Michigan Law Schools - How to Find & Get Into a Great Law School in Michigan

There are six great law schools in the State of Michigan. These include the Ave Maria School of Law in Ann Arbor, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in Detroit, the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor, the Michigan State University College of Law in East Lansing, the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Lansing, and Wayne State University Law School in Detroit.

Of course, not all Michigan law schools are alike, and in choosing a Michigan law school - as you would with any school - you should make sure that you are making the correct choice for YOU. Unfortunately, far to many prospective law students fall into the trap of letting magazines and artificial law school rankings make the choice for them. If you were to do that, you might focus on the University of Michigan Law School, which admittedly enjoys an outstanding national reputation, to the exclusion of several other excellent law schools in Michigan or elsewhere.

One of the things I try and emphasize to students trying to select a law school is that you get a very similar education no matter where you go. The "elite" schools will never admit that, but its true. Moreover, having been a practicing lawyer now for almost 10 years, I assure you that where you went to law school will very quickly become virtually meaningless to your employers and colleagues. I've known great lawyers and terrible lawyers who went to great schools - and I've known great lawyers and terrible lawyers who went to no-name night schools.

Therefore, if you've decided you want to go to law school in Michigan, you should carefully analyze which of the excellent choices will be the best law school for you. If your aim to get a high-paying job in Manhattan immediately after graduation, the University of Michigan Law School is probably a place you should target. On the other hand, if you're looking to set up a local practice on of the smaller local schools may be your best choice.

Although the substance of what you will learn is largely the same at every school, the environment is definitely not. That's why, if you've decided you want to go to a Michigan Law School, you should visit every school you're considering to get a feel for the campus and physical surroundings. You should also speak with some students to see what they have to say about the atmosphere. Some law schools are definitely more friendly that others.

No two Michigan law schools are created alike, just as no two law students are created alike. Finding a good match should be your top priority. You're going to spend three years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars - regardless of which Michigan law school you select - and you should do everything possible to make sure its not a miserable investment.

When I was choosing which law school to attend I spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars researching and in many cases visiting the eleven schools that made my final list. In the end, I didn't choose the highest ranked or most prestigious school I got into, but I did choose the best law school for me. And I made the right choice.

This is just one of the many topics I discuss in my ebook Covert Tactics for Getting Into the Law School of Your Choice and in the Covert Tactics Law School Newsletter, both of which are available at my website.

This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

H. Jefferson, Jr. is an expert on on law school admission, having applied to and been admitted by 11 of the top law schools in the United States. To learn more about the the techniques and strategies you can use to get into the law school of your choice, visit http://www.coverttactics.com.

What You Need to Know About Law School

Law school is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences a student can have. The popularity and demand on law schools has grown at a rapid pace. If you've ever seen the "Devil's Advocate", Al Pacino (during his dramatic closing monologue) says that there are more people in law school than there are actual lawyers. I've done some research and I haven't been able to verify whether or not this is true, but it wouldn't be a total shock if it was valid. Television programs like "Law & Order", "Boston Legal" and "Shark" have glamorized the practice of law making it more attractive to young adults. Furthermore, the potential big salary one can obtain through a law career makes it even more enticing. In fact, the average starting salary for an associate at a mid-sized law firm is $93,000. But keep in mind, a career in law is usually not centered around high-drama court cases and big paychecks. In reality, it requires discipline, a lot of research, and strong written/oral skills. Let me explain...

This may shock you, but most lawyers never step foot in a courtroom. This is due to the fact that less than 10% of all motions and cases actually make it to trial. So, if you dream about being the new Denny Crane (Boston Legal) or Samantha Cabbot (Law & Order) you have to specifically focus on trial law during your tenture at law school. On the subject of salary, yes, a lawyer can make a lot of money. But keep in mind that the big-salary jobs are predominantly in the private sector working with corporate clients. Furthermore, associates and partners at law firms work, on average, 60 hours a week. So, you'll earn that phat paycheck as a lawyer.

Here are some basic facts and guidelines that you'll need to know if you're serious about attending law school:

(1.) In order to get accepted to a quality law school, you must have a high GPA and a high LSAT score. Most law schools have a formula as to how they determine who they accept. Yes, your essay and letters of recommendation are important, but the combination of a high GPA and LSAT score are essential if you want applicant reviewers to even consider you. To get into a top 25 law school, you'll need at least a 3.0 GPA (at least a 3.5 for top-10 schools) and an LSAT score of at least 152 out of 180, but much higher for a top-10, at least 165 out of 180.

