DoD Acquisition and Policy Law Forum

[captderrick]

Are there schools that expound on such? I've tried Google and it isn't yeilding a whole lot of relevant results.... I would presume that most DC colleges offer it but I can't find any relevant curriculums. Also, for some reason the search function on my desktop won't work (at the bottom of the threads)... I swear I would have searched this question first . I know first time posts can be ridiculed w/o prior effort lol. Thanks for any help....

[captderrick]

just saw the "forum search" link at the top.... gonna try that

[timbs4339]

This is one of those areas that you're not going to be able to find a program that provides you a practical employment benefit, and any program you find is likely to be overhyped. Your best bet is going to school in an area that will make it easier to find internships, to go to a top school so you'll have a decent shot at getting an SA at a DC firm that does this sort of stuff, and most importantly to have prior work experience in this area or something that is reasonably related to it. You should be researching how the law is practiced in this area and the backgrounds of young lawyers practicing in it, not what schools offer two additional courses.

Only when you've figured out the career path coming out of school will you be in a position to look at which schools have good National Security Law or government contract law professors.

[bjsesq]

Go to the best school possible. Specialties mean dick.

[captderrick]

This is one of those areas that you're not going to be able to find a program that provides you a practical employment benefit, and any program you find is likely to be overhyped. Your best bet is going to school in an area that will make it easier to find internships, to go to a top school so you'll have a decent shot at getting an SA at a DC firm that does this sort of stuff, and most importantly to have prior work experience in this area or something that is reasonably related to it. You should be researching how the law is practiced in this area and the backgrounds of young lawyers practicing in it, not what schools offer two additional courses.

Only when you've figured out the career path coming out of school will you be in a position to look at which schools have good National Security Law or government contract law professors.

I am currently a Contract Specialist for the Dept of Navy....So I understand the industry through and through.... This is why I am interested in schools that would have a related curriculum... but I def see what you're saying about internships and being geographically located to where the magic happens... Really would like to go to GT or GW.

[timbs4339]

This is one of those areas that you're not going to be able to find a program that provides you a practical employment benefit, and any program you find is likely to be overhyped. Your best bet is going to school in an area that will make it easier to find internships, to go to a top school so you'll have a decent shot at getting an SA at a DC firm that does this sort of stuff, and most importantly to have prior work experience in this area or something that is reasonably related to it. You should be researching how the law is practiced in this area and the backgrounds of young lawyers practicing in it, not what schools offer two additional courses.

Only when you've figured out the career path coming out of school will you be in a position to look at which schools have good National Security Law or government contract law professors.

I am currently a Contract Specialist for the Dept of Navy....So I understand the industry through and through.... This is why I am interested in schools that would have a related curriculum... but I def see what you're saying about internships and being geographically located to where the magic happens... Really would like to go to GT or GW.

Excellent. My advice would be to shoot for those schools or for a T13 to give yourself the best shot at a job at one of the firms that specializes in this area.

[twenty]

I am currently a Contract Specialist for the Dept of Navy

For the love of God, do not go to law school. Or at least, do not give up this job to go to law school.

Consider EDing to GWU's part time program to get the full scholarship.

[haus]

I am currently a Contract Specialist for the Dept of Navy

For the love of God, do not go to law school. Or at least, do not give up this job to go to law school.

Consider EDing to GWU's part time program to get the full scholarship.

I do not think that any of the part time programs in DC are known for being very generous, even so, a part time program still may be a better option.

[captderrick]

I am currently a Contract Specialist for the Dept of Navy

For the love of God, do not go to law school. Or at least, do not give up this job to go to law school.

Consider EDing to GWU's part time program to get the full scholarship.

So look... I kinda see what you are saying... here's my dilemma... I can stay gainfully employed and go part time at say Barry or FAMU.... (a co-worker has done this and can vouch for it's high level of difficulty because of work/school/life balance).... Regardless of the challenge, neither one of these schools offer much benefit on a resume' besides the fact I graduated from a "law school".... From there, still employed, I could seek employment as an attorney for a firm in DC (where I need to go in order to get started in the field I want to be in)... chances are pretty slim to none to getting hired on to a decent firm (no, I don't really know this for certain, but can only imagine it's not too likely). Other option is, leave the Govt., go to law school at a much more reputable school, do extraordinarily well, (because I won't have work distractions) and have a likelier chance of getting noticed by a decent firm especially considering my work history.... So here's the ultimate question... Will the difference in where I go to law school ultimately determine what my chances are of getting a competitive job? Based on my research, yes. I realize this is a risk. But one thing you don't know, is that with federal employment, I can easily walk back into my job should shit hit the fan after I graduate because I will essentially be tenured. So, on a side note, and yeah I am going to say this because this is America, making money is a big deal to me. Making a lot of money is a big deal.... Now, hate relating the two and call me what you may, but the last I checked there aren't any wealthy federal employees. The absolute most you can make as a federal employee is ~$170K (unless you're the president or something) and that is being at the very top living in the DC area of which is about the last 5-8 years of your career... Is it possible to even make that rank? I would say about as possible to be an extraordinarily successful attorney.... So, given all things equal (motivation, desire, strategy, thought, other intangibles, etc.) excluding student loan debt, which risk would you rather take? Plus... I've always wanted to be an attorney and my ex wife held me back from pursuing it when I was in college... and now, well she and I are separated, so damnitt, I'm doing it lol... and I'm only 23 haha

