Choosing *no* law school? Forum

[environmentallaw]

Just wanted to bring attention to a recently published NYT article, entitled "Is Law School a Losing Game?"

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/busin ... ef=general

Some of the more important points, IMO:

1) Inaccurate reporting from law schools -
How do law schools depict a feast amid so much famine?

“Enron-type accounting standards have become the norm,” says William Henderson of Indiana University, one of many exasperated law professors who are asking the American Bar Association to overhaul the way law schools assess themselves. “Every time I look at this data, I feel dirty.” (page 1)

2) Fewer job openings -
Job Openings for Lawyers have plunged, but law schools are not dialing back enrollment. About 43,000 J.D.’s were handed out in 2009, 11 percent more than a decade earlier, and the number of law schools keeps rising — nine new ones in the last 10 years, and five more seeking approval to open in the future. (page 2)

3) Possible solutions -
Instead of overhauling the rankings, some professors say, the solution may be to get law schools and the bar association out of the stat-collection business. Steven Greenberger of DePaul recommends a mandatory warning — a bit like the labels on cigarette packs — that every student taking the LSAT, the prelaw standardized test, must read.

“Something like ‘Law school tuition is expensive and here is what the actual cost will be, the job market is uncertain and you should carefully consider whether you want to pursue this degree,’ ” he says. “And it should be made absolutely clear to students, that if they sign up for X amount of debt, their monthly nut will be X in three years.” (page 6)

4) And finally, why many of us will choose law school despite these warnings -
“It’s a prestige thing,” he says. “I’m an attorney. All of my friends see me as a person they look up to. They understand I’m in a lot of debt, but I’ve done something they feel they could never do and the respect and admiration is important.” (page 7)

[CyLaw]

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 2&t=143622

[Deuce]

Hm... never heard of this article before

[NZA]

And you put such time and effort into that post, OP. Too bad. IBTL.

[Bildungsroman]

I wish this article had been brought to our attention sooner.

[BeautifulSW]

Californians (and a few other states' residents) can choose to become lawyers without law school. What a concept!

[NorCalBruin]

Meh... I don't think being able to practice law without a law degree is a big deal. Kinda cool actually. Especially considering that you still have to pass the bar and you have to spend a significant time as an apprentice of a judge or lawyer. Probably more practical in the long run. Reminds me of the good old times.

But then there's that "baby bar" in California that 18% of people pass. Sounds super fun.

[NZA]

CPAs can sit for the tax court bar.

[Bildungsroman]

Reminds me of the good old times.

I hope this was meant to be read with a sarcastic/mocking tone. The past is almost always shit, and when people reference "the good old times" it's usually a sign that they don't understand history.

[2Serious4Numbers]

For the love of god, please stop posting this article. It's is informative, but 17 threads is a little overkill

[Veyron]

Reminds me of the good old times.

I hope this was meant to be read with a sarcastic/mocking tone. The past is almost always shit, and when people reference "the good old times" it's usually a sign that they don't understand history.

PC much?

[HowdyYall]

For the love of god, please stop posting this article. It's is informative, but 17 threads is a little overkill

yeah weird how everyone thinks that they are the only ones who have access to a newspaper with a readership of more than 1 million

[Bildungsroman]

Reminds me of the good old times.

I hope this was meant to be read with a sarcastic/mocking tone. The past is almost always shit, and when people reference "the good old times" it's usually a sign that they don't understand history.

PC much?

What is PC about what I said?

I am assuming you meant the phrase "politically correct". If you intended another meaning of the acronym PC, such as the Philippine Constabulary or musician Phil Collins, then I retract my question but will probably pose another one.

[Veyron]

Reminds me of the good old times.

I hope this was meant to be read with a sarcastic/mocking tone. The past is almost always shit, and when people reference "the good old times" it's usually a sign that they don't understand history.

PC much?

What is PC about what I said?

I am assuming you meant the phrase "politically correct". If you intended another meaning of the acronym PC, such as the Philippine Constabulary or musician Phil Collins, then I retract my question but will probably pose another one.

You're a cheeky fellow.