5 Things Black Prospective Law Students Should Consider

Posted on by

OBABL Year In Review: The Year’s Most Popular Stories

law-school-chart001US News & World Reports released its law school rankings earlier this week, and OBABL would like to weigh in. We often hear that black perspective law students rely on US News when choosing which law school to attend. This is a HUGE mistake. Frankly, it’s a mistake for all students, but it is especially damning for future black lawyers. To begin with, many of the things that US News takes into account are anachronistic. What does it matter how many volumes are in the law school library when research is increasingly done online. A whopping 40% of the ranking score is based on the subjective measure of a law school’s reputation. Perhaps something could be gained from a reporting of the number of judges, general counsel, and biglaw partners hailing from particular law schools since it is reasonable to assume that these distinguished alumni would favor graduates of their law schools, but that’s NOT how the figure is calculated. US News takes the “opinion” of people from OTHER law schools. What does a Vermont Law School dean know about Mercer Law School in Macon, Ga? Probably, not much.

The biggest misconception lies in prospective law students’ belief that a direct correlation exists between a graduate’s law school rank and her first job’s salary and prestige. With few exceptions, this is not the case. Many T-14 graduates find themselves unemployed or in low-paying legal jobs following law school. There are few jobs more prestigious than a federal appeals court clerkship, and according to Law Clerk Addict, a graduate of the perennially fourth tier Southern University Law School clerked for a 5th Circuit judge last year. Only two employers are obsessed with law school rankings—the largest 250 (out of over 40,000) law firms and law school faculty, which, as you can see from OBABL’s pie chart, make up a very small fraction of legal jobs.

Here are the five things black prospective law students SHOULD consider when deciding on a law school.

1. The financial cost to you – This is the single most important factor to weigh before deciding on a law school. We’ve reported here on studies showing that minorities have more law school debt than their while peers. This is debt that can’t be extinguished in a bankruptcy and could call your bar into question, so take it seriously. Now how you should factor the cost will vary depending on where the money is coming from. If no law school is offering you a scholarship, the cost analysis is as simple as calculating the tuition and living expenses. Schools offering scholarships should be given added consideration because those institutions are showing you the love and are likely to look out for you more once you’re there. They are also betting on you to be successful there. Schools not offering you money are placing their bets elsewhere.

2. Size and influence of the law school’s black alumni – Identity politics are alive and well in ever corner of this nation. People tend to gravitate and bond with people they identify with, which is more often than not people who look like them. Chances are your most effective networking will be with BLSA alumni. If that network is small or nonexistent, you’re on your own, kid.

3. BLSA size and involvement level – Students are always anxious to find mentors and build relationships with people they admire. Overtime one comes to understand that your strongest relationships are usually with your peers. One of a law school’s greatest assets is its student body. Your greatest asset then is the BLSA student body. (See #2 for more explanation).

4. Black faculty to black law student ratio – We hate to harp on this identify politics thing, but it’s real, people. Law students need faculty for guidance, as well as, job leads, research advice, letters of recommendation, and campus fellowships. Black faculty members do the best they can to help everyone who needs it, but there are a finite number of waking hours in a day, and with teaching, publishing, and committee commitments, they are often over extended. If in a crunch something has to give, that something will likely be you.

5. Graduate employment rate of black students – this factor would’ve been higher on our list if there was any real way to verify this figure. As we stated earlier, the number reported are a bit unreliable. We do suggest getting in touch with the BLSA chapters at schools you’re considering. They will have a general sense of how the job market is shaking out for their community. Besides, if you’ve followed the advice laid out in 1 thru 4, you’re already ahead of the game.

Comments

Powered by Facebook Comments

183 thoughts on “5 Things Black Prospective Law Students Should Consider”

  1. Hi, i feel that i noticed you visited my internet site thus i came to °ßgo back the favor°®.I am attempting to to discover points to improve my website!I suppose its adequate to use some of your tips!!

  2. I think that is among the so much vital info for me. And i am happy studying your article. But should statement on few common things, The web site style is ideal, the articles is actually excellent : D. Good job, cheers

  3. Pingback: Just Some Thoughts on My Site

  4. Pingback: gurtredlop

  5. I’ve been browsing on-line more than three hours as of late, but I by no means discovered any fascinating article like yours. It¡¦s beautiful price enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made excellent content as you did, the internet might be much more useful than ever before.

  6. With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My site has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any techniques to help prevent content from being ripped off? I’d certainly appreciate it.

  7. Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is wonderful, as well as the content!. Thanks For Your article about 5 Things Black Prospective Law Students Should Consider | On Being A Black Lawyer .

  8. I’m not sure why but this website is loading very slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.|

  9. Hey there fantastic website! Does running a blog like this take a great deal of work? I’ve virtually no understanding of programming however I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future. Anyway, should you have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic nevertheless I just needed to ask. Thanks!

  11. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will come back later on. I want to encourage you to definitely continue your great writing, have a nice afternoon!

