How much do law clinics really matter? Forum

[azbio]

I am a 0L still trying to make decisions about where to attend. As I've researched a variety of schools, I've found some legal clinics that seem really interesting. Some of the schools that I really like, however, don't have much by means of legal clinics. I'm trying to determine how much weight I should give to these clinics in my decision-making process.

Anyone know what kind of an impact participation in a clinic might have on job prospects?

[BarbellDreams]

Doing a clinic in an area you are interested in practicing looks pretty good on a resume because it gives you hands on experience in the field. I wouldn't make a school choice based solely on clinics, but it may have at least some weight in my choice.

[cornellbeez]

While they are beneficial because they provide hands-on training, they probably will not help you get a job.

[shawty18ga]

Depends on the clinic and what you want to do. The local state attorney said that he hires almost exclusively from my school's prosecution clinic.

[holdencaulfield]

FWIW, my clinical experience was awesome. It was definitely towards the top of my favorite lawschool experiences.

[BlueDiamond]

get good grades... nothing else matters

[spondee]

If you want to work in public interest or for the government after law school, then taking a clinic in the same area will look great on your resume. It'll help show your commitment to the field, and it'll help you build connections. If you know what kind of legal work you want to do, then you should absolutely care about your potential school's clinics and how they align with your interests.

On the other hand, if you want to work for a law firm, then clinics do not matter. Though, they can still be fun/enriching/blah blah.