether you are comfortable there and enjoy your time there.
I hope this is helpful, and good luck in your decision to attend law school and your choice of school.
Kevin T. recommends the following next steps:
Emily J. Baldwin
Lawyer
2
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Emily J.’s Answer
Hey Betty,
Some law schools are more competitive than others. I agree with Kevin's recommendation to research and visit the schools you are interested in attending. Talk with students or advisors there. They will provide you with a sense of the culture of the program. My experience in law school was very positive. Your peers will push you. And you will find yourself surrounded by people who want to succeed. But it was a healthy environment and very conducive to learning. Good luck in your future studies!
Some law schools are more competitive than others. I agree with Kevin's recommendation to research and visit the schools you are interested in attending. Talk with students or advisors there. They will provide you with a sense of the culture of the program. My experience in law school was very positive. Your peers will push you. And you will find yourself surrounded by people who want to succeed. But it was a healthy environment and very conducive to learning. Good luck in your future studies!
BAKER, DALE W
Senior Sourcing Manager at AT&T Services, Inc.
3
Answers
Updated
BAKER,’s Answer
It depends, law school is about discipline. You will be expected to do the reading and learn an entirely new way to think, talk and write. You will be busy learning new skills. You are expected to contribute to the class discussion, to know the cases you were assigned to read and to offer insights that are meaningful. You will work hard, you won't always have the right answer, the challenges of some classes may have you wondering why you are in school. Don't worry about competing with your classmates worry about understanding what will be your profession. Some very smart people fail in law school, it not just about how smart you but it is almost always about how persistent you are.
Joanne Chan
Director, Labor Relations
1
Answer
Danville, California
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
Yes, law school is super competitive but that should not deter you from applying for and attending law school. A career in law is fascinating, changing and impactful so the competition is worthwhile,.
Go see the school you are interested in attending.
Talk to recent 1st and 2nd year Law Firm associates if you are thinking of going into corporate law. If you are thinking of criminal defense, go talk to a criminal law practioner.
Joanne recommends the following next steps: