You’ve decided to go to law school; given law entrance exam; but how do you pick the right school for you? Not all law schools are the same. Yes, they all will get you your law degree, but different law schools have different characteristics. Choosing a law school involves lot of research and introspection, but the question is – WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHILE CHOOSING LAW SCHOOL?
WHERE TO LOOK FOR INFORMATION?
The first task that you have to do is RESEARCH. In case you have some particular schools in mind, start your search by gathering the information available on their website.
And if you don’t, then do thorough research about all the law colleges in India. But where to get the information on these colleges?
Websites: there are many websites which will provide you with the information that you are looking for. From location to fees, education system and student reviews, you can find everything here.
Here are some useful links to refer to:
The Bar Council of India: http://www.barcouncilofindia.org/about/legal-education/national-law-universities-2/
Careers 360: https://law.careers360.com/colleges/ranking
College Dekho: https://www.collegedekho.com/law-humanities/law-colleges-in-india/
College Dunia: https://collegedunia.com/law-colleges
Friends and acquittances who have gone to law school: Who better to talk to than the ones who have had a first-hand experience right? Try talking to your friends and acquaintances who have been to law school or are attending law school. Since they’ve gone through this process, they’ll give you the best advice!
Print media: Newspapers and magazines can also be your source. Magazines like India Today and Higher Education Digest, along with newspapers like The Times of India and Hindustan Times can provide you with the insights needed to choose a law school.
Now that you have the resources, lets look at some important consideration that you need to keep in mind while choosing your future law school.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHILE CHOOSING LAW SCHOOL
Location
Location has a large influence on your entire law school experience. As a law student you will get involved in the community through legal-aid clinics and will also get a chance to build connections with many people involved in legal field, which in turn will help you secure a job after law school.
Oh, and you will spend the next few years of your life in this Law school campus, and so, also think about the hangout spots available near the Law school, for in case there aren’t any, you might end up sending double the amount than needed, just for travelling.
Until and unless you are going into any of the top 10 law schools in the country, location will always remain an essential factor. Otherwise, the closer you stay to home, the better.
Costs
You must have heard the saying that a penny saved is a penny earned and it is a known fact that law school is a hefty investment. You’ll have to pay for tuition fees, books, travelling, hostel room (if needed), and many other things. You need to decide how much money you are willing to spend on all of these. And no, you don’t have to cut corners on necessary expenses, but where ever possible, try to avoid unnecessary expenditure.
Curriculum
Before choosing your law school, don’t forget to look at the Course Curriculum Structure, this is to be done in order to ensure that the school meets the current education standards. Look at the options given for elective subjects to find out if they are of your interest or not. Further, this will also ensure that the curriculum is complying with the rules of legal education which has been prescribed by the Bar Council of India.
Placements
A good law school makes efforts to make its students and graduates understand the career options available and also helps them find satisfying jobs. Find out about the previous years’ recruitment and the success rate of each placement drive. Also look for other information from the school – what percentage of graduates are gainfully employed after about a year of graduation? Where do these alumni work and what kind of positions did, they secure?
Administration and Support Services
How long does it take for grievances to be resolved in the school? Does the school spend enough on student welfare and other activities? Are students punished for every minor mistake or are they given a second chance? Is there a counsellor available at the campus?
All these questions are worth investigating before you decide on which school you want to join. And if you want to why, the answer is simple – for the time you spend in law school, there comes a time when students and administration comes face to face and disagree on a certain issue.
In such a situation, does the administration try to mediate their way out or are the students punished for such disagreement? Find out before making a choice.
Student Organizations
Another thing which you might want to consider is about the student groups at the school. These groups are invaluable when it comes to making friends, network and in gaining exposure. They can also give you practical experience, as you as a member of these groups/clubs will help in coordinating events and running the organization. (You can add these experiences in your resume too.)
Look for if the college has a Moot Club, Student Association, Legal Aid Cell, Art Society, Sports and Event Forums, etc.
This list in not exhaustive. These are some things which you should consider, among many other things before you decide on a law school.
Remember to make your choices on your own and do not base them on shiny buildings or advertisement that you see. Do your research and look for all the available options. List out all the pros and cons that a school has to offer and DO NOT RUSH while making you decision.
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