Not Sure Which Type Of Law... Forum

[ItsElectrifying]

So I'm a student who is going to be applying for law school very very soon, I've started some applications but I'm a little bit unsure about what type of Law i want to practice, or at least go into. I know that all that really matters first year is getting a good foundation, but I'm curious if there is a field out there for me that meets what I'd like to do. I tried to list below the things I want to do and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions?

I'm looking for

• 1: A Job that functions in international organizations or at least in firms or groups that deal with international issues.
  2: I'd love, but not required for something that has to do with policy or possibly something that involves long term improvement or setting things in place that will affect a large group of people overtime.
  3: Travel would be a huge bonus also, and something that allows me to see the world.
  4: Something that involves a good amount of communicating with people and making connections
  5: Ideally I'd like something that would be financially secure. I'm not expecting to be making 6 figures right out of law school, but some type of JD focus that promotes growth, progression and can pay the bills well enough to live a good life style (i'm willing to work for this)
  6: Optional: something that deals with health based international issues

i don't know if it matters but my stats are

• Psychology Major
  GPA 3.9
  LSAC 3.77
  LSAT (first time) 171 (second time) 173
  URM

So if you could give some suggestions that would be awesome. It doesn't have to fit all the criteria, and it might be impossible to find the type of law I'm looking for, I'm open to open questions and also suggestions. I have a biopsychology certificate which just means I took classes and did research that combines science and psychology together.

Thank you for any suggestions you might be able to give.

[TheThriller]

You're in the "Choosing a Law School" forum, are you asking about what schools you would like to apply to?

If so, try applying to the T14 and a few others in the T20s if you want some mad $$$

[Swimp]

So I'm a student who is going to be applying for law school very very soon, I've started some applications but I'm a little bit unsure about what type of Law i want to practice, or at least go into. I know that all that really matters first year is getting a good foundation, but I'm curious if there is a field out there for me that meets what I'd like to do. I tried to list below the things I want to do and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions?

I'm looking for

• 1: A Job that functions in international organizations or at least in firms or groups that deal with international issues.
  2: I'd love, but not required for something that has to do with policy or possibly something that involves long term improvement or setting things in place that will affect a large group of people overtime.
  3: Travel would be a huge bonus also, and something that allows me to see the world.
  4: Something that involves a good amount of communicating with people and making connections
  5: Ideally I'd like something that would be financially secure. I'm not expecting to be making 6 figures right out of law school, but some type of JD focus that promotes growth, progression and can pay the bills well enough to live a good life style (i'm willing to work for this)
  6: Optional: something that deals with health based international issues

i don't know if it matters but my stats are

• Psychology Major
  GPA 3.9
  LSAC 3.77
  LSAT (first time) 171 (second time) 173

So if you could give some suggestions that would be awesome. It doesn't have to fit all the criteria, and it might be impossible to find the type of law I'm looking for, I'm open to open questions and also suggestions. I have a biopsychology certificate which just means I took classes and did research that combines science and psychology together.

Thank you for any suggestions you might be able to give.

I'm a 0L, so take this for what it's worth, but here's my advice:
1) You have a lot of time in LS to figure out what interests you. Don't kill yourself trying to chart a path for yourself before you know anything. And definitely don't let stuff like this factor heavily into which school you go to.

2) "International Law" basically isn't a real thing.

[ItsElectrifying]

Thanks! I'll edit it. I thought it was implied but i was looking for help with what type of law focus I should pursue along with schools that offer it!

EDIT: Well that's helpful! Thanks, I thought there was some focus or something on international law, guess I was mistaken

[TheThriller]

You'll figure that out in Law School, whats the rational of deciding before you've studied any kind of law what law you want to practice.

[BlaqBella]

What type of URM?

I would suggest you wait until you get to law school to garner a better idea of what is out there and what most appeals to you.

I disagree with the above poster that there is no such thing as international law. It does exist, though at governmental level. It's far more popular a route oversease, particularly in the UK. However, languages are very important if one decides to take this route.

Depending on the type of URM you are, I suggest you stick with Harvard, Yale or Stanford. Each of their national and international reputations will vastly help landing career opportunities outside the US of A.

[BlaqBella]

Thanks! I'll edit it. I thought it was implied but i was looking for help with what type of law focus I should pursue along with schools that offer it!

EDIT: Well that's helpful! Thanks, I thought there was some focus or something on international law, guess I was mistaken

You are not mistaken. There is such a thing as international law. It's just not as popular here in the USA. Opportunities abound in the UK and EU, amongst other countries.

[Swimp]

Thanks! I'll edit it. I thought it was implied but i was looking for help with what type of law focus I should pursue along with schools that offer it!

