HBCU Law School

[SummerChild]

Soror, I finished lawschool June 2004 so I will comment (although I am no longer in lawschool). The only question that I think that you should ask is whether what you want to do requires a JD. If it does, you are going to lawschool regardless so the next question will just be what *type* of lawschool will be best for you. If it does not require a JD, then determine whether you want to be a paralegal. You can get over the test hurdle (and the single parent hurdle). The bigger picture is whether your life goals line up with obtaining a JD.

On a seemingly related note, I was 27 when I went to lawschool and had another career at that time so pm me if you'd like to discuss going as an older student, changing careers, various lawschool challenges for non-traditional students, etc.

SC

Originally posted by Pearls4Life
Sorors,
I am thinking on law school or paralegal certification. I took the LSAT and it kicked my butt...Da&%! I need to re-take it. Anyhoo in October I will. Now my question. Is law school anything like that dang test? My degree is in business is that a disadvantage? Also last question. I am a single parent and want to take my son with me, do any of you see non-traditional students doing well in Law school...(30+ in age) I am determined but I am scared to death of this test. I read a lot but that test....Lawd help a sistah out!

[SummerChild]

Soror, I think that whoever posted that if you want to practice in the region in which your lawschool is located, rank matters less. It also matters less if you want to go to a small lawfirm that is less concerned about school prestige. However, if you want to be able to vie for a position at a national, big 20 or whatever lawfirm, your school will get your resume looked at when otherwise it might not be reviewed, even if you send it in on your own. It also seems that those that have the greatest mobility (moving in-house from a firm, etc.) are those from the higher-ranked schools (and firms). That said, in my short time practicing (one year) I have resigned from a big lawfirm (mine was one of the biggest in the country) and in Aug. will begin practicing at a firm with 50 attys - total. I think that I will be much happier...not to mention that the pay is better (which is a nice perk to me) at a boutique firm. Therefore, it is not all about the big firm that will probably work the h-ll out of you anyway, especially if you are interested in litigation. It is about what you want for yourself. I went to a top 5 lawschool (University of Chicago) and admit that I had all of the opps that I could ever imagine when it came to recruiting - even now, my JD from there opens all sorts of doors (like when I left my firm and went job searching, I had numerous offers to lateral). However, I didn't want anymore big firm life anyway - so I say that to say, what is it that *you* want for yourself? If you're not sure, it may be wise not to close any doors and go with a school that has better national recruiting opps and a strong alumni network.

Also, I might add that when I read about attys who are running the NAACP Legal Defense fund and who are running CNBC, etc. and are AAs, they usually come from Howard or a top tier majority lawschool. Again, you must decide what is for you.

P.S. I think that pay varies by the geographical area and that most firms in a particular geographical area pay around the same. For instance, in Chicago, most firms pay 6 figures, same in LA and NY. Down south, most firmst pay 5 figures (which, to me, is still a great salary) so I don't think pay will vary that much by whether it's a big 20 firm or not but I could be wrong on this.

P.S.S. It is true that you will work just as hard no matter where you go so weigh that also.

Good luck!!

SC

Originally posted by RedefinedDiva
How is everyone making out in their respective law schools? Has anyone had a change in opinion or have new comments?

I will be attending Southern in the Fall and I am excited about what awaits me. However, I am still up in arms about the ranking and whatnot. In this area, Southern has a GREAT reputation, but I am just concerned about the future. Southern has a good program and I know that I won't have any trouble finding a job here once I graduate, but I am just trying to look at the big picture.

I know that I don't want to make any hasty decisions until I actually immerse myself in the work and meet other students and graduates. However, I am tossing around the fact that I may want to eventually transfer. I originally wanted to attend Howard, but it was (financially) out of the question. Loyola and Tulane are also options, but I sort of wanted that HBCU experience. I am not second guessing my decision to attend SULC, but with searching other sites and reading this thread, it seems as though if you don't go to a top 15 or Howard in particular, you are doomed. I would love to work for a big law firm. I would love a 6 figure salary (I'll even take a HIGH 5 figure). Eventually I would like to open my own firm.