(2.) Law school is expensive. Most law schools charge $20,000+ a year just in tuition and fees. Private law schools charge even more. For example, Harvard Law School charges $53,000 a year for tution...just tuition! That's not including books, a laptop, housing, and miscellaneous expenses. So, if you're serious about law school, you'll probably need to obtain a good student loan. Or, try your hardest to win a scholarship or grant. Here's a helpful resource for loans, scholarships, and grants...

(3.) Law School is 3-years in length and you'll be working non-stop during that period. Law School is a time consuming and difficult endeavor, especially in the first year. Some law school graduates and professors have even said that the first year is specifically designed to be extremely challenging so those not truly committed will be weeded out. So, understand that if you attend law school it will not be a cakewalk. You'll have to read hundreds of cases, write lengthy papers, do copious amounts of legal research, and argue in front of a judge in a mock trial. So if you don't like to write or speak in public, law school is not for you.

(4.) Even after you graduate law school, you'll still not a lawyer! That's right, even after 3 years of hard work, you're still not technically a lawyer. You must pass the bar exam and obtain your license in order to legally be a lawyer (nice play on words, ey).

Summation: I don't want this article to sound pessimistic about the law school experience. It can be one of the most fulfilling ventures of your life. You'll be learning, and mastering, something that is involved in all aspects of our lives: the law. Once you graduate, people will look to you for advice and counsel on important matters. And the possibility of handling a high-profile case and/or making boatloads of cash is certainly possible. But just remember, you must have a genuine interest in law, or have the inherent skills to handle the workload in order to succeed in law school.

Check Out the Best College Information Site on the Net

What You Need to Know About Law School

Law school is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences a student can have. The popularity and demand on law schools has grown at a rapid pace. If you've ever seen the "Devil's Advocate", Al Pacino (during his dramatic closing monologue) says that there are more people in law school than there are actual lawyers. I've done some research and I haven't been able to verify whether or not this is true, but it wouldn't be a total shock if it was valid. Television programs like "Law & Order", "Boston Legal" and "Shark" have glamorized the practice of law making it more attractive to young adults. Furthermore, the potential big salary one can obtain through a law career makes it even more enticing. In fact, the average starting salary for an associate at a mid-sized law firm is $93,000. But keep in mind, a career in law is usually not centered around high-drama court cases and big paychecks. In reality, it requires discipline, a lot of research, and strong written/oral skills. Let me explain...

This may shock you, but most lawyers never step foot in a courtroom. This is due to the fact that less than 10% of all motions and cases actually make it to trial. So, if you dream about being the new Denny Crane (Boston Legal) or Samantha Cabbot (Law & Order) you have to specifically focus on trial law during your tenture at law school. On the subject of salary, yes, a lawyer can make a lot of money. But keep in mind that the big-salary jobs are predominantly in the private sector working with corporate clients. Furthermore, associates and partners at law firms work, on average, 60 hours a week. So, you'll earn that phat paycheck as a lawyer.

Here are some basic facts and guidelines that you'll need to know if you're serious about attending law school:

(1.) In order to get accepted to a quality law school, you must have a high GPA and a high LSAT score. Most law schools have a formula as to how they determine who they accept. Yes, your essay and letters of recommendation are important, but the combination of a high GPA and LSAT score are essential if you want applicant reviewers to even consider you. To get into a top 25 law school, you'll need at least a 3.0 GPA (at least a 3.5 for top-10 schools) and an LSAT score of at least 152 out of 180, but much higher for a top-10, at least 165 out of 180.

(2.) Law school is expensive. Most law schools charge $20,000+ a year just in tuition and fees. Private law schools charge even more. For example, Harvard Law School charges $53,000 a year for tution...just tuition! That's not including books, a laptop, housing, and miscellaneous expenses. So, if you're serious about law school, you'll probably need to obtain a good student loan. Or, try your hardest to win a scholarship or grant. Here's a helpful resource for loans, scholarships, and grants...

(3.) Law School is 3-years in length and you'll be working non-stop during that period. Law School is a time consuming and difficult endeavor, especially in the first year. Some law school graduates and professors have even said that the first year is specifically designed to be extremely challenging so those not truly committed will be weeded out. So, understand that if you attend law school it will not be a cakewalk. You'll have to read hundreds of cases, write lengthy papers, do copious amounts of legal research, and argue in front of a judge in a mock trial. So if you don't like to write or speak in public, law school is not for you.

