Law School Discussion

Just received provisional accredidation after 2 years of operation. Growing school in a big-time, growing city.

www.charlottelaw.org

I heard from Akron Law and they offered a full-tuition scholarship, with a 2.3 gpa requirement.

Debt is a top priority for me. I'm only 21, I don't have an income, and I'm putting myself through school without any help from the parents. At your average law school, I'll probably end up borrowing $80-90k.

However, I drove up to Akron, Ohio, and while I really find Akron an adorable city, I just don't see myself practicing law in the area, and being a T3 school, my options will probably be limited to Ohio. The economy is stagnant, and more importantly, it isn't a very appealing place to me. Ohio is not very diverse, and that's a concern of mine. Plus it won't be suitable for my family because it's so "out there".

The alternatives are other T3 schools who didn't offer money, but are in bigger and more diverse cities/states...such Houston and Charlotte...where I would love to practice.

Is it smart to take the free T3 law degree in Akron and try to find a job in Charlotte or Houston (or elsewhere)? Or is it better to bite the bullet and go $90k in debt, and go to a T3 school in the city I want to practice in, like a Houston?

This is for Fall 2008.

I just took the LSAT in December, but I won't be getting in anywhere with my score. I want schools to consider my February score. (Schools that I'm applying to take your highest score). I have all my transcripts sent into LSAC and I'm working on the Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation.

So if I want them to see my February LSAT score with my application, when should I hit submit?

I haven't found much discussion on this topic...

Has anybody considered going to another country after law school? Not just England/France, etc, but countries like Pakistan, India or Indonesia? What would it take to become a practicing lawyer in a country such as that? Should I even waste my money by going to a law school here in the US?

I've become convinced lately that there are some qualities I have which will prevent me from reaching my full potential as a lawyer. I’ve noted that in school, work and my daily life, I occasionally avoid saying some things that some people might find offending in a simple conversation about politics, the news, religion, or whatever. In other words, sometimes I avoid trying to get under people’s skin.

Sure, getting under people’s skin on a constant basis is extreme – that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the fact that sometimes you do have to get under somebody’s skin. Sometimes you will HAVE to speak up for yourself if you want to be heard! Sometimes you have to kick a little ass to get somewhere...even more so in the world of law.

I’m afraid that this concept of avoidance is eventually going to bite me in the ass later in life. I know I can't be the only one with this problem. I’m pretty sure the way I was raised has a lot to do with the way I am. I've generally been shy in my life, but I've certainly made great strides since college to become more open, my professors regularly comment on what  agood speaker I am, etc..

I suppose I need to start becoming a little more selfish and start pondering over what I want and need, and stop thinking so much over what everybody else needs...to a limit, of course.
 
What advice could LSD give to this failed child??