<p>Let’s say you’re a 2011 law school grad. If you’ve been working at a legal services organization since graduation through one of these fellowships, you are a realistic applicant to various desirable legal jobs. You’re not guaranteed to get one, but a lot of small firms and government agencies will take you seriously, so you have a shot. If you’ve got a hole in your resume since graduation – and working retail is a hole – then God help you.</p>
<p>Sure, the law schools do this partly for selfish reasons. But as long as they disclose the number of school-funded jobs, it’s win-win. It is MUCH better for the graduates if they offer this program than if they don’t. As for entering students, I’ve begun to feel pretty caveat emptor about them. This isn’t 2009, and accurate employment information is all over if you make a cursory search for it. The problem isn’t a lack of transparency; it’s a lack of realism on the part of 0Ls. In my experience, you can tell them that 95% of graduates at their intended school are unemployed, and they’ll just decide that they’re going to be in the 5%.</p>