<p>I hate to be blunt with you, but your chances are zero–well you might have a 25% chance at Buffalo and Northeastern. </p>
<p>I’m going to make a couple suggestions:
- Study hard for the LSAT and get it to 165+
- Don’t go to LS (I’m not even trying to be cynical here). Unless you got a full scholarship, you’re going to be in an immense amount of debt. Employment prospects from the schools you just listed (let’s take out ND/UI/WF to avoid debate with those who think law is booming with jobs) are terrible. We’re talking flat out unemployed. If you go through the employment stats of these lower ranked schools, you’ll find that few actually end up in law (isn’t that the point of a JD?!). And those that are in law-related jobs take up 35k jobs with solos. I can’t think of a worse decision than going to such a low-ranked LS in this economy. If people from T14 schools are unemployed, just imagine what its like at ND. Now imagine what its like at a school like Buffalo. I’ve never bothered to look at Buffalo’s/Northeastern’s employment reports but I can guarantee you they’re terrible.
- Okay, now that I’ve killed your dreams of becoming a lawyer–let’s look at a realistic career option. Judging from your background I think you’re well suited for (if you’re still interested in a legal career) a paralegal career. Depending on your state they are somewhat in demand. They pay fairly well (assume 40k your first yr in). The hardest part is getting your first job. Once you build up experience you will be highly employable. Start off with a solo. Build up 2-4 years of experience. Transfer to one of two places. Either an in-house corporate department or a big firm. Further build up experience. Pickup a couple paralegal qualifications along the way, and shoot for a paralegal management position. These pay 100k+. Mind you it will take a while to get there, but to be honest with you…it will have the exact same salary progression as a JD from Northeastern/Buffalo.</p>