4 answers
Mira
Student
Whitmore Lake, Michigan
15
Questions
Asked
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What do you think the best college for law is?
I'm in middle school and taking a career class. I took a survey to see what career paths were recommended and law was one. I would like see what colleges are recommended for law.. #career #lawyer
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4 answers
Andrew Mackin
Student
10
Answers
Ithaca, New York
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Desiree has a great answer! I would just want to add that when looking at undergraduate colleges, which you will need to attend before going to law school, you should consider many of the same factors. Try to research what pre-law looks like at different colleges and take that into account when deciding.
Patrick Irish
Analytical chemistry
4
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Hi Mira,
It is very competitive to get into law school, so how well you do in high school and undergraduate university, as well as the quality of the university, will largely play a role. Harvard Law is generally recognized as a top tier law school in the US, but Cooley Law is a very well attended school in your own state, with multiple campuses.
Best of luck,
Patrick
It is very competitive to get into law school, so how well you do in high school and undergraduate university, as well as the quality of the university, will largely play a role. Harvard Law is generally recognized as a top tier law school in the US, but Cooley Law is a very well attended school in your own state, with multiple campuses.
Best of luck,
Patrick
Desiree Giler Mann
Attorney
166
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
Hi Mira,
It's wonderful that you are exploring careers already!
To become an attorney, you're going to need two schools*: an undergraduate university/college and a law school. In the U.S., Law is a post-graduate degree, requiring first an undergraduate (Bachelor of [Art/Science/etc] - typically, 4 years) and then a law degree (Juris Doctor - typically, 3 years). Thus, it takes at least 7 years of university study to be a U.S., attorney (plus passing the Bar Exam, Ethics Exam and Character Interview).
*Some people go to the same school for all 7 years, but this not necessary or common.
There are plenty of sites that rank law schools, the most notorious of which is this one: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings You can easily do an on-line search for "law school rankings".
How you define the best will be individual to you - best for your budget, best in your state/region, best for diversity in the student population, best for a certain specialty areas of the law (e.g., a law school which offers specific certificates or clinic experiences). Consider the factors that UN News uses, but also take into account your unique situation.
Research law school rankings on line - both general/overall rankings and the rankings for speciality areas
Consider the factors you will use to define what is "best".
It's wonderful that you are exploring careers already!
To become an attorney, you're going to need two schools*: an undergraduate university/college and a law school. In the U.S., Law is a post-graduate degree, requiring first an undergraduate (Bachelor of [Art/Science/etc] - typically, 4 years) and then a law degree (Juris Doctor - typically, 3 years). Thus, it takes at least 7 years of university study to be a U.S., attorney (plus passing the Bar Exam, Ethics Exam and Character Interview).
*Some people go to the same school for all 7 years, but this not necessary or common.
There are plenty of sites that rank law schools, the most notorious of which is this one: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-law-schools/law-rankings You can easily do an on-line search for "law school rankings".
How you define the best will be individual to you - best for your budget, best in your state/region, best for diversity in the student population, best for a certain specialty areas of the law (e.g., a law school which offers specific certificates or clinic experiences). Consider the factors that UN News uses, but also take into account your unique situation.
Desiree recommends the following next steps:
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
The "best" law school can vary depending on individual preferences, career goals, and the specific areas of law a student is interested in. It's essential to consider factors like location, specialization, reputation, cost, and faculty when determining which law school is the best fit for you. Here are a few well-regarded law schools in the United States, but keep in mind that there are many excellent law schools to choose from:
1. **Yale Law School** (Yale University):
- Known for its prestigious faculty, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on legal theory and scholarship.
- Located in New Haven, Connecticut.
2. **Harvard Law School** (Harvard University):
- Offers a wide range of academic and clinical programs, along with a vast alumni network.
- Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
3. **Stanford Law School** (Stanford University):
- Known for its innovative programs and emphasis on technology and law.
- Located in Stanford, California.
4. **Columbia Law School** (Columbia University):
- Located in the heart of New York City, offering access to legal opportunities in a major legal market.
- Strong faculty and extensive course offerings.
5. **University of Chicago Law School** (University of Chicago):
- Known for its rigorous academic approach and interdisciplinary programs.
- Located in Chicago, Illinois.
6. **New York University School of Law** (New York University):
- Located in New York City, providing access to numerous legal internships and job opportunities.
- Strong programs in business law, public interest law, and international law.
7. **University of California, Berkeley School of Law** (UC Berkeley):
- Known for its commitment to public interest law and social justice.
- Located in Berkeley, California.
8. **Georgetown University Law Center** (Georgetown University):
- Offers a strong international law program and is located in the nation's capital, providing access to government and international organizations.
- Located in Washington, D.C.
9. **University of Virginia School of Law** (University of Virginia):
- Known for its rigorous legal education and strong faculty.
- Located in Charlottesville, Virginia.
10. **University of Michigan Law School** (University of Michigan):
- Offers a comprehensive legal education and is known for its strength in various areas of law.
- Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
I didnt go to any of these law schools but still got a great legal education that has served me well in my first year.
It's important to research each law school's strengths, faculty expertise, clinical programs, and alumni network to determine which one aligns best with your career aspirations and personal preferences. Keep in mind that factors like location, tuition, scholarship opportunities, and quality of life in the area should also play a role in your decision-making process. Additionally, visit the campuses, speak with current students and alumni, and consider factors like class size and available resources when making your final choice.
1. **Yale Law School** (Yale University):
- Known for its prestigious faculty, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on legal theory and scholarship.
- Located in New Haven, Connecticut.
2. **Harvard Law School** (Harvard University):
- Offers a wide range of academic and clinical programs, along with a vast alumni network.
- Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
3. **Stanford Law School** (Stanford University):
- Known for its innovative programs and emphasis on technology and law.
- Located in Stanford, California.
4. **Columbia Law School** (Columbia University):
- Located in the heart of New York City, offering access to legal opportunities in a major legal market.
- Strong faculty and extensive course offerings.
5. **University of Chicago Law School** (University of Chicago):
- Known for its rigorous academic approach and interdisciplinary programs.
- Located in Chicago, Illinois.
6. **New York University School of Law** (New York University):
- Located in New York City, providing access to numerous legal internships and job opportunities.
- Strong programs in business law, public interest law, and international law.
7. **University of California, Berkeley School of Law** (UC Berkeley):
- Known for its commitment to public interest law and social justice.
- Located in Berkeley, California.
8. **Georgetown University Law Center** (Georgetown University):
- Offers a strong international law program and is located in the nation's capital, providing access to government and international organizations.
- Located in Washington, D.C.
9. **University of Virginia School of Law** (University of Virginia):
- Known for its rigorous legal education and strong faculty.
- Located in Charlottesville, Virginia.
10. **University of Michigan Law School** (University of Michigan):
- Offers a comprehensive legal education and is known for its strength in various areas of law.
- Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
I didnt go to any of these law schools but still got a great legal education that has served me well in my first year.
It's important to research each law school's strengths, faculty expertise, clinical programs, and alumni network to determine which one aligns best with your career aspirations and personal preferences. Keep in mind that factors like location, tuition, scholarship opportunities, and quality of life in the area should also play a role in your decision-making process. Additionally, visit the campuses, speak with current students and alumni, and consider factors like class size and available resources when making your final choice.