Deciding on Law School

This lecture introduces module two and speaks about common jobs for law school graduates.

This lecture introduces Big Law and speaks about compensation for Big Law associates.

We discuss some of the realities of Big Law and how law students can begin a career in Big Law.

This lecture discusses positions at mid and small size firms after graduation.

We discuss the opportunity to start your own firm after graduating law school.

We next discuss jobs in business and government after graduation.

In this lecture, we talk about judicial clerkships after law school and pursuing public interest positions.

This lecture discusses careers in academia after graduation.

We next discuss temp positions and positions funded by law schools themselves.

This lecture presents some final thoughts on career choices and current market conditions.

Course notes for module two.

This lecture introduces module three and speaks about past and present tuition rates.

We begin our discussion of law school costs by speaking about tuition, room and board, and books.

We continue our discussion of costs by speaking about personal expenses, post-grad costs, and opportunity costs.

We transition to a discussion of how you'll pay for law school.  We first speak about family assistance and scholarship opportunities.

In this lecture, we discuss different types of loans you could pursue in order to afford law school.

We next discuss additional ways to afford law school, which include private loans and federal work study.

In this lecture, we discuss how you actually pay for law school and new costs that you'll take on after graduation.

We next speak about ways to handle your law school debt and the risks of attending a lower ranked law school that charges Harvard-style tuition.

This lecture discusses ways to pay back your loans, including loan consolidation and refinancing.

This lecture discusses alternative payment options for public interest attorneys and government attorneys, and presents some concluding thoughts to the module.

Course notes for module three.

This lecture introduces the module and speaks about the difference between accredited and non-accredited law schools.

In this lecture, we discuss factors you should consider when vetting law schools.  We also speak about law school rankings.

In this lecture, we speak about the role of prestige when selecting a law school.

This lecture discusses the importance of employment outcomes when selecting among law schools.

We speak about law schools' admissions standards and costs when you are creating your shortlist of potential schools.

This lecture discusses schools' bar passage rate and the importance of location.

In this lecture, we talk about schools' curricula, joint-degree programs, and part time programs.

This lecture presents some key takeways on creating your shortlist of potential law schools.

Course notes for module four.

This lecture introduces the law school application process.

This lecture provides some basic information and strategies about the LSAT.

In this lecture, we speak about the importance of your undergraduate GPA in law school admissions.  We also discuss splitters and reverse splitters.

We discuss the personal statement and letters of recommendation when submitting your law school applications.

In this lecture, we talk about the importance of academic and professional experience, demographics, and timing when applying to schools.

This lecture presents some key takeaways from this module.

Course notes for module five.

This lecture introduces the final module, speaking about the pros and cons of the legal profession and opportunity costs.

We speak about several overarching aspects of the law school decision, including your financial future, career goals, and overall happiness.

In this lecture, we discuss the role of inertia in the law school decision.

We conclude the course by speaking about next steps when making your decision.

Course notes for module six.