Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law

Graduate School Law School
1

<p>I'm planning to complete my undergraduate studies at SMU, but I want to go to a top law school afterward, such as Stanford, Duke, U of Chicago, or even Harvard, but I think the top schools don't have night law school. After finishing my undergraduate studies, I will have to start working full time, so night school is my only option unless I run into another opportunity.</p>

<p>So, I've been considering a local law school - SMU Dedman School of Law, to do my law degree. I'm aware they have a evening law school, which would be a great fit for someone like me working full time. However, I don't know how much influence the law school has nationally, as it seems that it's very "Dallas-centric." Approximately 1/3 of the top lawyers in Dallas are Dedman graduates, so you can imagine the amount of alumni support you get having graduated from SMU Dedman.</p>

<p>As some of you are aware, I'm wanting to practice IP/patent law, but I don't know how the level of IP/patent law 'work' that is available in Dallas as compared to other regions.</p>

<p>Anyone else have any experience with this law school and/or its graduates?</p>

2

<p>SMU Law School is VERY Dallas-centric, but is very highly regarded there. As you pointed out, there is a strong alumni network. There are also many large firms with strong IP practices. I practiced in Dallas for many years and hired IP counsel on numerous occasions to represent the companies for which I was General Counsel. Your plan sounds like a good one.</p>

3

<p>Thanks, Mom for your response.</p>

<p>Do you think there's an issue with acquiring all my degrees (B.S. in CS, B.S. Mathematics, J.D.) from the same university?</p>

4

<p>No- the networking will serve you well, and in this economy the need to go to a night program is easily understandable.</p>