What else, if anything, have you learned about law school, post-graduate job prospects, etc. now that more time has passed?

[Pearls4Life]

I love you all so much.....!!!! I have been struggling with this. I am going to study more for this dang test...in the mean time SummerChild I will pm you soon. I want to litigate. I want to do employment law as well. I will keep you posted. The games part of the test is what kills me....dang it. My mind just gets all boggled I do have cd's and books with extra tests, but I figured I could take it and not really study...WRONG!!! So sorors, and Sister Friends. You all keep me motivated....



^5 TO ALL THE SORORS WITH LAW DEGREES !!!! DANG I GOT SOME SMART SORORS!!!

[Sweetdiscreet]

Hi, I'm new to the board. I just introduced myself in the sisterfriend thread. My alma mater Florida A&M University also has a law school some of you may want to check out. I thought about going to an HBCU for law school but I would have to go part time. NCCU doesn't sound so bad considering they have a part time program.

[Exquisite5]

If you are interesteed in a part-time program I would suggest Georgetown or AU. I have heard horor stories about NCCU, but then they could be just that...stories.

[starang21]

one of my friends from undergrad went to howard law...he said he had a good time.

and it was a pretty good school.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally posted by starang21
one of my friends from undergrad went to howard law...he said he had a good time.

and it was a pretty good school.

My neo graduated from Howard Law and had no complaints.

I actually know a few people who went there or are currently enrolled.

[Kamryn]

"Given the time required to ensure adequate class preparation and a thorough understanding of the course material, first year students are not permitted to work. In accordance with American Bar Association and Howard University School of Law rules and requirements, second and third year students may not work more than twenty hours a week. "

If Howard doesn't allow 1st year law students to work, how do you pay your bills and maintain a living, especially with gas prices increasing?

Cost of living is more expensive in DC. I'm thinking about tuition, books, medical and car insurance, car payments, gas, clothing, food, rent and utilities, etc. etc... I'm a working undergrad. I know if I go to law school, I'll have to work. I was planning to work a full time job with benifits through law school, but it's against the rules.

[litAKAtor]

Hello my lovely sorors - particularly my LS Skeephistakate!!

As a practicing labor and employment attorney for the past four years (I can't believe it has been that long) I can say that ranking does matter when firms come to interview you for prospective clerkships and/or jobs. I graduated from Florida A&M's School of Business and Industry and recieved my law degree from the University of Florida Dec. 2001. Having a UF degree assisted me in getting my job with a boutique labor and employment firm as well as my federal clerkship. I am in agreement that many large law firms go to Howard to interview for the sole purpose of recruiting African American attorneys. However, firms come to predominantly white institutions and interview African American attorneys as well. So don't think that you HAVE to go to an HB law school to obtain a high paying job. If you desire the experience than an HBCU will bring, then that is a bit different - I had my HBCU experience during undergrad and chose to attend a predominantely white institution for law school. I can say that my experieince at UF, while trying at times, was memorable and rewarding. Where you attend law school - unless it is Harvard or Yale will only offer you an opportunity to be seen and heard - it will NOT win a job for you - your record (grades) must speak, your writing must speak and your law school activities must speak for you.

Being a "Gator" particularly in the southeast and in FLorida specifically has its advantages, but as I said, that alone will not suffice.

[Exquisite5]

Originally posted by Kamryn
"
If Howard doesn't allow 1st year law students to work, how do you pay your bills and maintain a living, especially with gas prices increasing?

As far as I know this is ABA rule- its just that Howard actually advertises it. You will find that because "others" often scrutinize Howard we follow ABA rules VERY closely.

I am not certain about the first year rule, but I know for sure that the 20 hours/week max is an ABA rule which should be followed by all law schools. Anyway, who has time to work full time AND make good grades, be on law journal, etc? We all live off of educational loans and at 2.5% its not a bad idea.

[Kamryn]

Originally posted by Exquisite5
As far as I know this is ABA rule- its just that Howard actually advertises it. You will find that because "others" often scrutinize Howard we follow ABA rules VERY closely.