  13. I am no longer certain where you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time studying more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.

  14. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s difficult to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and visual appearance. I must say you’ve done a excellent job with this. Additionally, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Chrome. Exceptional Blog!

  17. My partner and I stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking over your web page again.

  18. Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads up fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  19. Hiya very nice web site!! Guy .. Excellent .. Superb .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally¡KI am happy to search out numerous helpful information here within the put up, we need develop more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  20. Thank you for some other informative site. Where else may just I am getting that kind of information written in such a perfect means? I’ve a undertaking that I’m just now operating on, and I have been at the look out for such information.

  21. Just launched a new non-partisan collaborative blog covering Irish politics called teaandtoast.ie

  22. The Zune concentrates on being a Portable Media Player. Not a web browser. Not a game machine. Maybe in the future it’ll do even better in those areas, but for now it’s a fantastic way to organize and listen to your music and videos, and is without peer in that regard. The iPod’s strengths are its web browsing and apps. If those sound more compelling, perhaps it is your best choice.

  24. Between me and my husband we’ve owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.

  25. You generated some decent points there. I looked on the web for that challenge and discovered many people will go coupled with with all your website.

  26. Thanks for some other excellent post. Where else may anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect method of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such info.

  28. Amazing blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog shine. Please let me know where you got your design. Bless you

  29. I’m curious to find out what blog platform you have been using? I’m having some small security problems with my latest website and I would like to find something more safe. Do you have any suggestions?

  30. Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, very good site!

  32. Thanks for your write-up. What I want to say is that when you are evaluating a good internet electronics store, look for a website with total information on critical factors such as the personal privacy statement, safety measures details, payment guidelines, and other terms and also policies. Often take time to read the help plus FAQ segments to get a far better idea of how a shop will work, what they can do for you, and the way you can make the most of the features.

  33. I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this info for my mission.

  34. Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is wonderful, as well as the content!. Thanks For Your article about 5 Things Black Prospective Law Students Should Consider | On Being A Black Lawyer .

  35. Between me and my husband we’ve owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.

  36. Hands down, Apple’s app store wins by a mile. It’s a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I’m not sure I’d want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case.

  37. Hrmm that was weird, my comment got eaten. Anyway I desired to say that it’s great to understand that someone else also mentioned this as I had trouble finding the same info elsewhere. This was the very first location that told me the answer. Thanks.

  38. A powerful share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing a bit of evaluation on this. And he in reality purchased me breakfast because I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love studying more on this topic. If doable, as you change into expertise, would you mind updating your weblog with extra details? It’s extremely helpful for me. Massive thumb up for this blog put up!

  39. I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  41. Wow, wonderful blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is magnificent, as well as the content!. Thanks For Your article about 5 Things Black Prospective Law Students Should Consider | On Being A Black Lawyer .

  42. Just wish to say your write-up is as astonishing. The clarity inside your post is just fantastic and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine along with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please maintain up the rewarding function.

  43. I’ll gear this review to 2 types of people: current Zune owners who are considering an upgrade, and people trying to decide between a Zune and an iPod. (There are other players worth considering out there, like the Sony Walkman X, but I hope this gives you enough info to make an informed decision of the Zune vs players other than the iPod line as well.)

  47. I¡¦ve recently started a site, the information you provide on this site has helped me tremendously. Thanks for all of your time & work.

  48. sir I want you to tips me on the best way to send the 50 kilos in the gold to you by DHL or FEDEX. Sir right this moment the 50 kilos is with me , your urgent reply is extremely essential, I desire to make use of the money with the gold to additional my education, my father said that he’ll not spend my

  49. Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after looking at a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly delighted I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!

  50. Intriguing internet site, i read it but i still have several questions. shoot me an e-mail and we will talk a lot more becasue i may have an intriguing thought for you.

  51. An inept piece of data. Thanks for this site. Have you heard the points that I explain on the Hoodia Gordonii plus site? Some very good information there

  52. If you’re still on the fence: grab your favorite earphones, head down to a Best Buy and ask to plug them into a Zune then an iPod and see which one sounds better to you, and which interface makes you smile more. Then you’ll know which is right for you.

  53. Pingback: auto experience online

  55. ok, ok, this is my comment, go away, don`t drink while driving. Viagra pharma ftw, cazino games are the best, watch out for jailbait porn have fun on blonde chick.

  56. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

  59. Good info and right to the point. I don’t know if this is really the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thanks :)

  61. You could definitely see your skills in the paintings you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. At all times follow your heart.

  62. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already ;) Cheers!

  63. I precisely desired to thank you very much yet again. I’m not certain the things I would have carried out in the absence of the entire points contributed by you on such a industry. Previously it was an absolute distressing issue for me, but noticing this specialized fashion you resolved that forced me to jump with fulfillment. Now i’m happier for your information and in addition believe you really know what a great job you have been undertaking instructing men and women with the aid of your website. Probably you haven’t got to know any of us.