[patogordo]

your exit options at govt contractors are miles ahead of what you'd get out of law school dude. don't acquire a bunch of fucking debt and a shit degree. go write proposals for kbr or someone and enjoy your life.

[p1921]

You're not 23 and "essentially tenured"

[captderrick]

You're not 23 and "essentially tenured"

How do you figure? Please enlighten me with your theory...

[captderrick]

your exit options at govt contractors are miles ahead of what you'd get out of law school dude. don't acquire a bunch of fucking debt and a shit degree. go write proposals for kbr or someone and enjoy your life.

I'll take one but not the other haha... Look, dont think that isnt a dog eat dog world either... Just as cut throat...

[patogordo]

your exit options at govt contractors are miles ahead of what you'd get out of law school dude. don't acquire a bunch of fucking debt and a shit degree. go write proposals for kbr or someone and enjoy your life.

I'll take one but not the other haha... Look, dont think that isnt a dog eat dog world either... Just as cut throat...

well I've worked in both. i'd take the one that leaves you debt free

[captderrick]

So... I must say I am very very very suprised at the amount of negativity on this forum about endeavoring law school.... I realize truth and objectivity is important, especially in determining risk, but not all lawyers are unsucessful or fail at being happy from going to law school. Just seems like there are two types of advocates... those who say hell no and those who say hell yes.... I have heard from someone on this website who is an advocate.... Maybe I am the one in denial lol

[bjsesq]

So... I must say I am very very very suprised at the amount of negativity on this forum about endeavoring law school.... I realize truth and objectivity is important, especially in determining risk, but not all lawyers are unsucessful or fail at being happy from going to law school. Just seems like there are two types of advocates... those who say hell no and those who say hell yes.... I have heard from someone on this website who is an advocate.... Maybe I am the one in denial lol

Different people have different experiences, and therefore you could end up either way. It's about weighing risks versus rewards, man. My debt to income ratio prevents me from buying a home and doing other things that I may have been able to do but for my debt, but I enjoy the work I do and I probably wouldn't have gotten this job without school. If you can get paid without that sort of risk, why not?

[patogordo]

I mean if you want to be a lawyer by all means go to law school, but when you pose your question as "how can I maximize my earning potential" law school is almost never going to be the right answer. You've got a great start in a lucrative field, so unless you hate it, I'd just stick with it and start applying to civilian firms.

[pattonthicke]

I mean if you want to be a lawyer by all means go to law school, but when you pose your question as "how can I maximize my earning potential" law school is almost never going to be the right answer. You've got a great start in a lucrative field, so unless you hate it, I'd just stick with it and start applying to civilian firms.

This. If your goal is to make more money, I dont even see how you can think going to law school will be the right move. Not only do you lose 3 years of guaranteed earning potential, there is a real risk of not getting any job at all with a ton of debt. With your goals, you need to go to a very expensive school to pull them off. I envy your current position.

[captderrick]

I mean if you want to be a lawyer by all means go to law school, but when you pose your question as "how can I maximize my earning potential" law school is almost never going to be the right answer. You've got a great start in a lucrative field, so unless you hate it, I'd just stick with it and start applying to civilian firms.

This. If your goal is to make more money, I dont even see how you can think going to law school will be the right move. Not only do you lose 3 years of guaranteed earning potential, there is a real risk of not getting any job at all with a ton of debt. With your goals, you need to go to a very expensive school to pull them off. I envy your current position.

Okay... I guess this is how I think:

1. I will be a successful attorney who makes a shit ton of money....

2. 3 years of income is really nothing over a lifetime. Especially in comparison to the difference in income of my current job in say 15 years vs the potential of the income of an attorney I would become in 15 years...

3. I have the background and skill-set that I can leverage to get the job I want...


That's the way I think... Yeah that's not guaranteed... but nothing in life is guaranteed except for taxes and death... So, I'll take my chances and live with the regret if it reaches the point of failure.... but worst case, I go work in the Office of Counsel for the agency that I work for now and make more money doing that than I currently do now as Contract Specialist... easy.

