Top Law Schools

I am finishing my EE undergrad mid-August and then will go straight to law school (with the possibility of a few weeks of break, depending on where I end up going). My question is: is it worth it to take the patent bar as a 1L? I can more than likely be done studying for it before I even enter law school, but my transcript/diploma wouldn't come in until a month or so after I enter law school.

By "as a 1L" you are talking during the time between August and May of your first year?

Take it as early as possible. I've heard that employers like it when you've been a member of the bar association for a longer period of time.

pricon wrote:By "as a 1L" you are talking during the time between August and May of your first year?

yes. Closer to August than to May.

I'd sign up now with an eye to take it end of your first semester, or something (give yourself a week to refresh; you have to pick a date 3 months out after you're approved to take it). Employers do like early reg numbers, though I don't know that it would actually substantially affect your application one way or another unless (1) you end up actually using your reg no. in a clinic or something during law school (which would be seen as a cool add to your experience) or (2) you don't take any classes that show that you have an interest in patent law, in which case getting a reg no. early can show your consistent commitment to the field. The latter of which is probably particularly helpful for a 1L SA.

OP hasn't even said if he's interested in patent pros, patent lit, general lit, or basketweaving law... why is everyone full steam on the take-the-patent-bar train?

If you're interested in patent pros, definitely take the patent bar, although think of it more as a small plus to your resume in 'tie-break' situations for two otherwise similarly qualified applicants. A reg # won't fix bad 1L grades or bad interviewing.

For patent lit, I wouldn't spend any time as a 1L studying for the patent bar. That time is better spent on 1L grades and networking.