Deciding on Law School

Course Curriculum

Chapter 1: Thoughts, Justifications, and Rationales

Lecture 1: Introduction

Lecture 2: My Path and an Introductory View of Law School

Lecture 3: The Idea

Lecture 4: Popular Culture, Childhood Dreams, and Family and Friends

Lecture 5: Helping People and Getting Rich

Lecture 6: Lack of Options and Career Flexibility

Lecture 7: Intellectual Challenge and Prior Work Experience

Lecture 8: Financial Assistance and Key Takeaways

Lecture 9: Course Notes

Chapter 2: Career Options and Current Market Conditions

Lecture 1: Introduction and Common Jobs Out of Law School

Lecture 2: Big Law: Introduction and Compensation

Lecture 3: Big Law: Realities and How To Get Hired

Lecture 4: Mid Law and Small Firms

Lecture 5: Starting Your Own Firm (Hanging Your Own Shingle)

Lecture 6: Jobs in Business and Government

Lecture 7: Judicial Clerkships and Public Interest Positions

Lecture 8: Academia

Lecture 9: Temp Attorneys and School Funded Positions

Lecture 10: Final Insights

Lecture 11: Course Notes

Chapter 3: Costs and Debt

Lecture 1: Introduction and Past and Present Tuition

Lecture 2: Costs: Tuition, Room and Board, and Books

Lecture 3: Costs: Personal Expenses, Post-Grad Costs, and Opportunity Costs

Lecture 4: Paying for Law School: Family Assistance and Scholarships/Grants

Lecture 5: Introduction to Loans, Stafford Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans

Lecture 6: Private Loans, Federal Work Study, and Summary

Lecture 7: Actual Payment and New Costs

Lecture 8: Handling Your Debt and Danger Signs

Lecture 9: Loan Repayment, Consolidation, and Refinancing

Lecture 10: Options for Public Interest and Government Attorneys, and Key Takeaways

Lecture 11: Course Notes

Chapter 4: Researching Law Schools

Lecture 1: Introduction and Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Schools

Lecture 2: Factors to Consider and Law School Rankings

Lecture 3: Prestige

Lecture 4: Employment Outcomes

Lecture 5: Admissions Standards and Costs

Lecture 6: Bar Passage Rate and Location

Lecture 7: Curricula, Joint-Degree Programs, and Part Time Programs

Lecture 8: Key Takeaways

Lecture 9: Course Notes

Chapter 5: Are You an Attractive Candidate?

Lecture 1: Introduction and Law School Applications

Lecture 2: The LSAT

Lecture 3: Undergraduate GPA, Splitters, and Reverse Splitters

Lecture 4: Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation

Lecture 5: Experience, You, and Timing

Lecture 6: Key Takeaways

Lecture 7: Course Notes

Chapter 6: Next Steps and Conclusions

Lecture 1: Introduction, Pros and Cons, and Opportunity Costs

Lecture 2: Financial Aspect, Career Goals, and Happiness

Lecture 3: Inertia

Lecture 4: Next Steps and Conclusions

Lecture 5: Course Notes