Top Law Schools

Hey everyone I had a question, like most others,that I am hoping some of you can help me with. First, does anyone know if WVU or Pitt are good law schools? Second, I am not looking to go to law school to be a lawyer exactly. I am hoping to join a major government agency like the FBI or something of that sort and I feel like a law degree could greatly help me in the job market. I have read several stories online that say if you don't go to one of the top 14 schools in the country, law school is pointless. However, is that necessarily true for others like me who do not want to be lawyers? Thanks for the help everyone.

As a current WVU undergrad, WVU law is good if you wish to practice within the state. Outside of the state, it has very little opportunities. We do have the FBI center down in Clarksburg, but I wouldn't count on WVU getting you there (in a law capacity anyway).

Also, I would think long and hard before pursuing a JD unless you are willing to work as a lawyer. Law school is an expensive proposition and there are many other ways to achieve your goal that don't come with the debt that LS will.

WVUCelticFan wrote:As a current WVU undergrad, WVU law is good if you wish to practice within the state. Outside of the state, it has very little opportunities. We do have the FBI center down in Clarksburg, but I wouldn't count on WVU getting you there (in a law capacity anyway).

Also, I would think long and hard before pursuing a JD unless you are willing to work as a lawyer. Law school is an expensive proposition and there are many other ways to achieve your goal that don't come with the debt that LS will.

I was going to answer, but this person said it better. All I can add is that you should do some research. Talk to some people in the position or similar position to the one you want and see what they say about LS.

Thanks for your advice, but I should have probably pointed this out earlier in my previous post was that money and debt are not so much an issue to me. I am very fortunate thanks to family matters and debt will not so much be a problem for me, which is one reason why I am considering law school.

The Great 1ne wrote:Thanks for your advice, but I should have probably pointed this out earlier in my previous post was that money and debt are not so much an issue to me. I am very fortunate thanks to family matters and debt will not so much be a problem for me, which is one reason why I am considering law school.

If money and debt aren't an issue, and you do decide to go into law, go to the best school you can. The DOJ has some very prestigious programs/jobs (hopefully someone else can give more info) that would probably help with what you want to do.

Another reminder: Even if debt/money isn't an issue, law school would mean three years of lost earnings and work experience. If it helped you reach your goal, it could be worth it, but there may be other ways with lower opportunity costs.

The Great 1ne wrote:Hey everyone I had a question, like most others,that I am hoping some of you can help me with. First, does anyone know if WVU or Pitt are good law schools? Second, I am not looking to go to law school to be a lawyer exactly. I am hoping to join a major government agency like the FBI or something of that sort and I feel like a law degree could greatly help me in the job market. I have read several stories online that say if you don't go to one of the top 14 schools in the country, law school is pointless. However, is that necessarily true for others like me who do not want to be lawyers? Thanks for the help everyone.

Well, the job market for lawyers isn't good. But the market for most college-educated type middle class jobs is terrible too. Latest job report shows half of the meager jobs generated pay like 12 bucks an hour. Problem is, you more than likely take on debt for law school, so you need to manage it - even if you have family help because Pitt at sticker would still be costly. WVU or Pitt would be fine if you want to practice in their respective areas and can go for a reasonable price.

However, probably shouldn't go to law school if you don't exactly want to be a lawyer but there are other areas in the federal government. Defense hires a good number of JD-preferred/meets educational qualifications.
Friend of mine works at the Air Force civilian side, started at 48k and gets 60k in loan forgiveness all while working under 40 hours every week. He told me about other departments in defense that do the same thing.

At these schools I wouldn't count on working at some really prestigious federal jobs.

If you don't want to be an attorney don't go to law school, period. Even if you get a full ride.

If you really want a job like that, you would be better off joining the military, honestly

I would not take the opinion of a bunch of people who never have (or never will) work for the FBI. I'm not telling you to go to Law school or not. I'm going to law school and I probably will not follow the traditional path that most on TLS say you must follow. But for me I feel a law degree will help me in the path I want to pursue. As with you money is not an issue, I would caution you though if money truly isn't an issue try to get into the best school possible. Opening doors never hurts. Check out the the blurb from an FBI agent (BYU grad).

FBI Special Agent Trent Pedersen(‘95) addressed first-year law students Friday, January 28, admonishing them to find a career they love.

“It you don’t like your job, it doesn’t matter where you live or how much you make,” Pedersen said. “Find something you like.”

Pedersen shared with students his journey to finding a career he loves. He said he enjoyed working as a county prosecutor, but the salary wasn’t realistic for him and his family. He also worked as a litigator at a law firm but found 90 percent of the time he was processing paperwork. He wanted to be in the action. So when the FBI contacted him, asking him if he would be interested, he applied. He accepted a position in 1997 and has been there ever since.

“I first did it for excitement,” Pedersen remembered. “Now I do it to help people. When you return a child or stop terrorist attacks, it is very fulfilling.”

Pedersen said law school graduates are sought after in the FBI.

“They expect you to be able to think and that’s why lawyers make such good FBI agents,” Pedersen explained