Does it matter where I went to law school?
Asked by: Prof. Trever Beahan II | Last update: December 22, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (2 votes)
Your career trajectory and financial stability will primarily be shaped by three factors: your law school's ranking, your ranking in law school, and your total debt. School rankings matter because they matter to employers.
Does it matter where my law degree is from?
Does It Matter Where You Go to Law School? Law school rankings do matter to employers. Typically, the higher your school is ranked, the greater your chances of securing a post-graduation career—especially when it comes to prestigious large law firms.
Does location of law school matter?
When choosing where to apply, it's important for aspiring lawyers to consider where a law school is located. Think about factors, like where you want to practice and what kind of work you want to do, as well as the most conducive environment for you during three tough years.
Do law schools care what school you went to?
In one word, NO. Law schools care about many things: your GPA, your LSAT, the story you tell, the obstacles you've overcome.
Does it matter what state I go to law school in?
In-State: An in-state school may limit you to job opportunities close to home. That's great if you call a place like New York City home, but not so great if you're from a rural area. On the other hand, if you go to the best law school in a smaller job market, you will be the most attractive hire with less competition.
yes, where you go to law school matters.
Do law firms care where you went to law school?
Your Previous (On-the-Job) Training
Certain firms have the reputation for training people very well—and everyone knows that they have high expectations for the people there. If you get a good job right out of school or thereafter (with a major law firm), firms no longer really care about where you went to law school.
Does it really matter what law school I go to?
School rankings matter because they matter to employers. There are always exceptions to the rule, but generally, students at higher-ranked schools have better post-graduate outcomes.
Is law school a lot of money?
Average Law School Debt and Costs
The average tuition at private law school was $55,993 in 2023, compared to an average of $30,554 at a public school. 3 This cost does not include rent, food, transportation, and other living expenses.
Is it rare to get an A in law school?
Note that because the first year of law school is graded on a curve, very few students receive A's. So, it is a bit of a different story than undergrad, where professors are not limited in how many A's they can give. The key to getting all A's in law school is not to be the smartest. Nor is it to study 24 hours a day.
Is law school exhausting?
No one expects law school to be easy, and law school burnout can happen to even the highest-performing students. Many law students struggle with the mental, physical and emotional exhaustion that often comes with earning a law degree.
How do I decide where to go to law school?
- Overall size of school.
- Average class size.
- Demographics of the student body.
- The library and other physical facilities.
- Availability of part-time or evening programs.
- Joint-degree programs, LLM programs, other special-degree programs.
- Clinical programs.
- Moot court competitions.
Do law schools know where you've been accepted?
Unlike in the past, the LSAC no longer provides reports to law schools about where each applicant has made a seat deposit or accepted a binding commitment. Still, law schools have other ways to learn this information, so don't try to hide it.
Does location matter for law school?
The location of a law school can impact everything from your day-to-day routine to your long-term career trajectory. Though the location is not the only consideration to weigh in your decision-making process, below are additional factors detailing how the location of a law school should impact your decision to attend.
What is the hardest subject in a law degree?
First-year law school classes tend to be the most difficult of any that you will experience in your three years of law school, as you are getting used to new subject matter and heavier readings. Some of the hardest classes in law school, according to current and former students, are: Constitutional Law. Civil Procedure.
Does where you get your JD matter?
The skills you learn in a J.D. program are versatile and could be helpful to careers outside of the law, too. Experts say where you earn your law degree matters. These are the best law schools that can set the tone for your learning experience, career path and future.
What is the hardest year in law school?
Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.
What is the most popular degree for law school?
Political science is a very popular pre-law major because politics is heavily interrelated with legislation. The study of political behavior, government systems, and how the judicial system works are all very useful in law school.
Can you have fun in law school?
Your schedule can vary a lot from year to year in law school too. One thing's for sure: in law school, you will be busy and your time will be precious. But! You can fit in internships, student groups, campus events, and—yes—fun.
How hard is the bar exam?
The bar exam is hard. In fact, it may be one of the most difficult challenges you ever embark on. You must memorize numerous laws and consume a lot of knowledge to answer questions correctly. For many, it feels like trying to hold sand in your hands, knowing that you'll inevitably lose much of it.
What is the dropout rate for law school?
The 2023 law school attrition rate was 3.8 percent, varying across demographics and institutions. This article delves into the types of attrition, the schools with the highest rates, and the impact of these rates on student choices and institutional policies.
Does law actually pay well?
Lawyer salaries by state
Lawyers in these states earn the highest median salaries: California ($175,680) New York ($172,880)
Do I have to be smart to go to law school?
Having a good GPA and acing the LSAT are good indicators that you are qualified for law school, but they don't necessarily mean that you'll make a good law school candidate.
How do I know if law school is right for me?
Shadowing attorneys and legal internships are the best gauge of whether law school is right for you. After seeing what typical weeks in the office are like for an attorney, you'll be able to gauge if law school is a good path for yourself.
Should you go to law school where you want to live?
It depends. In regard to law firms, some legal markets truly value a local student. For government jobs, going to law school in the area can help you establish connections through internships, clinics, and adjunct professors.