<p>I graduated last year from a top 50 liberal arts school. I graduated and really had no idea what I wanted to do, I got wrapped up in a couple businesses and other things. But, I realized real estate would be a great place for me to go. I would love to get into the commercial development part of real estate law. </p>
<p>the problem is I didn't realize I wanted to go to law school till really late. I prepared for the LSAT for one month, obviously didn't do too well. I am going to see if I can get into the schools I applied to, but I don't think I am going to get into the one I want to go to. </p>
<p>So here is my plan:
1) Hopefully get in the school my choice: Case western reserve. I am in Cleveland, and would like to get into real estate here someday.
2) Don't get into the schools and work for a year doing whatever, prepare for the test, and apply again. </p>
<p>My questions: Does it matter what kind of work I do in the next year? I could get a job working for my uncle's business, it isn't anything special, but it is not related to real estate or law in any way.</p>
<p>And what is the best direction to get into real estate law? Should I go to a real estate law firm or work for a developer? </p>
<p>I know there isn't any one answer to these types of questions, I am just looking for different opinions on what everyone thinks.</p>
<p>I would try to find work that actually relates to your future desired profession -- in other words, a real estate firm or developer. </p>
<p>Doing so should help build needed contacts, and if nothing else will give you further insight into your future planned career.</p>
<p>Stbomb: If you can get into Case Western, great. But if not, consider your alternatives.</p>
<p>If I were you I would get the names of some local attorneys who practice in real estate law. Get a selection - maybe one who works for a developer, one who works in a larger law firm, and one who works in a smaller firm. Ask them about the prospects for getting a job with a law degreee from each one of the area's law schools. Unless you are aiming at working on very complex real estate deals - the kind that involve hundreds of millions of dollars or more - I would bet that you will be considered a well qualified applicant for your first attorney's position with a degree from any reasonably good law school in the general area, even if it's not CWR, especially if you have some working experience in the field. So look at your acceptances - you might not have to retake the LSAT at all.</p>
<p>On the other point, I don't think it matters which way you start; any job in the field will give you exposure to the field in geneal and to at least one of the options for working in it, as well as some contacts. The contacts are extremely valuable for the future.</p>