For those considering a public interest law career... Forum

[Younger Abstention]

I thought I would post this far-leftist view on law school. I don't agree with it nearly at all, but as a 2L who has undergone a certain "indoctrination," I found it an at least colorable perspective, and one that prospective law students might want to be aware of depending on your career goals. Thoughts?

http://www.deanspade.net/wp-content/upl ... v-2010.pdf

[mrtoren]

I browsed some sections and the guy raises interesting points...but I also think that he misses others and comes across in a very crass manner. He makes a lot of accusations and generalizations from what I skimmed and he has little to back it up beyond his own opinion. Yes, he is a law professor who has seen students falter time and again, but he appears to be very biased. His advice also seems geared toward a fraction of all law school applicants (maybe even of all public interest applicants as well).

[jd1969a]

I know this is fairly off-topic and completely missing the point of the article, but he mentions that most law school classes have assigned seats...is that true?

[Younger Abstention]

I know this is fairly off-topic and completely missing the point of the article, but he mentions that most law school classes have assigned seats...is that true?

Yes, so that the prof can cold-call (Socratic method) based on looking at his/her seating chart. They don't assign seats per se, you choose the first day, write your name down on the seating chart that gets passed around, and then stay in that seat for the duration of the semester.

[jd1969a]

I know this is fairly off-topic and completely missing the point of the article, but he mentions that most law school classes have assigned seats...is that true?

Yes, so that the prof can cold-call (Socratic method) based on looking at his/her seating chart. They don't assign seats per se, you choose the first day, write your name down on the seating chart that gets passed around, and then stay in that seat for the duration of the semester.

Thanks!

[frijoles99]

LOL well I did get into UCLA so I'm doing Public Interest. I look no further than the courtroom cases going on against Prop 8 in CA. Despite the majority of Californians voting to ban gay marriage attorneys on behalf of protecting the rights of the LGBT community have been able to successfully fight the proposition and it will be decided on soon. Landmark cases like Roe V. Wade can alter public policy in ways those interested in pursuing public interest want to. Personally he gets at the point that you can't simply just act singularly but must be part of a larger effort. However, as an attorney you can provide a unique tool for public change.