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TTU PreLaw Program By Collin Foster, on May 14th, 2012
The Diversity Legal Scholars program provides several scholarships for a Kaplan LSAT preparation course to college seniors, graduate students, and recent college graduates who are interested in attending law school.
In addition to receiving a scholarship for a LSAT preparation course, those selected for the program will be assigned a professional mentor who can provide tips on how to apply for law school, what to expect during your time in school, and how to land a legal job.
Applications for the Diversity Legal Scholars program can be found here. For more information about the program, please visit: www.texasappleseed.net.
Applications for this round must be postmarked by June 1 and applicants will be required to take the October 2012 LSAT.
Students must also apply to one Texas law school for Fall 2013 admission.
Good Advice By Collin Foster, on April 26th, 2012 
The following article was printed in the Spring 2012 edition of PLANC Points, a newsletter distributed to Pre-Law advisors nationwide. We thought that it would be a valuable article to share with our students so we got permission from the author to repost it here.
Preparing Students for the Financial Realities of Legal Education
by Heather Jarvis
As prelaw advisors know well, a legal education represents a major investment of both time and money. Many students have only minimal financial-management experience and are either uninformed about legal-employment data or overly optimistic about their own employment prospects. The issue of educational debt has taken on increased significance as a result of the changes in the legal job market. Prospective law students seldom focus on the critical importance of borrowing tens of thousands of dollars to finance law school.
To develop a greater understanding of the magnitude of the indebtedness issue, it’s helpful to look at the costs of earning a law degree. Law school tuition increased 317 percent from 1989 to 2009, and continues to rise. In 2009, the most recent year for which data is available, in-state tuition at public law schools averaged $18,472. Private law school tuition averaged $35,743 per year. Factoring in “indirect costs” such as books, room, board, and health insurance (which range between $12,500 and $25,000 for the academic year depending on the law school attended), the annual stated “cost of attendance” at the most expensive law schools approaches $75,000.
Data from the American Bar Association indicates that a typical graduate of a public law school borrows $68,827 while a graduate of a private law school borrows $106,249. Many aspiring lawyers also have other debt that they will be responsible for upon graduating from law school. The most recent data indicates that two-thirds of undergraduates graduate with debt, owing an average of $24,500 in loans for their undergraduate education. It’s not uncommon for law students to borrow private loans for expenses relating to bar preparation. And, of course, some law graduates have additional debt from credit cards or consumer loans.
Additionally, the legal job market has changed. A shift away from large law firm employment is reflected in lower average salaries, with starting salaries in private practice falling 20%. With the exception of large law firm salaries around $145,000 to $160,000, attorney starting salaries tend to cluster around the $40,000 to $65,000 range. Government and public interest job median salaries remain stagnant–$52,000 for government jobs, and $42,900 for public interest jobs.
The issue of educational debt is a multi-faceted one. As a result of increasing costs, declining salaries, and fewer JD-required positions, the “return on investment” of a law degree is not what it was.
So as we look to the future, what can be done?
A few law schools are beginning to respond by launching initiatives to help students successfully manage student debt. For example, Washburn University School of Law has increased efforts to ensure that practical ways of reducing costs are communicated through a series of campus presentations. The University of California, Hastings College of Law instigated one-on-one student loan counseling. Other law school initiatives include offering special assistance to students entering law school with high student loan debt, encouraging work-study opportunities, and subscribing to online financial literacy training modules.
Under Dean Joan W. Howarth’s leadership, the Michigan State University College of Law surveyed alumni who graduated in the last 15 years, with the aim of developing an understanding of the impact of debt on graduates’ personal and professional lives. In turn, the Law College has developed a plan to more effectively discuss debt with prospective and current students. The cornerstone of this plan is the Law College’s Statement on Loan Indebtedness. Examples of particular initiatives undertaken at Michigan State range from tailored communications to admitted candidates who have sizeable amounts of undergraduate debt to a faculty-led discussion on the topic of debt during the first week of classes. Dean Howarth believes that the issue of high debt is one that law schools and the profession must give increased attention to. “A law degree continues to provide an excellent foundation for so many careers, yet high indebtedness is impacting the lives of our graduates in so many ways. As legal educators, we must be more proactive in discussing this issue and examining alternatives to assist future generations of attorneys.”
