Law School Accreditation

Accreditaiton and what it means to you. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary the definition of accreditation is "to recognize (an educational institution) as maintaining standards that qualify the graduates for admission to higher or more specialized institutions or for professional practice." Law schools generally fall into three catagories of accreditation, American Bar Association (ABA) accredited, state accredited or unaccredited.

ABA accreditation - According to the American Bar Association, "Law schools approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) provide a legal education which meets a minimum set of standards as promulgated by the ABA. Every jurisdiction in the United States has determined that graduates of ABA-approved law schools are able to sit for the bar in their respective jurisdictions. The role that the ABA plays as the national accrediting body has enabled accreditation to become unified and national in scope rather than fragmented, with the potential for inconsistency, among the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,

and other territories. The Council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar is the United States Department of Education recognized accrediting agency for programs that lead to the first professional degree in law. The law school approval process established by the Council is designed to provide a careful and comprehensive evaluation of a law school and its compliance with the Standards for Approval of Law Schools."

State accreditation - Most states have their own accreditation process and in most cases give accreditation status to ABA accredited schools. However, there are many law schools that for one reason or another do not meet all of the ABA accredition requirements. Some of these schools, however, do meet the states requirements. Note: State requirements can vary by state. If a school meets state requirements it can apply to that state for state accreditation.

Unaccredited - According to the California Bar Association "An unaccredited law school is one operating as a law school in the State of California that is neither accredited nor approved by the Committee, but must be registered with the Committee and comply with the requirements contained in Rules XIX and XX of the Admission Rules, applicable provisions of the California Rules of Court and relevant sections of the California Business and Professions Code. A law school operating wholly outside of California is unaccredited unless it has applied for and received accreditation from the Committee or is provisionally or fully approved by the American Bar Association."

Rules in many other states are the same.

Most states require that you meet certain requirements prior to being eligible to take their bar examination. The California Bar states "To be eligible to take the California Bar Examination, one must have completed at least two years of college before beginning the study of law or must have passed certain specified College Level Equivalency Program examinations before beginning law study and must have graduated from a law school approved by the American Bar Association or accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of The State Bar of California or have completed four years of law study at an unaccredited or correspondence law school registered with the Committee or studied law in a law office or judge's chambers in accordance with

the Rules Regulating Admission to Practice Law in California." Most states have similar requirements.

The foregoing suggests that many states will not allow, non ABA accredited out of state law school graduates to take their bar examination, unless they attended school in that state or a school that is certified by that state. Therefore students graduating from non ABA accredited law schools may not be allowed to practice in any state other than the state they attended school. Note: Some states have reciprocal agreements with other states allowing attorneys registered in one state to become a member of the bar in another state without taking a bar examination in the new state.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, there are many fine law schools in this country that are not ABA accredited. Additionally, many ABA accredited schools do not offer night time or part time classes. Finally, there are many more applicants that spaces available in ABA accredited schools, forcing many good students to attend other schools. Therefore, accreditation should not be your only criteria in choosing a law school or in deceiding whether or not to hire a particular law school graduate.

Permission is given to reprint this article providing credit is given to the author, David G. Hallstrom, and a link is listed to Resources For Attorneys the owner of this article. Anyone or any company reprinting this article without giving proper credit and the correct link, is doing so without permission and will be subject to legal action.

David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet directories, including http://www.resourcesforattorneys.com a directory of legal and lifestyle resources.

 

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.

Loving the Law: Handling Stress During Law School

That first semester in law school may be the most difficult time you will ever face in life. Trying to get used to the huge workload, the unusual classes, and the new environment is always hard on students, and the prospect that you're stuck here for the next three years doesn't help.

Talk to Older Students

One of the best things you can do for yourself is talk to older students. Get their opinions and advice on classes, teachers, and stress. They have been where you are and can be an important fountain of wisdom when the going gets tough.

Ask For Help

Never be afraid to ask for help in law school. If you are facing problems in your classes or have personal issues that are affecting your performance, go ahead and ask for help. Waiting until it's too late is a mistake that too many students make due to pride.

Be Realistic

Remember that unless you really want to specialize in some areas or work for certain sections of the government, you don't need to be the top person in your class. In fact, all you really have to do is graduate, though it would be ideal to be in the top fifty percent of your class.

Study with Friends

Study groups are a fun source of amusement in law school. Since you really have to keep studying as much as possible, you can always take a short break by studying with friends. Take a picnic or snacks and groups can get together to study and have some fun before the big test.

Find a Great Internship

When it comes to finding your internship or externship, be sure that you find something that truly interests you. After all your hard work in classes, you deserve to do something that you enjoy. Start early and find something that really fits in with your career goals and dreams. What to Remember

When you're stressed out in law school, particularly during your first year, remember these things:

Talk to Older Students

You can ask for help.

Be realistic.

Study with friends.

Find a great internship.

Amber Smith is a feature writer for CareersandEducation.com. Review more of her work and read about using a Career learning center and explore her thoughts on online degree programs and online colleges.

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

What To Consider Before Deciding To Go To Law School

Consideration #1: Do I Really Want To Be A Lawyer?

When you're considering applying to law school, the first thing you should ask yourself is if you really, truly want to be a lawyer. There used to be a time when law school was a great default option for people who weren't sure about what they wanted to do, but knew they wanted financial security. Maybe it's because this idea has gained so much currency, but the truth is that now a law degree does not automatically equal a high-paying job right out of school. Of course, if you are able to get into one of the top law schools, there will always be a job waiting for you. For those who are not as lucky, however, a fearless look at why you're considering applying to law school is your best course of action. If you truly love the law, by all means, go ahead and apply, but know that the job market for new lawyers is tougher than ever before.

Consideration #2: What Type Of Law Do I Want To Practice?

So, you've determined that you're not just applying because you can't think of something else to do. Then you might already know the answer to the question of what type of law you would like to go into one day. If you don't know, before you apply is the time to start mulling it over. Environmental law or corporate contracts? Real estate or intellectual property? There are many specializations for you to pursue, and some schools are more focused on your area of choice than others are.

Consideration #3: Who's On The Faculty?

Check out the faculty of the schools you're considering. This consideration goes hand in hand with consideration #2. If you are a true lover of the law, then you probably have a wish list of legal rock stars you'd love to learn from. Look into the biographies of the various professors of schools you're considering and make sure you'll be able to take classes with the ones you find fascinating.

Consideration #4: Where Do I Want To Live When I Am Practicing Law?

You might not know where you want to live once you get out of law school. This is also worth some thought for a couple of reasons. First, if you study in the state you'd eventually like to practice in, you'll have an easier time passing the bar. Secondly, think about the job market. If you go to a school that's well-known in a certain area, you'll be a more attractive job candidate than if you take that degree on the road and have to explain its merits to people in a faraway city who are less familiar with the strengths of your law school.

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.

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.