EDIT: Well that's helpful! Thanks, I thought there was some focus or something on international law, guess I was mistaken

You are not mistaken. There is such a thing as international law. It's just not as popular here in the USA. Opportunities abound in the UK and EU, amongst other countries.

http://www.annaivey.com/iveyfiles/2008/ ... e_the_hype

No law student should expect ex ante to have a career in int'l law, given how small the field actually is. But it's no wonder, as Anna suggests, that kids still buy into the myth--because schools like hls, nyu, and columbia (along with many lesser ones) have bloated int'l law programs that perpetuate and use this myth to sell themselves. Programmatic emphasis or deemphasis is a critical way in which to educate (or mislead) students. This naive consumer interest is what justifies having a figleaf of int'l offerings. It's important for the school to be able to say it has *some* offerings in these areas. At the same time, students will in fact be better served if only a small amount of resources are expended in those directions.

[ItsElectrifying]

What type of URM?

I would suggest you wait until you get to law school to garner a better idea of what is out there and what most appeals to you.

I disagree with the above poster that there is no such thing as international law. It does exist, though at governmental level. It's far more popular a route oversease, particularly in the UK. However, languages are very important if one decides to take this route.

Depending on the type of URM you are, I suggest you stick with Harvard, Yale or Stanford. Each of their national and international reputations will vastly help landing career opportunities outside the US of A.

Thanks!

As for what type of URM I'm African American Male.

Hm..so i should just focus on getting into a good school and exploring the avenues of law to see what I excel in and like? Is that the general thought?

[BlaqBella]

Thanks! I'll edit it. I thought it was implied but i was looking for help with what type of law focus I should pursue along with schools that offer it!

EDIT: Well that's helpful! Thanks, I thought there was some focus or something on international law, guess I was mistaken

You are not mistaken. There is such a thing as international law. It's just not as popular here in the USA. Opportunities abound in the UK and EU, amongst other countries.

http://www.annaivey.com/iveyfiles/2008/ ... e_the_hype

No law student should expect ex ante to have a career in int'l law, given how small the field actually is. But it's no wonder, as Anna suggests, that kids still buy into the myth--because schools like hls, nyu, and columbia (along with many lesser ones) have bloated int'l law programs that perpetuate and use this myth to sell themselves. Programmatic emphasis or deemphasis is a critical way in which to educate (or mislead) students. This naive consumer interest is what justifies having a figleaf of int'l offerings. It's important for the school to be able to say it has *some* offerings in these areas. At the same time, students will in fact be better served if only a small amount of resources are expended in those directions.

Anne Ivey - admission guru - is now the expert on what does and does not exist?

As someone with international experience who has seen what I speak of first-hand, I think I'm in a better position to say what does and does not exist out in the real world.

OP, feel free to PM me if you wish for elaboration.

[TheThriller]

GPA 3.9
LSAC 3.77
LSAT (first time) 171 (second time) 173
AA URM

Enjoy Yale, Harvard or Stanford

[BlaqBella]

What type of URM?

I would suggest you wait until you get to law school to garner a better idea of what is out there and what most appeals to you.

I disagree with the above poster that there is no such thing as international law. It does exist, though at governmental level. It's far more popular a route oversease, particularly in the UK. However, languages are very important if one decides to take this route.

Depending on the type of URM you are, I suggest you stick with Harvard, Yale or Stanford. Each of their national and international reputations will vastly help landing career opportunities outside the US of A.

Thanks!

As for what type of URM I'm African American Male.

Hm..so i should just focus on getting into a good school and exploring the avenues of law to see what I excel in and like? Is that the general thought?

AA male? Your cycle is going to be golden!

Yes and yes to your questions. With your numbers and career goals, I highly suggest you stick to applying to the top three law schools.

[flem]

Anne Ivey - admission guru - is now the expert on what does and does not exist?

As someone with international experience who has seen what I speak of first-hand, I think I'm in a better position to say what does and does not exist out in the real world.

OP, feel free to PM me if you wish for elaboration.

It's not that it doesn't exist, it's just that outside of like, HYS, those opportunities don't really exist.

[SuperCerealBrah]

Anne Ivey - admission guru - is now the expert on what does and does not exist?

As someone with international experience who has seen what I speak of first-hand, I think I'm in a better position to say what does and does not exist out in the real world.

OP, feel free to PM me if you wish for elaboration.

It's not that it doesn't exist, it's just that outside of like, HYS, those opportunities don't really exist.

It looks like OP has a very nice shot at HYS though.

[BlaqBella]

Anne Ivey - admission guru - is now the expert on what does and does not exist?

As someone with international experience who has seen what I speak of first-hand, I think I'm in a better position to say what does and does not exist out in the real world.

OP, feel free to PM me if you wish for elaboration.

It's not that it doesn't exist, it's just that outside of like, HYS, those opportunities don't really exist.

I think we are on the same page.

[Swimp]

Anne Ivey - admission guru - is now the expert on what does and does not exist?

As someone with international experience who has seen what I speak of first-hand, I think I'm in a better position to say what does and does not exist out in the real world.

OP, feel free to PM me if you wish for elaboration.