I am not certain about the first year rule, but I know for sure that the 20 hours/week max is an ABA rule which should be followed by all law schools.

Thank you for responding, I thought that I may have misunderstood the information. I can manage with the 20 hour a week rule. But not working at all will be a little more challenging. I'm trying to figure everything out so I know what to expect.

So basically, I have to estimate my tuition, books, living expenses and other necessities for the year prior to applying for an educational loan, and based on that I have to budget accordingly.

Cool...I can do that!

Originally posted by Exquisite5
Anyway, who has time to work full time AND make good grades, be on law journal, etc? We all live off of educational loans and at 2.5% its not a bad idea.

So true...

[unspokenone25]

Originally posted by Exquisite5
As far as I know this is ABA rule- its just that Howard actually advertises it. You will find that because "others" often scrutinize Howard we follow ABA rules VERY closely.

I am not certain about the first year rule, but I know for sure that the 20 hours/week max is an ABA rule which should be followed by all law schools. Anyway, who has time to work full time AND make good grades, be on law journal, etc? We all live off of educational loans and at 2.5% its not a bad idea.

At my law school, during orientation, they make the students sign a contract agreeing that you will not work more than 15 hours a week as a full-time student. It's just not possible to do that so if you want to work full-time, I suggest looking into schools that have part-time J.D. programs. It is difficult to live off of loans but my advice is to strictly adhere to the budget. Or you will be like me and other law students pinching pennies by the time the semester is up.

Exquisite5, I agree. Who does have time to work full time, go to law school full time, make good grades, be on a law journal, and be in organizations? Not I. I know that my second year of law school I worked part time (for pay) as a research assistant for a group of professors in the Legal Research and Writing office. It was a nice little check for groceries and such.

[Kamryn]

Originally posted by unspokenone25
It's just not possible to do that so if you want to work full-time, I suggest looking into schools that have part-time J.D. programs.

I agree, as a matter a fact I actually worked 20 hours a week this past semester, and it was tough, and this is only undergrad. Not that my coursework isn't rigorous, but I know for a fact my GPA would have been higher if I wasn't working as much. I did well, but not as well as I could have done. The other semesters when I worked 10 hours, it reflected positively in my grades.

One of my coworkers is starting law school this fall. I think that's where I got the idea of working full time from. But now that I think about it, her courses are in the evenings, so she may be in their part time program.

I don't think I want to enroll in a part time program, because it will take longer to get my degree. Since I don't want to be in law school for too long, I guess I'll be pinching the pennies. Thanks for responding!

[litAKAtor]

Originally posted by Exquisite5
As far as I know this is ABA rule- its just that Howard actually advertises it. You will find that because "others" often scrutinize Howard we follow ABA rules VERY closely.

I am not certain about the first year rule, but I know for sure that the 20 hours/week max is an ABA rule which should be followed by all law schools. Anyway, who has time to work full time AND make good grades, be on law journal, etc? We all live off of educational loans and at 2.5% its not a bad idea.

I agree with all comments posted . . .law school, particularly your first year, is stressful enough without worrying about working. As a first year law student, law professors tend to do what I call a Stepford wife type procedure on your thinking process . . . .they suck out your once creative mind and replace it with an extremely analytical one (no worries the creative portion comes back when you begin practicing). In addition, unless you are superwoman, (ABA rules aside) - working isn't even possible your first year period - TOO MUCH WORK!!!! As an aside, many law students after their first semester get jobs as Barbri or PMBR reps (bar exam prep course) or even register for on campus jobs (working in law school library, etc.) While these position don't pay that well, the bar prep courses usually either waive the substantial fee associated with taking the bar course or give their reps a significant discount. Similarly working in the library give you some free uninterrupted study time.

Just thoughts

[Kamryn]

Originally posted by litAKAtor
While these position don't pay that well, the bar prep courses usually either waive the substantial fee associated with taking the bar course or give their reps a significant discount. Similarly working in the library give you some free uninterrupted study time.

Just thoughts

Those are brilliant ideas! I never thought about those. Thanks, I'll keep them in mind for future references!