There are so many jobs for people who hold a degree from one of the Washington DC law colleges. From civil law to criminal litigation to business negotiations, lawyers are in high demand. Law schools generally accept students who hold a Bachelor's degree in any major, but they prefer students who majored in business, political science or something similar during their undergraduate years.
Different Washington DC law universities have different requirements, but being the best student you can be will only help your chances. Remember to research each school's admission requirements before applying.
1. Look into attending a public Washington DC law school. These schools are bustling with life and social opportunities.
2. See if perhaps private Washington DC law schools are right for you. These schools cost a bit more but the quality of education is known for being of the highest quality.
3. Find ABA law schools in Washington DC. Attending an American Bar Association accredited school ensures that you'll be eligible to sit for the Bar Exam.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Check the public DC school of law
Public schools can be just as good as private schools, but for a fraction of the cost. They have large student bodies and foster a feeling of community. The opportunities for networking are great, and after you graduate, you'll be glad you made those contacts.
I recommend: Get an overview of the J.D. program at the
University of District of Columbia, then
apply in the Spring for the Fall semester. The University of DC law school is the only public law school located in DC.
Consider attending one of the private law colleges in Washington DC
Private schools may cost more but each has its own advantages. For example, some colleges use rolling admissions (and thus, no application deadlines) and offer part-time classes as well as full-time schedules.
I recommend: Check out the study abroad programs available from
American University. Enhance your J.D. with the other programs available at the prestigious
Georgetown Law. Apply for an early decision scholarship at
George Washington University.
Find reputable and ABA law schools in Washington DC
The American Bar Association (ABA) approves schools that offer a proper law education, and guarantees that the student can sit for the Bar Exam upon graduation. Laws vary from state to state, but going to an accredited school is a good idea no matter what. Also, checking out the rankings of different schools can help you choose a better school.
I recommend: Find accredited schools in your area at the
American Bar Association. Find rankings for DC schools on
Top-Law-Schools.com.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Carefully compare law schools in DC before you make a decision to apply to one. You'll want to find the school that's right for you; some schools may offer law programs that don't appeal to you. Also, consider the professors' experience before deciding.
The official source of Washington DC Law Schools is
the Washington DC Law Schools page at Business.com
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