Things to Consider When Choosing a Law School

When deciding what to study and where to study, the same questions you asked should also be asked when you are considering what law school to attend. There are several things to account for, including location, cost, and the community.

Sabrina Re and her Coast Guard husband are from the east coast but moved to the Bay Area a few years ago when Re started looking for a law school.

"We moved here because of him, but I chose Golden Gate because of how military-friendly they are," she said.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Re noticed the school's participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program because she wanted a school that was understanding and would help her optimize our benefits. GGU also offers grants for military family members and veterans who may have exhausted their GI Bill® benefits.

Student Organizations

"Law school is not meant to be fun, so it's important that you have a school that has lots of activities through their student body and is helpful to other students," Re said.

Student organizations can help with general career advice or even specific questions like when should I start looking for a legal job? Re said she has had success with connections to alumni who have similar interests. GGU does a great job connecting students and alumni to broaden opportunities and increase networking.

Networking

At some point during law school, you'll figure out what area you want to specialize in, and GGU does a wonderful job of helping students find their path at the career center.

"They make a tremendous effort to help you find an internship set you up with all their connections. All the people that work at GGU I feel like have a lot of connections, and they're willing to share it with you," Re said.

Specialty Programs & Clinics

When you graduate with a law degree, you don't have a specialty, but GGU offers programs like privacy law and intellectual property. These programs can give law school students an advantage because they are prepared on day one. The law clinics allow students to work under attorneys, get hands-on training, and serve the community.

Flexible Learning Options

Re was drawn to the hybrid law degree options that GGU offers because moving is always a possibility in the military world. The JD Flex program is an excellent option for those who cannot attend in-person classes all the time.

Advice for Application

Sabrina Re

"GGU felt welcoming because I felt like they weren't just focused on the veteran, they were focused also on the spouse and they have moved mountains for me.”

The most significant piece of advice for those looking at a law school is to start early, especially if you're a student veteran or military spouse. Re suggests connecting with others who have done something similar or in the program you wish to apply to.

Re knows how hard it is to connect with a school or other students as a military-affiliated student. It may feel like people don't understand why you are moving every few years or why you haven't had time to finish your degree. Finding a law school that understands this is key.

Join a strong community of military veterans and their family members by connecting with other students at GGU.