Unemployed, substance abuse background - T14 chance? Forum

[Anonymous User]

2006 - Graduated regional college with 3.1 GPA while working full-time in the food industry
2006 to 2008 - Worked for a Big 4 (got a CPA license)
2008 to 2012 - Fired by Big 4 (bout with substance abuse), unemployed, deep battle with depression
early 2012 to present - Joined Army, currently a Signals Specialist considering studying for LSAT

straight white male without spouse or children

1. Can I still make the bottom T14 if I get at least 165 on my LSAT? 170? 175? Or is my background so crappy even a 180 will not be good enough?

2. Also, when my military commitment is up, I am considering doing an unpaid internship for a Senator/House of Representative for a year to beef up my resume (and network). Is this a good idea to increase my chances of getting into a T14?

3. Let's say I got into a T25 and everything was kosher. Will my background (especially being fired and four years unemployed) be a barrier when i look for a big law job?


Thank you in advance for your input!

[Grazzhoppa]

You will most likely not got biglaw from a T25. Have you had any legal trouble?

[Nova]

2006 - Graduated regional college with 3.1 GPA while working full-time in the food industry

1. Can I still make the bottom T14 if I get at least 165 on my LSAT?

No. You'll need at least median to have an outside shot. GULC/UVA/NU should be your T14 targets.

[Anonymous User]

You will most likely not got biglaw from a T25. Have you had any legal trouble?

ACD for public urination and failure to obey a traffic control device violation. Both during my depressed state. Nothing else.

[Grazzhoppa]

Good then do what Nova says. Actually forget GULC and just do the UVA/NU thangg

[scruffy556]

2. Also, when my military commitment is up, I am considering doing an unpaid internship for a Senator/House of Representative for a year to beef up my resume (and network). Is this a good idea to increase my chances of getting into a T14?

Good luck with that. I can speak from experience that there are plenty of poli sci students who would love to work for free after they graduate, and every internship I've applied to to a us rep or senators office required your degree be earned within a year of applying.