The Law School Admissions Council (LSAC) has begun offering seminars and one-on-one counseling opportunities about financial aid at each of their regional Law School Recruitment Forums. Jeffrey E. Hanson, Ph.D, President of Jeffrey Hanson Education Services, is an expert in financial literacy, borrower education and debt management. On the subject of student loans, Dr. Hanson says, “Students are paying for their legal education with their future income. The sooner they grasp this reality, the sooner they will realize they need to borrow the minimum amount possible to attend the law school they choose to attend.”
Pre-law advisors are in a unique position to encourage their advisees to consider their own personal and professional goals and circumstances, future earnings potential, and comfort level with debt. Advisors can help guide prospective law students by suggesting that students focus on the financial aspects of law-school attendance, in addition to offering advice about LSAT preparation, course selection, and crafting an effective personal statement. Discussing indebtedness early in the process will help prospective law students understand that funding a legal education requires planning and preparation.
Pre-law advisors have many sources of information to draw from when counseling students about costs, student loans, and employment opportunities. Resources are available from the Pre-Law National Council (PLANC) and the regional pre-law advisor associations, the Department of Education, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) and the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
About the Author
Heather Jarvis graduated from Duke University School of Law cum laude owing $125,000. Heather has practiced public interest law for more than a dozen years.
Heather leads efforts to establish and expand debt relief programs and to inform borrowers, schools, and employers about how to benefit from available debt relief programs. She has contributed to student debt relief policy for the House Education Committee and others in Congress. She is the founder of askheatherjarvis.com, dedicated to providing educational resources and training for student loan borrowers and the people who love them.
On April 24, Heather served as keynote presenter for a webinar entitled “The Financial Aspects of Law School.” This webinar was offered at no cost and was open to any prelaw advisor and prelaw student. For details, visit askheatherjarvis.com
Data Sources
Law school tuition and average borrowing data: American Bar Association Section on Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.
Undergraduate borrowing data: Institute for College Access and Success.
Employment and salary data: NALP (the Association of Legal Career Professionals).
TTU PreLaw Program By Sarah Smith, on April 19th, 2012
 Just a friendly reminder that the PreLaw Program Ambassador Applications are due tomorrow, April 20th. Please fill out the application at http://www.depts.ttu.edu/advising/prelaw/ambassadors.php and either email your responses to prelaw@ttu.edu or bring your hard copy to Holden Hall 079.
We are looking for driven individuals that are planning a legal education and are interested in helping other students with like interests.
Please email any questions to prelaw@ttu.edu
Thanks! -PreLaw Ambassador Team 2011-2012
TTU PreLaw Program By Sarah Smith, on April 18th, 2012
 Make sure to come out to the LAST PreLaw Roundtable of the year, “What can I do with a Law Degree?” TODAY from 4-5:30pm in Education 001.
Along with a fantastic panel of attorneys and J.D. graduates, our Program Ambassadors as well as the PreLaw Coordinators and Legal Studies Advisor will be present to answer any questions you might have about law school.
So bring a friend and come out to the last PreLaw Roundtable of the year!
TTU PreLaw Program By Sarah Smith, on April 17th, 2012
 by: McKenzie Jordan, PreLaw Program Ambassador
Since 1999, Texas Tech has been sending students to Washington D.C. each semester to experience firsthand what it is like to work at our nation’s capitol. Former Tech President Donald Haragan began the internship program to provide students with an opportunity of a lifetime. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in government, public policy or law.
Over 180 students have traveled to Washington D.C. through this unique program. Several have been able to begin work in the government arena, while others have continued onto graduate or law school. Each semester and summer session, about 10 students are chosen based on their academics, application, essays and interview. A student can be placed in either a Congressperson or Senator’s office for the duration of their internship based on things such as interests, beliefs and personality. While in D.C. students work 40-50 hours per week, depending on the specific office.
Fortunately, I was chosen to work in Congressman John Carter’s office this coming summer. His office hours are 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. so it will definitely keep me busy each week. The two things I am most excited about while working in his office are being able to give tours to Congressman Carter’s constituents and attending hearings and briefings to take notes for the staff. However, these are definitely not the only two things I will be doing during my time in the office. As an intern, I’m sure there will be a list of things to do each day.
