JD/MSW: how to decide where to attend? Forum

[Triceratopz]

I am applying exclusively for dual JD/MSWs at a number of schools. My post grad goals are to work with social justice oriented organizations, primarily alternatives to incarceration for youth. This may or may not mean being a practicing lawyer. Right now I have been trying to figure out how much a t14 or top 20 or top 50 law school education would mean for my career.

Do I still need to take the location of the law school into consideration if I have no interest in working in big law or a traditional law firm? There are not many schools that offer this degree combination.

[bjsesq]

I am applying exclusively for dual JD/MSWs at a number of schools. My post grad goals are to work with social justice oriented organizations, primarily alternatives to incarceration for youth. This may or may not mean being a practicing lawyer. Right now I have been trying to figure out how much a t14 or top 20 or top 50 law school education would mean for my career.

Do I still need to take the location of the law school into consideration if I have no interest in working in big law or a traditional law firm? There are not many schools that offer this degree combination.

1. There is zero need to get both degrees. If you want to do legal work, get a JD. If you want to do social work, get an MSW. The combo opens few doors that you wouldn't have otherwise. You'd be better off by participating in orgs/clinics focused on this stuff in law school.
2. Go to the best law school you can that doesn't break the bank.

[SemperLegal]

Although 99% of people who seek assistance of a JD from legal aid actually need MSWs, they are actually quite incompatible. Social workers and lawyers have very different rules for privacy, duty, and standards of conduct. The best examples are mandatory reporters v. mandatory nonreporters, and pretty much anything to do with dependency courts, conflicts of interest, and a good deal of housing issues.

I would suggest only picking one, but it your mind is set, Berkeley has a pretty strong joint program that lets you get flexible.