Although law graduates do not have to stay in the state, it is difficult to get internships and job vacancies outside the state unless you graduate from a first-class law school.
It is meaningful to study law near the place where you plan to start a career. The clinic, internship and local alumni network of your law school may help you get started. Law school courses may be adapted to the rules and subjects of the state bar exam.
When choosing a law school based on geographical location, please consider the following four points:
Large legal market.
Surrounding industrial clusters.
Underserved legal market.
Culture and fit.
? For aspiring lawyers, the huge legal market and global centers such as new york, LA and Washington, D.C. can be a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, they have some of the largest legal service markets in the world. In addition to the local demand for daily legal issues such as traffic violations and property rights transactions, these cities also have global law firms, legal departments of large companies and boutique firms. Some of these positions offer enviable starting salaries and opportunities to deal with cutting-edge issues and multi-billion dollar transactions.
On the other hand, these are highly competitive legal markets with unique cultural facilities and career opportunities. Studying law school in these big cities can give you a starting point, but unless the school is first-class, you will have to surpass your peers while managing expensive tuition and living expenses.
There are many other ideal cities with huge legal markets, even if they are not the background of fascinating legal dramas on TV. Consider a fast-growing city like Phoenix; Denver; Orlando, Florida; And El Paso, Texas. State capitals such as Sacramento, California and Columbia, South Carolina also need lawyers.
? Many legal markets of surrounding industrial clusters are dominated by specific industries. For example, Houston and Dallas are obvious attractions of energy law, while San Francisco and Seattle are technology centers.
However, these emerging cities usually have few local law schools. Even if you think you have a chance, it is wise to apply to a wide range of law schools.
To gain a foothold in one of these industries, please consider a neglected second-tier city. For example, Charlotte, North Carolina is a financial center, Pittsburgh has a vibrant technology department, and Oklahoma City is an energy power. In the more competitive market, a solid start in these cities can provide more industry experience than irrelevant legal work.
? The legal market lacking medical care and medicine is particularly difficult for law graduates without local connections to enter in some cities. For example, a large number of law graduates from all over the country flock to central areas such as the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, D.C.. Law schools in Ohio, Illinois and Massachusetts are saturated.
Compared with its population, there are few law schools in other states. Nevada has a rapidly growing population of about 3 million, and there is only one law school. There are only two New Jersey with a population of nearly 9 million, and one of them has two campuses. Covered by larger neighbors, these States have their own attractive legal markets.
? Culture and Fitness Law School is a difficult three years. It may be difficult to start practicing law. Whether you are an applicant in your twenties or twenties, it is meaningless to stay in a place you hate for many years.
Some of the happiest lawyers have established their careers in livable and affordable markets that suit their interests. Whether you like beaches or slopes, bagels or tacos, city life or open space, you can find all kinds of law schools in any environment.
Don't be afraid to choose an environment that will make you satisfied with a higher ranking or a more prestigious law school. In the long run, the improvement of morale will be better for your career.