Does it matter where you work before law school Forum

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jperumal

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Does it matter where you work before law school

Post by jperumal » Mon Dec 04, 2017 11:32 pm

I currently work in federal consulting for a great defense contractor (been in this role for around 2.5 years). I earn a great salary but the job is simply not challenging, which is fine and is why I am applying to law school next year. I am planning on taking the june lsat, but have been offered another really awesome job for the federal government which would start in February of 2018. My question is: would it look better applying as a analyst from the government versus as a contractor? Does that matter? The federal job is also paying way less which may not necessarily matter because I plan to go to law school anyways. I really need to decide and could use any advice!

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UVA2B

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Re: Does it matter where you work before law school

Post by UVA2B » Mon Dec 04, 2017 11:37 pm

First piece of advice: don't make three threads on the same subject.

Next, the nature of your work experience almost never makes a difference in admissions for law school unless it's truly exceptional. It'll be a positive that you have work experience though. So if the federal analyst position sounds interesting to you, go for it and have a blast. Law school isn't going anywhere. You can apply when you feel ready to make the jump to law school

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notDINGBAT

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Re: Does it matter where you work before law school

Post by notDINGBAT » Wed Dec 13, 2017 10:39 pm

a job that instantly conveys qualification can give you a very small boost in the job hunt too.

But it needs to be something recognizable - ibank, political staffer, etc. And it won't make up for lack of grades. Both applying for law school and applying for biglaw starts with the straightforward numbers - everything else is a tie-breaker

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totesTheGoat

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Re: Does it matter where you work before law school

Post by totesTheGoat » Thu Dec 14, 2017 11:26 am

jperumal wrote: My question is: would it look better applying as a analyst from the government versus as a contractor? Does that matter?
I doubt it matters for admissions. For job prospects? It doesn't matter unless you're getting into an area of law where being an "analyst" would be a benefit to your employer. I have no idea what kind of law that would be, if such an area exists. Really, the only time your pre-law job matters is 1) when you go into a related area of law; and 2)showing that you've had a "real" job can sometimes put you above other candidates that have stints at Starbucks and Target on their resume, but it's really hit or miss.

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