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[Melissa]

Hello,

I will be applying to law schools in the fall.  I've tried to do as much research as possible and would love to ultimately practice copyright or trademark law.  I do not have a science or engineering background however and have heard this can be a major hindrance for ip lawyers.  Before I choose a school based on their ip program, I would like to know, is this a logical career to pursue?  Will I be able to get a job after law school?  I am specifically interested in copyrights/trademarks.  I know that ultimately my interests might change, but it is hard to pick what law schools to apply to without some direction in mind and copyrights/trademarks are the only things I find interesting at the moment.

Other questions:  what can I do so that I will be more marketable (despite my lack of science background) both before and during law school?  what are some good ip programs on the northeast or california?  (I am looking at many in New York including Cardozo and Fordham, as well as Boston University).  
Thanks so much in advance!

[Bill Richards]

I do not think that the lack of a science or engineering background is a problem for trademark and copyright.  It's certainly helpful in the patent area, and one cannot sit for the patent bar without one, but one doesn't even need to be a patent attorney to, for example, litigate patents in court.  I know many very highly qualified patent litigators that are not patent attorneys.
Likewise, one does not need to be a patent attorney to practice trademark or copyright law.  In fact, many are not.

[RMissimer]

I agree completely.  I have seen employment ads for trademark lawyers.  Trademark is a big area, for it is marks and tradedress.  International trademark also has demand.  It is going to be hot for the next few years.

Don't worry about the patent part of IP,  you will do fine.

Besides you can always go back for a Master's in Science to make up for the science credits, and defer your student loans at the same time.  Part-time Graduate studies is all that is required for deferment.
That is usually 3 credits a term.

[Melissa]

thanks for the responses!

[Guest]

If you had to choose between the University of Houston Law Center and Seattle University School of Law, going to a part-time law school program with a special concentration on IP Law, which one would you choose and why?

People who have gone to either of these schools please post your experience. Thank you. Your comments are appreciated.