(4.) Even after you graduate law school, you'll still not a lawyer! That's right, even after 3 years of hard work, you're still not technically a lawyer. You must pass the bar exam and obtain your license in order to legally be a lawyer (nice play on words, ey).

Summation: I don't want this article to sound pessimistic about the law school experience. It can be one of the most fulfilling ventures of your life. You'll be learning, and mastering, something that is involved in all aspects of our lives: the law. Once you graduate, people will look to you for advice and counsel on important matters. And the possibility of handling a high-profile case and/or making boatloads of cash is certainly possible. But just remember, you must have a genuine interest in law, or have the inherent skills to handle the workload in order to succeed in law school.

Check Out the Best College Information Site on the Net

Law School Salaries: Is the Increase Worthwhile?

Lawyers make up one of the highest paying professions available. Their investment of time and money, though, is part of what allows them to command such high salaries, so let's talk for a minute about the salary increase for lawyers and the commitment required.

Three Years

After finishing your undergraduate degree, you will have three more years of full-time schooling before you can become a lawyer. The requirement of time and commitment is great, and many people find that it is simply too much. Before applying to law school be sure that you are truly interested enough in the law to invest this kind of time and effort.

Shadow

Before you officially start law school, shadow several lawyers. Once you start school, you will have a lot of choices about what type of lawyer you will become. It's best if you can actually shadow a few people before making such a huge commitment of time and money. Check out the profession and see if it's something you can actually see yourself doing for many years in the future, or at least long enough to pay off your student loans.

How Big Is the Increase?

Lawyers can make anywhere from $80,000 a year to well over $200,000 a year depending on the type of lawyer, their experience, and the geographical location. The increase is certainly significant, especially if you eventually own your own practice. Just remember that the increase is partly so large because this is a high stress job. Make sure you can take it before you begin law school.

Before Signing Up

Before applying and paying for a law program, consider the following:

Can you commit to three more years?

Have you shadowed a lawyer?

Can you handle the stress of the job?

Is the salary increase worth all that work?

When you've answered all the questions, then you'll be ready to decide whether or not a law program is right for you and your family.

Catherine Zandueta is a frequent contributor to CareersandEducation.com. Catherine Zandueta is a feature writer that covers topics relating to MBA Programs and online colleges.

We Need an Abbreviated Law School for Authors

Many writers who write books often write about the various types of crime as part of the plot or storyline. Sometimes these writers have characters who are detectives, policeman, court reporters, judges, lawyers and even jurors. For authors who write about courts, police and crime all the time perhaps they need an abbreviated law school, which explains how the court systems work. This would help the fictional works come across much more real life in nature.

In television movies and in most modern novels there are at least some courtroom scenes and it makes sense that these courtroom scenes are indeed more factual in nature. There is nothing worse than reading a book with bad information in it. Since the public seems to be somewhat interested in these types of subjects, it therefore makes sense that we have an abbreviated Law school to help authors with their work.

There should also be more e-books and perhaps writer help books that can assist authors in getting the facts right to make sure their storyline is correct in detail. Authors write about courts, police and crime all the time and it makes sense to have material available for these authors and writers to do it correctly. Please consider all this in 2006.

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10 Ways To Be A Good Law School Student

1. Find out where the veteran law students hang out -- the 2Ls and 3Ls -- and get them to be your friends.

When you're just starting out in law school, the students who have been there a while longer than you are among the most valuable resources for those looking to be good law school students. Pick their brains about whatever questions you may have. If you don't have any questions, ask them: What do you wish you had known when you were just starting out here? What they tell you will light the path toward being a good law school student in your own right. In addition to this instantaneous benefit, befriending these students could help you get a job, or at least a lead on a job, after you earn your degree. They will be out in the working world before you, right?

2. Ask experienced students what you should absolutely not blow off.

Count on information overload in law school. On your own, you might not know exactly where to place your priorities. Once you've made friends with a 2L or 3L, ask them for their advice.

3. Have your 2L or 3L friend clue you in to what you can safely blow off.

Equally important to your mission of being a good law school student as doing the important stuff is not doing the unimportant stuff. By getting some insight into what activities you can let fall a bit by the wayside, you will save your resources for the really important stuff.

