BS Mechanical Engineering - Patent Law

Graduate School Law School
1

<p>I will be graduating from the University of Houston Fall - 2011 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Math. (3.12 GPA)</p>

<p>My intention is to continue going to University of Houston (right after Ugraduation)for Law school as they have the nation's best patent programs (which is what I want to pursue)</p>

<p>I have been going over all these forums and generally searching the internet and the horror stories about law school just won't stop.</p>

<p>*Are these complaints highly exaggerated? *</p>

<p>Anyways, </p>

<p>Just to give a little background on me (if it helps). Skip to <a href="**">B</a>* if not interested.</p>

<p>I am 21 years old and have been working with my father (He owns a couple of computer stores) since I was 13. When I was 15, I was setting up networks in residential and corporate sites by myself. So I do know technology and computers. </p>

<p>I decided to go into Mechanical Engineering simply to expand my mind and frankly I was getting a little tired of dealing with computers and electronics. Computers, technology, engineering aside.... I have helped my family with immigration matters (we moved to the U.S. in 2002) for the past 4 years which is how I came to the decision of going to Law School. I loved formulating complicated arguments (with referencing cases) in response to claims made in RFEs.</p>

<p><a href="**">B</a>* --> </p>

<p>Enough of that.</p>

<p>My questions to the experienced users of this forum are...</p>

<p>*How is the job market for IP LAW in the Houston, Texas area? *</p>

<p>University of Houston Law School (T1 Ranked 59th)
University of Texas -Austin ( T1 Ranked 15th)</p>

<p>Would U o H be a better choice since it is ranked top 8th for it's IP Program? (even though UT Austin is ranked much better overall)</p>

<p>And do you think I am making the right decision taking on this venture?</p>

<p>Also when should I take the LSAT examination?</p>

<p>Any advice will be appreciated!</p>

<p>~Thanks</p>

2

<p>If you can get into UT and there is no major cost differential, I would definitely go to UT. Having said that, at least in the past, the major Houston law firms would interview at U of H, but you had to be on law review. The ranking of the school overall is more important than the ranking of a particular area in terms of future employment. If, however, you get a substantial ride at Houston, can live at home, etc., and definitely want to practice in Houston, that would require further consideration.</p>

<p>You are the only one who can decide about your own future, but your abilities with computers and technology present many opportunities as well. As for taking the lsat, you take it when you are totally ready and not one second earlier! I’m not being facetious; you should take a review course this next semester and see what they recommend. Most seniors take the lsat in October, but you might be better off at an earlier date if you are ready. Good luck whatever you do.</p>

3

<p>Patent law is a bit of an exception to the rule in that the prestige of the undergraduate school can be more important than the law degree. I have no idea what the reputation of UH is in mechanical engineering so can’t comment on that.</p>