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Lawyers/Law Students: What's the best way to prepare?

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Rockets R' Us, Jan 12, 2011.

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  1. Rockets R' Us

    Rockets R' Us Contributing Member

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    I'm filling out applications now and should be done submitting them by end of the month. Want to focus on getting the jump on 1st year students by focusing on 1st year courseload in April-August so I can have a significant advantage in essay writing, researching, case law, etc.

    Suggestions? Tips? Syllabus? Notes?


    The urgency for my need to succeed is my drive to transfer to a top 20 school after my 1st year. With my LSAT and GPA #s, I can hit top 50-100 but after first year I want to transfer up into top 15 for obvious reasons.

    Thanks!

    PS:
    If anyone has any advice or would like to help with proofreading my personal statements, I'd appreciate it x 100.
     
    #1 Rockets R' Us, Jan 12, 2011
  2. DonkeyMagic

    DonkeyMagic Member
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    say goodbye to your soul
     
    #2 DonkeyMagic, Jan 12, 2011
  3. s land balla

    s land balla Member

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    #3 s land balla, Jan 12, 2011
  4. Rockets R' Us

    Rockets R' Us Contributing Member

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    I've read these and others echoing a similar theme over the past 6 months to a year and I've still decided to push forth with the decision. Law isn't something I'm looking to get into for the money; I do honestly think I am a fit for the profession and am intrigued by the many facets and applications of law. Therefore regardless of loans,etc (thats partly why I'm planning on going the 1st year to the school that offers the biggest grant $$) I still plan on attending and being employed by working hard, networking, and not expecting a magical law school genie to grant me my wishes.
     
    #4 Rockets R' Us, Jan 12, 2011
  5. Konquest123

    Konquest123 Member

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    don't bother. Enjoy your last few months before law school because you will have no life for the next 3 years.
     
    #5 Konquest123, Jan 12, 2011
  6. Qball

    Qball Member

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    As long as you're not going for the reason the student (with $250k debt) in the article gave...
     
    #6 Qball, Jan 12, 2011
  7. Xerobull

    Xerobull ...and I'm all out of bubblegum
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    Thanks, saved me a read. I can't give credibility to any article written by someone who makes big life decisions to impress anyone.

    (except to get laid, I consider that instinct. :) )
     
    #7 Xerobull, Jan 12, 2011
  8. SamFisher

    SamFisher Member

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    If you're not at a top 10 or so school (and really, you actually want top 7-8 - nobody cares about the number 19 law school in the country), the best way is to read the New York Times article and then ask "why I am I going to be the exception amongst these 100,000 or so who have the same idea"? The question then begged is "if I'm an exception, why am I not already in a top school"?

    If you come up with a satisfactory answer, then the next step is to take your tuition money and go out and buy a bunch of lottery tickets, for you are a blessed, blessed soul upon whom fortune smiles.
     
    #8 SamFisher, Jan 12, 2011
  9. Rockets R' Us

    Rockets R' Us Contributing Member

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    Agreed. Nope, not prestige. It's always something I've liked, and wanted to do. I just want to be the most prepared because preparation is something that is available to everyone, but only rewards those that take advantage of it.

    I'm in Chicago so I'm applying to basically all midwest schools; my aim is to either go with the highest ranked school I get into or the one that offers the most grant money. It'll come down to obvious discrepancies in rank, hiring, money, etc.
     
    #9 Rockets R' Us, Jan 12, 2011
  10. lost_elephant

    lost_elephant Member

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    I am a current law student at UH. I wouldn't bother reading anything substantive as it will probably only give you a false sense of understanding.

    Try "Getting to Maybe" and "Law School Confidential." These books give you an idea as to what the law school process is like and what type of mind frame you will need to be successful.

    You should've applied a couple months ago in the early decision rounds. Regardless, it will take top 5-10% for you to transfer to a top 14 school if you're at a 51-100 school. I wouldn't go to school expecting to transfer to a top 14 school--the odds of that happening are exponentially against you. Now if you're going to end up dropping out if it you aren't accepted then I can see your reasoning there...
     
    #10 lost_elephant, Jan 12, 2011
  11. tierre_brown

    tierre_brown Member

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    What year?
     
    #11 tierre_brown, Jan 12, 2011
  12. lost_elephant

    lost_elephant Member

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    3L part-time...work full-time at an investment firm. You?
     
    #12 lost_elephant, Jan 12, 2011
  13. tierre_brown

    tierre_brown Member

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    3L full time. Small world.
     
    #13 tierre_brown, Jan 12, 2011
  14. Baqui99

    Baqui99 Member

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    My advice is would be to try like hell to get into UT Law.
     
    #14 Baqui99, Jan 12, 2011
  15. pippendagimp

    pippendagimp Member

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    lie even when u tell the truth
     
    #15 pippendagimp, Jan 12, 2011
  16. AMS

    AMS Member

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    I thought your real calling was being a DJ... hmmm :p
     
    #16 AMS, Jan 12, 2011
  17. Rockets R' Us

    Rockets R' Us Contributing Member

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    Always a side hobby. A profitable one at that lol but no the BA degree and parttime and full time jobs are dedicated to furthering a pursuit in the legal career.
     
    #17 Rockets R' Us, Jan 12, 2011
  18. lost_elephant

    lost_elephant Member

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    Nice...just a few months left :)
     
    #18 lost_elephant, Jan 12, 2011
  19. SoSoDef76

    SoSoDef76 Member

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    #19 SoSoDef76, Jan 12, 2011
  20. jh72684

    jh72684 Member

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    ^ this, according to my gf who is a 3L at a T14.

    anyway, if you're committed to obtain gunner status before you're even accepted, please read this post: http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?threadid=3301274#post376435177. scroll down a bit to "Q: How do you succeed in law school?" the part under "helio posted" especially pertains to your question, and they fully agree with konquest.

    konquest, i may know you. are you currently in DC?
     
    #20 jh72684, Jan 12, 2011
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