Bad law school?

Question

If somebody goes to a law school that is not prestigious or famous, does that mean that they probably wont get a job coming out of law school?

Answer 1

As long as it is accredited and you graduate, then most places do not care. Although some of the most expensive defense firms in this country only hire graduates of top 50 law schools and the top 10% of there class. I went to a smaller lesser known law school, finished about middle pack in law school, and I have a job with a very good law firm making very good money straight out of the shoot, and not once have they ever asked what kind of grades I made in school.

Answer 2

No. Ultimately, it's up to the individual. Just because a law school is not prestigious or famous doesn't mean the law students are out of luck. They may be hard pressed to get a job at some of the big name law firms, but there are a ton of different law jobs out there. Many care more about your experiences more than your grades and what school you went to.

In other cases, a low ranked law school may still have a strong rep in the local community. Take Southwestern Law school in Los Angeles, CA. It's a 4th Tier law school. As low as you can go and still be ABA accredited. Despite it's low ranking, it still churns out plenty of lawyers b/c of it's strong ties to the local community. It has its fair share of notable alumni.

Answer 3

Honestly - it depends. If the school has a good reputation in the location where you want to work, and you do very well there, then you'll probably find a job locally. For example, a friend of mine went to law school at her local state school. She did well, worked summers at local law firms to get experience, and she found a local job right after graduation.

Or if the school is okay, but your past experience is really unique and will make you an in-demand lawyer (for example, you're currently an RN), then you'll get a job.

And a decent number of lower-level school graduates make their own way upon graduation - they take their degree and make their own job with it.

But in general, there are so many law school graduates that firms can afford to be quite picky. If the school itself doesn't have a great name, you'll need to find a way to distinguish yourself. It's not easy.

For another perspective on this, talk to the career center at the school you're considering. See what their placement is like - where do graduates work? How many find employment as lawyers post-grad? How many find employment, as lawyers, in the field in which you are interested?

No matter what, make sure your law school is appropriately accredited. This is very, very important.