How Much Do Public Defenders Make?
Public defenders do some of the most important work in the legal system — representing people who cannot afford counsel and protecting constitutional rights. But despite the importance of the job, public defender pay remains among the lowest in the profession. Here’s what the financial reality actually looks like. Starting Salaries Starting pay varies widely, […]
The Big Law Salary Scale Explained
BigLaw firms do not negotiate individual starting salaries.They use a standardized national pay chart called the Cravath scale, where every associate is paid the same amount based solely on their seniority. Below is the scale in the clearest, easiest-to-read format. BigLaw Base Salaries by Class Year Class Year Experience Base Salary 1st Year (Class of […]
The 10 Cheapest Law Schools in the United States
Law school is expensive — often very expensive — but not every JD program comes with a six-figure price tag. A number of public institutions offer significantly lower tuition, making them smart options for budget-conscious applicants, in-state residents, and anyone trying to minimize long-term debt. Below are the 10 most affordable law schools in the […]
What Is a CAS GPA?
If you’re applying to law school, you’ll hear a lot about your CAS GPA. Many applicants are surprised to learn it’s not always the same as the GPA printed on their transcript. Understanding what it is — and how it’s calculated — can help you make sense of your academic profile before schools see it. […]
Which GPA Do Law Schools Look At? Do They Care About Graduate GPA?
If you’ve completed (or are completing) a master’s degree, you may be wondering how much that graduate GPA matters in law school admissions. The short answer: law schools primarily look at your undergraduate GPA — but your graduate GPA can still play an important, meaningful role in your application. Let’s break down how this works. […]
Do Law Schools Care About My Undergraduate Degree?
A common fear among applicants is that their undergraduate major — or the school they attended — will make or break their chances of getting into law school. Maybe you didn’t go to a “top” university. Maybe you majored in something completely unrelated to law. Maybe you switched majors three times before figuring things out. […]
Can I Get Into Law School Without an LSAT?
The short answer: yes, you can get into law school without taking the LSAT. But the longer answer is more nuanced — and understanding the landscape will help you make the smartest possible decision for your goals, timeline, and budget. Let’s break down how law school admissions work today, why the LSAT still matters at […]
When Should I Apply? The Truth About Timing in Law School Admissions
Every fall, law school applications open and one question dominates the entire cycle: Am I too late to apply? The answer isn’t complicated, but it also isn’t. Applying Early Still Matters Despite what some people now claim, there is still a clear advantage to applying early in the cycle. Here’s why: Even today, an application […]
How Many Law Schools Should I Apply To?
Most applicants apply to too few schools, too quickly, and without any real strategy. That leads to worse scholarship offers, fewer options, and in many cases, career paths that don’t align with their goals. Here’s a simpler, smarter way to think about your list. 1. Only Apply to Schools You’d Be Excited to Attend A […]
Why Law Schools Love Nontraditional Applicants
In an increasingly competitive law school admissions landscape, it’s easy for nontraditional applicants to feel like they’re playing catch-up. Maybe you’ve been out of school for years. Maybe your GPA or LSAT score isn’t perfect. Maybe you’ve spent the last decade in a completely different career, and you’re wondering how to convince an admissions committee […]