4. Have your 2L or 3L friend help you pick the best professors.

Another question that probably only another student will be able to answer honestly is whose class you should definitely take, and whose class you should definitely avoid. The registrar probably won't tell you: "This prof's class is kind of lame. Take this one instead," but a more experienced peer will.

5. Pick their brains about various specializations you might be considering.

If you're caught between two emphases, use your new friends as sounding boards. They have been around a little bit longer than you and probably have some insight you will benefit from.

6. Do law review.

Few things look better on a recent graduate of law school's resume than participation in law review.

7. Do internships and clerkships.

The more professional experience you can gain during your time as a law school student, the better your opportunities will be for securing work as a young lawyer.

8.Plan where you'll land after you get your law degree before you get your law degree.

It is never too early to set your sights on a firm or an appointment that you would like to have after you've passed the bar. If you can set your sights on a specific target early in your law school career, you'll improve your chances of getting your dream job.

9. Take some time to do non-law school-related things.

Law school is its own little intense bubble. Take some time to live life outside of law school as well.

10. Stay healthy.

Even the greatest law school student is only as good as his or her health. Take care of yourself so that you can approach your studies with the energy and enthusiasm they deserve.

Review more industry related articles by Elizabeth Saas at CareersandEducation.com. Elizabeth Saas is a feature writer and often covers topics related to Campus degree programs and Career Advice.

How To Be A Law School Superstar

Superstars Know The Best Way To Focus Is To Take The Occasional Break

A law school superstar lives, breathes, and eats the law, but is sensible enough to take a break every once in a while and do something outside of the realm of law school to keep his or her mind sharp and hungry enough for more law once break time is over.

Superstars Know How To Manage Time and Meet Deadlines For School -- They Also Ask For Help When They Need It

To rule the realm of law school when your sensibly taken break is over, a law school superstar either arrives at law school an expert in time management, or quickly transforms him or herself into such an expert. A law school superstar quickly realizes that the amount of work he or she faces would overwhelm a typical person, so a law school superstar makes it his or her business to effectively prioritize the workload so that the most important stuff gets taken care of right away, with the less important stuff taking a back seat. Most law school superstars make connections with more experienced law students who can help them determine how to prioritize their workloads.

Superstars Keep Shining Even During Their Breaks From School

In addition to performing at the top of their game in their assignments and in the classroom, law school superstars are always on the lookout for their next great opportunity to gain exposure to the practice of law outside the classroom. Law school superstars don't work at Starbucks over their breaks, but instead have used their time management skills during the year to find the time to reflect on how best to utilize their time away from school. Of course, they will schedule some fun to keep their minds refreshed just as they do during the school year, but during their times of reflection, they will have discovered the highest caliber internships and clerkships available to them. And, being law school superstars, they will have applied for these opportunities early and secured them handily. In this way, a law school superstar can smoothly make the transition from superstar law student to superstar lawyer once the juris doctorate is in hand.

Superstars Know The Key To Shining Is Specialization

How do law school superstars know which summer work is the best for making them into superstar lawyers after graduation? They have put some thought into what area of law they would like to practice once they get out of school. They probably had some idea before entering law school, but since they are superstars, they also did their homework once they got to school. Law school superstars investigate the various possibilities for the trajectory of their careers by talking to more experienced students, faculty members, and mentors. By formulating a clear idea of what kind of superstar lawyers they'd like to be upon passing the bar, superstar law students are able to arrange their experiences in law school to maximize their chances of securing a position in the field of their choice.

Elizabeth Saas is a frequent contributor to CareersandEducation.com. Elizabeth Saas is a feature writer that covers topics relating to MBA Programs and online colleges.

Getting Into Law School

LSAT and grade point average are two most important things for law school admission. However, you should know that law schools also are interested in students’ work experience. Many law schools require personal statement and letters of recommendation.

Furthermore, students who apply to law schools must send their college transcripts to Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS). The student’s GPA is calculated separately each year. A law school can see the improvement of GPA and overall GPA. The GPA is the average of the grades. If a student has a high GPA, he has good chances of admission to law school. Nevertheless, GPA is not the only factor for admission. A law student must also take challenging courses each quarter.

You do not need to have a certain major to enter law school. Law schools generally are interested in liberal arts background. You usually want to take wide variety of classes such as math, business, social sciences, and statistics.

Law schools want their students to be mature and responsible. They want to see that you participate in activities during college. You want to show them your exceptional leadership ability. So you should participate in student government, school newspaper, or special research projects.

Finally, You should get to know your professors. Law schools generally want you to submit two or three letters of recommendation.

