The Intellectual Property Forum

I think I have a better idea than law school for you.  You may be able to enter one of those voluntary medical clinical tests where they implant a tumor in you and study it in a controlled environment. 

Why do you think there is greater job security?  As an associate at a firm, you will either be made partner or pushed out in 8-10 years.

Quote from: petethebody on 04-23-12 at 04:20 pm

GW with 75k scholarship. 

First location - obviously that rules out NU.  As for the difference between Georgetown and GW, they will both place you equally well.

As for prestige between Georgetown and GW, Georgetown clearly comes up ahead.  However, what many people forget is that Georgetown is a huge school with something on the order of 1000 students per class.  While the law review, top 10% do fine, it is hard to succeed with that many competitors.  I think it's closer to 600, but still a valid point. However GW also has a very large class.  Not as big as i remember.  Also, don't forget 100-150 transfer students that will jon you your 2L year

In any event, the prestige bump from Georgtown will only get you so far within DC.  Especially with patent law, good grades at GW should place you well.  Even in patent litigation?  Yes - not with the pure IP places like Fish, but with a general practice firm with a strong IP department, this will likely be enough (obviously depends on how good grades are as well)


The money really makes this a no-brainer in my mind.  If you have never paid for something that costs $75k (not merely purchased, but paid off), it is hard to appreciate how much money that really is.  And remember, that would be $75k that would be accruing interest at 7.8 or 8.5% for 20 years.  And whatever you think Georgetown will cost you, you should factor in at least another 10 grand, because you will need to account for all the silly fees, as well as Barbri.  If a firm picks that up for you, that's great, but do not plan on it.  Yes, the $75K would probably be closer to $100K after repayment, but I would expect to repay by 5-10 years, not 20.  Very good approach, especially given the market.  However, I caution you that your ability to repay hinges on factors outside your knowledge and control at this point. Perhaps a hope for the best-plan for the worst situation is worth evaluating.   


As for working, this may be where I get controversial - don't do it.  Law school is tough enough.  And your first semester (or first year) grades will determine what firm you interview at during fall 2L year, what firm you summer at between 2L and 3L and what firm you work at after graduation.  In this economy, very few firms hire 3Ls, and rarely do so unless they summered at another firm.  So devote yourself, and your first Thanksgiving, to law school that first year to maximize your chances.  Then revisit the idea your second or third year. I agree with how important 1L is, it determines everything. However, gaining experience at a great firm while they pick up the law school tab, and pay you are salary seems like a pretty amazing opportunity. 
I had no idea places still did this.  I thought the PTO canceled their program.  If that is back, i would switch to GW night school.  As for how beneficial, this may be my own prejudice but if the firm does not have a track record of hiring the people for which it offers tuition payment after graduation, i would be cautious.  I have found that stellar grades are worth far more than experience for litigation.  From this board, prosecution tends to not put such an emphasis on stellar grades, but rather on engineering experience and technical degrees. 

However, my strongest recommendation to you now is to quit your job and work at a law firm before you start law school.  Don't devote three years of your life and several thousands of dollars to a persuit you are not 100% sure on.  I know at least a few people that made a huge mistake.  Being a patent lawyer is pretty cool, but know what you are getting into, especially the long hours and adversarial nature if you are considering litigation.  I know it sucks giving up a paying job, but you need to be 100% sure.  If you aren't committed enough to volunteer somewhere for a summer, you should think long and hard as to whether you are committed to the practice of law, or whether you are looking at law school as an investment (for most people, it will be a bad investment).  Especially as a MechE, jobs are more scarce.  I already quit my job. I'm still there part-time as a consultant as I study for the patent bar, but this is just temporary. Good point though, it would suck to owe $250K and hate a job that you are working 60+hours/wk at. 
Obviously, strive to get a law firm internship.  If no law firm, volunteer for 20 hrs/week at the state's attorney's office.  Then you get to see the really good aspects of lawyering (very different from what you will ultimately do, but pure lawyering).  Obviously, volunteer at the PTO for prosecution if you are in the area and can apply early enough. 

/end rant

Thanks for your advice. You make some valid points in my opinion. It's still a tough decision; if anyone as anything to add I would greatly appreciate it.

Do you know when this changes will happen?

Quote from: turbotong on 11-18-11 at 03:02 pm

Profitability of the firm

This question strikes me as very unusual. I dunno how many years OP has been practicing, but "firm profitability" is the last thing I would worry about as an associate. Makes sense to think about as a lateraling partner or as a lateraling very senior associate. But otherwise ... focus on growing your skills and finding a place that fits with your personality and lifestyle.