Prospective law students want to have their cake and eat it too. A recent survey by Kaplan Test Prep shows that a majority of pre-law students want more experiential offerings, and they also want a shorter law school experience. Of course, both moves would leave little time for traditional education
The survey of 1,400 pre-law students found that 58 percent would prefer law schools to move to a two-year model from the current three-year model. Such a move would save students thousands in tuition.
“Our survey suggests that pre-law students are paying attention to the current state of legal education and the job market for new lawyers, and recognize the need for big changes that they think will benefit them,” said Jeff Thomas, executive director of pre-law programs, Kaplan Test Prep. “This desire for a shake-up puts them on the same page as many in the legal education community, including law school admissions officers and educators.”
Law schools have aggressively been adding experiential offerings to their curricula. Ninety-seven percent of pre-law students said they favored a law school model that incorporates clinical experience, which is designed to make students more practice-ready.
According to Kaplan’s 2013 survey of law school admissions officers, 71 percent of JD programs are introducing more clinical courses and practical training into their curricula.
The pre-law student survey also shows that for 58 percent of students, their primary reason for attending law school is to practice law.
“It’s also encouraging that pre-law students say that the primary reason they are planning to go to law school is to actually practice law. While the JD is a versatile degree and there are many career paths possible with it, it’s smart to make practicing law your primary focus,” Thomas said.
Eleven percent said their primary reason is to make a career change. Other answers include to improve salary potential (7%) and to pursue a career in politics (7%).
