Top Law Schools in the U.S.

law-schoolWhen determining which law school you want to attend it’s important to look at multiple variables so you can feel confident in our decision. There are many things to consider and taking a look at some of the best law schools in the country might help in your research phase and maybe even help you figure out what you don’t want in a law school. To give you readers a little more help I have compiled a list of some of the top law school in the United States. Please feel free to share and let me know if I missed any that deserve honorable mentions.

Stanford:

Located in beautiful Stanford, California the law school at Stanford University is rated highest among the law schools in the country as it offers exceptional learning opportunities and has brilliant professors to help guide students. There is a 9.1% acceptance rate and the median GPA is 3.9. The standards are high at Stanford but the rewards are higher if you succeed at this brilliant institution.

Yale:

One of the top ranked Ivy League schools in the country, Yale is a clear choice for a future legal professional, especially if they are located on the east coast. Yes the winters may be cold but the campus at New Haven, Connecticut offers students endless opportunities for growth and challenge. The acceptance rate is 8.9% and the median GPA is 3.91.

Harvard:

One of my personal favorite schools and campuses is the Harvard Law School located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There are some schools where you will receive valuable education and there are others like Harvard that will give you an invaluable education that will propel you into a successful career. The acceptance rate is 15.4% and the median GPA is 3.87.

University of Chicago:

The University of Chicago is nestled right in Chicago, Illinois and has been widely appraised as one of the best universities in the entire country Each and every year the University of Chicago Law School brings in the best of the best and graduates future upstanding legal professionals. The acceptance rate is 18.4% and the median GPA is 3.9.

Duke:

Moving down to a warmer atmosphere we have Duke University’s Law School located in Durham, North Carolina. Duke is well known for taking in top talent both inside the law school and outside. If you enjoy top-tier sports with your legal textbooks then Duke is the place for you. The acceptance rate is 20.9% and the median GPA is 3.77.

University of Pennsylvania:

The University of Pennsylvania is a fantastic institution that has been around forever. Well known for their business school and the law school, UPenn is a definite mention for this list and a school to aspire to attend for countless students. The acceptance rate is 16.4% and the median GPA is 3.89.

 

Thank you for reading!

Joshua Stubbins

More Men Demand Stigma-Free Family time

joshua-stubbins-lawyerTraditionally, women have had the option to take time off from their careers to raise their children.  Meanwhile, men put in long hours at the office; bringing home the bacon, the breadwinner.  The wife’s covers the “life” aspect of the man’s “work/life” balance, taking care of the home, children, and hobbies.

Yet, as we launch into the 21st century, the lines defining gender roles are drastically shifting. Responsibilities within the household are more equally shared, men have been demanding more time off.

According to a recent publication in The Atlantic, the values of young lawyers have drastically shifted from old standards.  Men are demanding a more appropriate work/life balance.  In addition, they want to the opportunity to ask for time off without the prejudice that desiring family time is only appropriate for women.

New law firms are developing to suit the needs of a younger generation.  In a U.C. Hastings report on New Model law firms, Joan Williams says “men must commit to full-time schedule on their own terms instead dropping hours at work.”  In an arrangement called “full-time flex,” lawyers work from home and distribute their hours across the day as they choose.

In the past, men were expected to be working for hours and in business outings every weekend.  But times have changed.  We now live in a society where men want to be able to tell their families, ‘You can count on me to be home for dinner and take my vacations.”

However, finding time in the busy schedule of a lawyer is a constant struggle.  Everyone hopes to spend time with loved ones and cultivating interests outside of work, but its still a major obstacle to ask supervisors to understand these needs. Male lawyers tend to internalize the stigma that finding work/life balance is for women, even when they want to be present for their families.  Plus, not all law firms  are so accepting of lawyers who want to practice flexibility in their careers.  A better work/life balance, however, would benefit both our employees and their children (our next generation).  Hopefully more law firms will consider the need to be flexible with their lawyers: without the stigma.

Thank you for reading!

Joshua Stubbins