The part I quoted was a practicing lawyer, not Anna (who, incidentally is the ex-Dean of Admissions at U Chicago and a former lawyer, not just an "admissions guru"). There are plenty of other quotes from attorneys and law students included. I think it's pretty likely that they're all better qualified than you are to comment on this topic, but hey, what do I know?

[BlaqBella]

Anne Ivey - admission guru - is now the expert on what does and does not exist?

As someone with international experience who has seen what I speak of first-hand, I think I'm in a better position to say what does and does not exist out in the real world.

OP, feel free to PM me if you wish for elaboration.

The part I quoted was a practicing lawyer, not Anna (who, incidentally is the ex-Dean of Admissions at U Chicago and a former lawyer, not just an "admissions guru"). There are plenty of other quotes from attorneys and law students included. I think it's pretty likely that they're all better qualified than you are to comment on this topic, but hey, what do I know?

Like I said OP, take this with a grain of salt. Most attorneys in the US of A think the world of law is limited to our borders. It is not, especially on an international scale.

Moving along...

[SuperCerealBrah]

Anne Ivey - admission guru - is now the expert on what does and does not exist?

As someone with international experience who has seen what I speak of first-hand, I think I'm in a better position to say what does and does not exist out in the real world.

OP, feel free to PM me if you wish for elaboration.

The part I quoted was a practicing lawyer, not Anna (who, incidentally is the ex-Dean of Admissions at U Chicago and a former lawyer, not just an "admissions guru"). There are plenty of other quotes from attorneys and law students included. I think it's pretty likely that they're all better qualified than you are to comment on this topic, but hey, what do I know?

Like I said OP, take this with a grain of salt. Most attorneys in the US of A think the world of law is limited to our borders. It is not, especially on an international scale.

Moving along...

Are you a practicing lawyer?

[BlaqBella]

Anne Ivey - admission guru - is now the expert on what does and does not exist?

As someone with international experience who has seen what I speak of first-hand, I think I'm in a better position to say what does and does not exist out in the real world.

OP, feel free to PM me if you wish for elaboration.

The part I quoted was a practicing lawyer, not Anna (who, incidentally is the ex-Dean of Admissions at U Chicago and a former lawyer, not just an "admissions guru"). There are plenty of other quotes from attorneys and law students included. I think it's pretty likely that they're all better qualified than you are to comment on this topic, but hey, what do I know?

Like I said OP, take this with a grain of salt. Most attorneys in the US of A think the world of law is limited to our borders. It is not, especially on an international scale.

Moving along...

Are you a practicing lawyer?

Does one have to be to know what does and does not exist on the international scale for attorneys with JDs?

I have been on the other side and back and like I have reiterated time and again, there is such a thing as international law. Case closed.

OP, I hope you have a wonderfully successful application cycle! I will PM you shortly.

[North]

Does one have to be to know what does and does not exist on the international scale for attorneys with JDs?

I have been on the other side and back and like I have reiterated time and again, there is such a thing as international law. Case closed.

OP, I hope you have a wonderfully successful application cycle! I will PM you shortly.

You do this thing in almost all your posts where you make a poorly founded, contrarian declaration and then, in the same breath, urge everybody reading to "move along," declare the "case closed," or say "anyways..." as if the posters calling you out are wasting everybody's time. Posts like that indicate that you have very little idea what you're talking about, even if you actually don't. FYI.

OP, enjoy HYS.

[timbs4339]

There is such a thing as international law for:

1) People who can get jobs with a Magic Circle firm or a firm like White and Case, where they work on US law as applied to foreign businesses and transactions, so generally the T14.

2) People who have language fluency and can get hired by a US or sometimes UK firm in Asia or Europe (I've also seen Brazil job openings), generally also from the T14.

3) People from HYS who can jobs with the few government agencies or NGOs who do international work.

So yes, international law exists. But it's a possibility for so few law students in proportion to the number of law schools with international law programs that it might as well just not exist for purposes of any reasonable discussion. However, OP happens to have the numbers to go to a school where his chances will be much greater than the average.

[flem]

TWIST: the most attainable type of international law is doc review work for people who speak Mandarin.

[TheThriller]

I hear birdlaw is a booming area of practice

[Ti Malice]

You're in the "Choosing a Law School" forum, are you asking about what schools you would like to apply to?

If so, try applying to the T14 and a few others in the T20s if you want some mad $$$

OP, just in case it wasn't clear from the rest of the thread, you won't need to apply lower than CCN for full-ride scholarship opportunities. Don't waste your time with anything in the lower T14, much less anything outside of the T14.

[TheThriller]

You're in the "Choosing a Law School" forum, are you asking about what schools you would like to apply to?

If so, try applying to the T14 and a few others in the T20s if you want some mad $$$

OP, just in case it wasn't clear from the rest of the thread, you won't need to apply lower than CCN for full-ride scholarship opportunities. Don't waste your time with anything in the lower T14, much less anything outside of the T14.

advice was given before OP revealed URM status