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Write a Law School Essay

Writing a law school essay can really help you get into the school of your choice. Even in your LSAT scores were low it can really launch you into school.

Your LSAT scores, undergrad GPA, and your law school essay can be a huge factor in what schools will be looking for when offering you a position in the school. It could also be a factor when it comes to how much scholarship money you will receive if any.

The first paragraph of your law school essay is the most important. It could make all the difference in getting you into a good school. If you are a top candidate and write a bad essay it could ruin your chances. Try not to be flippant when writing.

Some schools will give a required topic to write on and some will offer a few suggestions. Be cautious not to repeat yourself throughout your essay or on your application.

Remember that your application will cover all the basics that the school will need to know, like your GPA and other scores. Your essay is your chance to tell them something they don’t know about you. Try to find something that best describes you as a person and a student.

Try a fresh topic. Most people are going to write about who inspires them or what difficulties they have over come. Try to find something that they haven’t read already.

Be unique and real. By doing so you will stand out in the staff’s mind and this will get you a better chance at an interview.

To find additional information like this or about education visit – http://myeducationarena.com

http://myeducationarena.com was founded Jakob Culver. Jakob has a background and large knowledge in and about education

 

Raise Your LSAT Score - Ways to Do It

Some people learn better in traditional classroom settings surrounded by their peers and face-to-face with their teachers. Others prefer a more self-directed approach like taking an online course or studying from a book. There are still others who require personal one-on-one interaction with a tutor or teacher. If you have already taken the LSAT exam but you didn't like your test scores, then you are probably searching for a method to raise your test scores the next time you take the exam.

Again, it is important to know yourself and by what method you learn the best. Here are some ways that you can prepare to retake your LSAT and get a higher score.

Time Management:

The truth is that most students score low on the LSAT because they feel rushed to complete all of the questions before time runs out. If it were not a timed test, the majority of the students would be able to answer the questions correctly. Unfortunately, it is a timed test so you need to learn how to manage the time allotted to take each part of the exam. One way that you can learn to manage your test taking time is to simulate the testing experience when you are taking your practice exams.

Set a timer for the amount of time you are allowed for each section. Take the test like it counts and see how well you do. The goal is to answer correctly as many of the questions that you can in the allotted time. This also means that you cannot spend too much time on any one question. If you get stuck on a question, try to make an educated guess or randomly choose an answer and then move on to the next question.

If you are still having trouble passing your practice exams, then you may want to consider one of the following 3 options as an alternative method to help you raise your test score the next time you take the LSAT.

Test Preparation Classroom Courses:

These courses are made for those who prefer the face-to-face interaction with a teacher. They may be visual learners that need someone to talk them through and point them through the process. LSAT classroom courses tend to be kept small, maybe 8-10 students, so that the teacher can spend more individual time with those that need it. With a live teacher students can ask questions and have them immediately answered.

LSAT class instructors tend to have taught this course over and over again. They have statistics on how their students scored and they teach you little tips and tricks to conquer the LSAT and raise your score. They provide extensive practice materials to pinpoint the areas that you may need to work a little extra on in order to raise your score.

Test Preparation Online Courses:

Another way that you can increase your LSAT score is by taking an online course. Online courses allow you to prepare for your LSAT when and where you choose. Online courses provide lessons and drills that are all self-directed. You can skip around to work on the lessons and drills that you need rather than having to learn the lesson that has been prepared by the teacher. Many of these online classes offer an online chat service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for help, assistance or to answer your questions. These types of courses are better for those that self-motivated and do not need interaction with their peers and with their teachers.

Private Tutoring:

Private tutors are best for those individuals that need one-on-one attention or for those that get distracted easily by other students. Private tutors are usually more expensive than the classroom or online courses. Tutors can usually accommodate your schedule so that it is convenient for you to fit learning into your daily routine. Money back guarantees are usually also available through private tutors. And with private tutors, they are able to identify the areas that the individual student is weak in and concentrate on teaching in those areas.

You can raise your LSAT score by working very diligently at any of these options. Which option is best really is determined by your learning style and what your needs are. Cost may also be a factor in determining which method you choose. If you work hard and focus your efforts you can take the LSAT a second time and raise your score.

Review more industry related articles by Kristie Lorette at CareersandEducation.com Kristie Lorette is a CareersandEducation.com feature writer that often covers topics relating to Campus and Online Degree Programs and Career Planning.