By Allen Mendenhall, Associate Dean, Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law
When you’re visiting law schools, remember to ask questions about the faculty and class size. Law school is more than just classrooms and libraries: It’s your home for three years, and you’ll be connected to your law school throughout your professional life.
To make sure you’re choosing the institution that’s right for you, be sure to ask these less common but crucial questions during your visit.
Here are 4 Questions you may not think to ask when visiting law schools
#1 Does the law school offer scholarships after the first year?
Most law schools consider all new students for merit-based scholarships based on their LSAT scores, undergraduate GPAs, and other criteria such as demonstrated leadership and service. During your visit to a law school, admissions professionals will probably tell you about their merit-based scholarships and the amount you might expect to receive as an incoming student. But in most cases, those awards are guaranteed only for the first year of law school—so it’s important to ask whether similar scholarships are also available for the second and third year. At Faulkner Law, for instance, we review each student’s record at the end of the academic year to determine scholarship eligibility for the following year.
#2 How does the law school help students secure internships or employment?
Getting into law school is an important achievement, but most people expect it to be just one more step on the path to securing the job they want. Having a J.D. after your name, however, doesn’t automatically open doors to employment; most law students secure internships while in school and rely on their law school’s career services to help them network and find employment.
At Faulkner Law, we place more than 200 students in internships every year. Our post-graduate employment rate is close to 90 percent and trending upward, and our employment rate for JD-required positions is 70 percent.
#3 What’s it like to live here?
Most law students hope to enjoy cultural attractions, a vibrant restaurant scene, and a safe and friendly environment outside of school. Find out about the culture and community near the law school you’re considering. Consider what forms of entertainment will be available to you during the next three years when you’re not attending class or studying.
At Faulkner Law, we want our students to succeed, not just professionally but also personally and spiritually. The River Region is vibrant, and the revitalized downtown in Montgomery features several restaurants, minor-league baseball, parks, concerts, museums, historic landmarks, and tourist attractions. Many students relocate here to attend law school and then choose to make Montgomery their permanent home.
#4 What is the law school’s vision for the future?
Law school is a choice for life, not just for three years. Faulkner Law equips students to become competent, reliable attorneys with a passion for learning and service. Our graduates dedicate their careers to solving problems, representing clients with vigor and diligence, improving lives and institutions, and cultivating an ethic of candor, civility, integrity, and professionalism.
Learn More About Faulkner Law in Montgomery, Alabama
Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law is a small, Christian law school in Montgomery, Alabama that provides its students with a rigorous curriculum and hands-on experience. Faulkner Law seeks students who will not only succeed academically but also use their training to seek justice and serve their communities – wherever that may be. Contact Faulkner Law today at (334) 386-7910.Posted in: Adult Ed News, Alumni, Biblical Studies, Blog, Current Student News, Faulkner News, Graduate News, Law News, Online News, Uncategorized, Undergraduate News, Uploads