  64. I like this website very much, Its a real nice office to read and obtain info . “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” by John Andrew Holmes.

  65. I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website :) .

  66. whoah this blog is excellent i really like reading your posts. Stay up the great work! You already know, a lot of persons are looking round for this info, you can aid them greatly.

  67. Very good written post. It will be supportive to everyone who employess it, as well as me. Keep up the good work – can’r wait to read more posts.

  68. Pingback: check it out

  69. Pingback: visit our website

  71. Fantastic beat ! I would like to apprentice at the same time as you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a weblog web site? The account aided me a appropriate deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided vivid transparent idea

  72. Pingback: livesex

  73. Pingback: ch salsa

  74. Pingback: scn number

  75. Pingback: chat mit girl

  76. Pingback: webblog

  77. Pingback: real estate

  78. Pingback: cam sex

  79. Pingback: Boost Your Bust

  80. Pingback: Grand Canyon Beersheba

  81. Pingback: Lloyd Irvin Rape

  82. Pingback: download

  83. Pingback: web hosting

  84. Pingback: ????????

  85. Pingback: paintless dent repair training

  86. Pingback: anvelope ploiesti

  87. Pingback: wedding dresses

  88. Pingback: furniture

  89. Pingback: This Is My Video Shisha Pen

  90. Pingback: new business ideas

  91. Pingback: small business ideas for women

  92. Pingback: youtube penis pump

  93. Pingback: site

  94. Pingback: nice

  95. Pingback: strategy

  96. Pingback: Marka plotso

  97. Pingback: Lloyd Irvin Rape

  98. Pingback: website

  99. Pingback: l&m cigarettes

  100. Pingback: programmi tv stasera

  101. Pingback: blade and soul gold

  102. Pingback: cheap background check

  103. Pingback: how to hack password on facebook

  104. Pingback: füssen

  105. Pingback: the last of us ign

  106. Pingback: personal trainers in orlando fl

  107. Pingback: Larry Weltman

  108. Pingback: jupiter water ionizers

  109. Pingback: Pros and Cons of Auctions

  110. Pingback: have a peek here

  111. Pingback: see it here

  112. Pingback: fitness trainer winnipeg

  113. Pingback: Information about Michael Fehlings

  114. Pingback: Study about MichaelFehlings

  115. Pingback: how to have a bigger buttocks

  116. Pingback: free premium account

  117. Pingback: Keyless remotes

  118. Pingback: remortgage deals

  119. Pingback: porno haber

  120. Pingback: düğün fotoğrafçısı

  121. Pingback: guaranteed car finance

  122. Pingback: HRM

  123. Pingback: reason

  124. Pingback: Autoapprove List

  125. Pingback: you dont know

  126. Pingback: online gamesite

  127. Pingback: Laurette Buchauer

  128. Pingback: URL

  129. Pingback: list of bank identification numbers

  130. Pingback: smarte produkter

  131. Pingback: come home

  132. Pingback: what is bank identification number

  133. Pingback: click here

  134. Pingback: Clik Hee

  135. Pingback: www.paintlessdentrepaironline.com

  136. Pingback: issuer identification number lookup

  137. Pingback: SEO Toronto

  138. Pingback: {Best Here

  139. Pingback: Goto here

  140. Pingback: Healt

  141. Pingback: here

  142. Pingback: Like this

  143. Pingback: SEO Services

  144. Pingback: düğün hikayesi fotoğrafçısı

  145. Pingback: kuntz

  146. Pingback: http://jackieleunglee.blogspot.com/

  147. Pingback: lg 47lm620t

  148. Pingback: clawson motorsports

  149. Pingback: buy zynga poker chips

  150. Pingback: click to read more

  151. Pingback: product review

  152. Pingback: Patio furniture sets

  153. Pingback: we buy junk cars west palm beach

  154. Pingback: Mirena Lawyer

  155. Pingback: bounce house inland empire

  156. Pingback: go here

  157. Pingback: health symptoms

  158. Pingback: food

  159. Pingback: business opportunity

  160. Pingback: Rösligarten

  161. Pingback: öz lida

  162. Pingback: lidasız lida

  163. Pingback: WAYS TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE

  164. Pingback: www.allprorestores.com

  165. Pingback: headlines

  166. Pingback: lWshfbkV

  167. Pingback: mfPchNHB

  168. Pingback: Louis Vuitton Outlet

  169. Pingback: line of credit

  170. Pingback: trabalho em casa

  171. Pingback: Locksmith Oklahoma City

  172. Pingback: carcasa iphone 4

  173. Pingback: coach outlet

  174. Pingback: Amsterdam Travel Guide

  175. Pingback: Pagan supplies

  176. Pingback: mieszkania gorzow

  177. Pingback: cerrajeros en zaragoza

  178. Pingback: that site

  179. Pingback: view map

  180. Pingback: ルイヴィトン

  181. Pingback: Property management Falmouth

  182. Pingback: http://stevekarsch.com

  183. Pingback: liberty reserve adder 2013

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>