<p>I've done very well in the law classes my university offers and did well on a practice LSAT, so I'm starting to seriously think about going to law school. The only problem is I'm completely clueless about almost everything related to law school. </p>
<p>I was wondering if anyone here could recommend a good book, website, blog or anything that can teach me: about the admissions process, what happens when you visit a campus (are there open houses/prospective student days like undergrad colleges or is it by appointment only), what the first year curriculum typically includes, what on campus interviewing entails, the different areas to go into after graduation, different types of firms etc. </p>
<p>I've looked through a few blogs and see abbreviations/references to things I've never heard of before. Even on forums like this, undergrads asking questions clearly have some knowledge of what goes on at law school, while I really don't. </p>
<p>Do you need to know exactly what you want to specialize in and what career path you want to pursue when you enter law school? I've read on blogs about people meeting with professors/other students during orientation and talking about what they intend to do - what if you don't know yet? I'm not expecting answers from anyone here, just looking for a book or something that is like law school for dummies.</p>
<p>So I don’t know of any books, but I can answer one of your questions. You don’t need to know what you want to specialize in if you enter law school. The first year is always the same for every law student. After your first year, you get to take courses that you’re more interested in and that would pertain to whichever type of law you’d like to specialize. </p>
<p>I just started reading a bunch of the threads on here and a lot of them are pretty insightful. They do get repetitive and sometimes pointless, but there’s a lot of information here. Also, go to different law school admissions websites and browse around. You’ll be able to see the different courses they offer and learn about what goes on at their law school.</p>
<p>For the average lawyer, the job is nothing like you see on TV. You are not going to be an amazing, intense litigator screaming in court and dramatically yelling “OBJECTION!!” Most lawyers work in solo practice or in small firms that have anywhere from 2-10 attorneys. You will most likely be doing paperwork all the time. This includes drafting contracts, writing demand letters, doing research, reading about the issue, using the law to apply and analyze the issue, filing complaint forms, etc. Basically, it’s an office job. But you will get paid a decent amount. Not the mythical $160,000 a year for an average lawyer. More like $70-80,000 starting salary. Note that is a starting salary. You can break $100,000 after you work a few years and gain some experience. In addition, count on working around 60 hours a week on average. As for going to court for litigation, I would say that could happen as often as once every 2 weeks. Sometimes it doesn’t even get to litigation because usually the case reaches a settlement and there’s nothing to fight for.</p>
<p>Prepare to be hated and treated like the scum of the earth. Everybody, except your client, is going to hate you because everyone perceives lawyers as leeches and vampires. You will be treated coldy by the Judge in court, the opposing attorney you’re up against will do all means to demean you, and the jury will think you are a piece of trash. But at least your client will love you. Such is the reality of being an attorney.</p>
<p>So in short, you’ll be doing a lot of paper work and boring office work. Also you’ll be working quite a lot. But being a lawyer can be quite rewarding if you enjoy the field of law and if your intentions are really to help bring justice to people’s lives. Don’t focus too much on the money. As long as you do your job well, you’ll be paid well. But don’t expect crazy $200,000 starting salary either you know?</p>
<p>Now if you are attending Harvard, Stanford, Duke and are in the top 10% of your class, well you can disregard this message cause you will probably make that $160,000 starting salary, but working 80 hours a week.</p>
<p>Start off by looking at [LSAC.org</a> Homepage](<a href=“http://www.lsac.org%5DLSAC.org”>http://www.lsac.org). It is the website of the law school admissions council and has a lot of information. Then see if your college has a pre-law advisor. Most do. Go talk to him or her. You might also want to take a look at the website of a few law schools. They often have a lot of background information. </p>
<p>For getting into a top law school, read How to Get Into a Top Law School by Montauk & Klein. Anna Ivey also has a good book.</p>