Not Interested in Big Law?

Right School, Right Price

Students start thinking seriously about the upcoming admissions cycle right now. They’re trying to wrap up the LSAT, plan application materials, and build their school list.

Before you do any of that though, take a step back and ask yourself: What do you actually want to do?

Know What You’re Buying

Law school is not a trophy. It’s an investment.

Different schools lead to different outcomes. Some place their graduates in BigLaw. Some feed local legal markets. Some get you into public service, government work, and regional practices.

None of those paths is inherently better than another.

The important thing is that the school aligns with your goals.

If you want to be a prosecutor in Ohio, your ideal school list should look very different from someone who wants to work in New York BigLaw.

Don’t Pay BigLaw Prices for a Non-BigLaw Career

The listener in this episode is thinking of becoming a prosecutor or criminal defense attorney.

Nathan and Josh had no issue with that goal. They applauded the listener for knowing what they wanted. But they had a warning: don’t take on massive debt for a career that won’t pay it off.

Prosecutors and public defenders earn less than their BigLaw counterparts. That makes scholarship money less of a perk and more of a necessity.

Schools Want Different Things Than You Do

Law schools have their own incentives.

They want strong employment numbers, high rankings, and successful alumni. Sometimes that means encouraging students to pursue career paths that increase the school’s prestige, which usually means placing their students in Big Law. 

But your job is not to maximize the school’s outcomes.

Your job is to maximize your own.

That means choosing a school, scholarship package, and career path that fits the life you actually want to live.

Apply With Leverage

The best admissions outcomes happen when schools compete for you.

Strong LSAT and GPA numbers give you options. Options create leverage. Leverage creates scholarship offers.

That’s why the Demon encourages students to maximize their LSAT score before applying. Every additional point can improve where you’re admitted and what you’ll pay.

The right LSAT will help you attend the right school at the right price. 

Don’t Rush Your Decision

Many applicants focus entirely on getting admitted.

The better question is whether the offer makes sense.

A school can be a great fit and still too expensive. Another school might offer lesser opportunities but also significantly less debt. You have to weigh the tradeoffs. 

And don’t let “prestige” make the decision for you. There’s too much money on the line. 

As you prepare for the upcoming admissions cycle, remember that admission is only half the equation.

Go to the right school at the right price.