[bjsesq]

It's more than three years of opportunity cost unless you get a full scholarship plus a stipend.

[captderrick]

It's more than three years of opportunity cost unless you get a full scholarship plus a stipend.

No, I know... loss of income plus the debt.... it's exponential.... but still haha

[bjsesq]

It's more than three years of opportunity cost unless you get a full scholarship plus a stipend.

No, I know... loss of income plus the debt.... it's exponential.... but still haha

lol, i guess.

[pattonthicke]

I mean if you want to be a lawyer by all means go to law school, but when you pose your question as "how can I maximize my earning potential" law school is almost never going to be the right answer. You've got a great start in a lucrative field, so unless you hate it, I'd just stick with it and start applying to civilian firms.

This. If your goal is to make more money, I dont even see how you can think going to law school will be the right move. Not only do you lose 3 years of guaranteed earning potential, there is a real risk of not getting any job at all with a ton of debt. With your goals, you need to go to a very expensive school to pull them off. I envy your current position.

Okay... I guess this is how I think:

1. I will be a successful attorney who makes a shit ton of money....

2. 3 years of income is really nothing over a lifetime. Especially in comparison to the difference in income of my current job in say 15 years vs the potential of the income of an attorney I would become in 15 years...

3. I have the background and skill-set that I can leverage to get the job I want...


That's the way I think... Yeah that's not guaranteed... but nothing in life is guaranteed except for taxes and death... So, I'll take my chances and live with the regret if it reaches the point of failure.... but worst case, I go work in the Office of Counsel for the agency that I work for now and make more money doing that than I currently do now as Contract Specialist... easy.

lol at the bolded dude. By background and skill set I hope you mean you have the skills to get a 170 on the lsat and then crack like the top 10% or so at a t-14 because a k-jd poly-sci undergrad with those credentials is more likely to practice govt contract law at a dc firm than someone without that but has "experience" in the area. Anyway, you seem like you like taking chances so do you and go to law school. My last bit of advice which i hope you take seriously is to do everything in your power to kill the lsat and get a big scholarship. Good luck bruh!!! You will need it!

[captderrick]

I mean if you want to be a lawyer by all means go to law school, but when you pose your question as "how can I maximize my earning potential" law school is almost never going to be the right answer. You've got a great start in a lucrative field, so unless you hate it, I'd just stick with it and start applying to civilian firms.

This. If your goal is to make more money, I dont even see how you can think going to law school will be the right move. Not only do you lose 3 years of guaranteed earning potential, there is a real risk of not getting any job at all with a ton of debt. With your goals, you need to go to a very expensive school to pull them off. I envy your current position.

Okay... I guess this is how I think:

1. I will be a successful attorney who makes a shit ton of money....

2. 3 years of income is really nothing over a lifetime. Especially in comparison to the difference in income of my current job in say 15 years vs the potential of the income of an attorney I would become in 15 years...

3. I have the background and skill-set that I can leverage to get the job I want...


That's the way I think... Yeah that's not guaranteed... but nothing in life is guaranteed except for taxes and death... So, I'll take my chances and live with the regret if it reaches the point of failure.... but worst case, I go work in the Office of Counsel for the agency that I work for now and make more money doing that than I currently do now as Contract Specialist... easy.

lol at the bolded dude. By background and skill set I hope you mean you have the skills to get a 170 on the lsat and then crack like the top 10% or so at a t-14 because a k-jd poly-sci undergrad with those credentials is more likely to practice govt contract law at a dc firm than someone without that but has "experience" in the area. Anyway, you seem like you like taking chances so do you and go to law school. My last bit of advice which i hope you take seriously is to do everything in your power to kill the lsat and get a big scholarship. Good luck bruh!!! You will need it!

Apprecieate it man!

[mi-chan17]

OP, I went to GW and took classes/interned/etc. in Gov't K stuff. Gov't Ks is one of the areas GW really prides itself on. I noticed a marginal bump in interviewing/hiring in the field for people who had gone there and took a lot of those classes/did the journal/etc.

All of that said, if you have a job that you can stand and you're making a fedgov salary for it, I don't know that I would throw that away for law school. Sure, it's POSSIBLE to come out with the gov't k law firm job you think you want. No, it is not guaranteed, or even necessarily likely. You still need the grades to be competitive for firm work, and you can't know whether you'll have those grades ahead of time. If you don't end up with the grades, you'll end up, AT BEST, back where you are now, but with non-dischargable student loan debt eating at your pay.

If you still insist on going to law school, I'd recommend seeing if you can move from your job to a K specialist gov't gig in DC/VA/MD, and then doing law school part time. That way you're at least losing less money. (And, obviously, take the LSAT until you've got a rocking score for the scholarship dollars.)