After talking with former interns and reading through my information book on Washington D.C. and this internship, it is not only a great resume builder, but it is also a great time to travel and experience parts of the country I may have never been able to do otherwise. D.C. is located near so many historical sites and top tourist spots, so I have already begun to make a list of those places I would like to visit.
Another exciting part of the internship experience is getting to know and live with the other Tech interns. Texas Tech has a dorm-type house located very close to the Capitol. Even though we may not know each other before this summer, friendships may be formed over the few months that we spend together. It will be interesting getting to spend time with other people who have similar interests.
Lastly, for the summer of 2012, I am especially excited about getting to see what it is like and what happens before election season. I hope to get an insight on how campaigning actually works and what all the election process entails. Getting to see things like this firsthand is a once in a lifetime experience and I am looking forward to taking as much away from it as possible.
If you are interested in applying for a Congressional internship, you can check out the website at www.depts.ttu.edu/ttuintern or visit with any previous interns. It is preferred that you have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and completed a minimum of 60 credit hours, but no particular major is required.
TTU PreLaw Program By Sarah Smith, on April 16th, 2012
 Attention PreLaw Students!
As the spring semester is coming to a close, we are approaching our last Roundtable of the academic school year: “What Can I do with a Law Degree?”
This is a great event for Freshmen through Seniors to come out and learn about what past graduates of Law School have gone into and what they do on a day to day basis.
Attending, we will have Merinda Condra, a practicing attorney in Lubbock, Stephen Hamilton, a practicing attorney in the area of criminal law, Jeff Hayes who works for Student Legal Services at Tech, Gary Terrell who teaches as an adjunct professor at Texas Tech School of Law, Ronny Wall who is serving as one of the Associate General Counsels at Texas Tech, and Jorge Zamora who practiced law in Mexico before joining the Spanish Department at Texas Tech.
This is a great opportunity to see what kind of jobs are available to J.D. graduates as well as ask questions about what to expect in Law School.
So bring a friend and come to the last PreLaw Roundtable of the year on April 18th in Education 001 from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.
Sign up at: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/actt/webcal/events/?l=2&c=
TTU PreLaw Program By Sarah Smith, on April 12th, 2012
Texas Tech University Undergraduate Research Organization
Interested in conducting undergraduate research? Build your resume as you learn how you can get involved while networking with fellow current researchers…
Next Meeting: Thursday, 4/12/2012
Human Sciences Building 226
6-7pm Dues: $15/year
Topics: Hear from a faculty mentor as they present information on the benefits and expectations of becoming a mentee and about our awesome community service opportunities! Opening of ALL officer positions for the Fall semester!
To apply: check out: www.facebook.com/URO.TTU
TTU PreLaw Program By Sarah Smith, on April 11th, 2012
 WORKING IN A LAW OFFICE
by: Jordyn Anders, PreLaw Program Ambassador
Working in a law office is a completely different dynamic than the typical teenage/college job. Unlike waiting tables, working for an attorney or firm will familiarize you with clients, pleadings, trial, and the courthouse. Definitely a job to consider for those who are passionate about practicing law. It is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field, and also beef up your resume later on down the road when applying for law school or searching for clinics.
I have personally worked in three separate law offices. Two were in Wichita Falls, Texas (my hometown), and the third was in Crosbyton, Texas, about 45 miles from Lubbock. All three were summer jobs/paid clerkships. I will use my experience from these three law offices to describe the process of obtaining a job and how to manage once you’ve got it.
THE SEARCH
Before you find a suitable position within a law office, you must first do your research. Where is the office located? Is it a firm? Is it an individual attorney? What kind of law is practiced? You also have to consider what you want out of the job. What position would you like to have? Runner, clerk, assistant, etc. How many hours do you want to work? And consider your pay.
Once you have answered all of these questions, it should help you to narrow down a list of suitable offices that interest you. You may also ask around about different firms and individual attorneys to find out more about their reputation in the community. Personally, I asked my mother (a court reporter in Wichita County) about some of the attorneys I was interested in working for.
Now that your research is done, start meeting with people. It’s always good to first call the office and inquire about possible job opportunities. Make your name and intentions clear. You may be declined because the office is not currently hiring, or you may get offered an interview. Either way, once you have called, the next step is putting a face to your name. Make a visit to the office and ask to speak with the person in charge of hiring for the position you are interested in. You may or may not get to speak with them that day. Leave a resume with a cover letter, always.
By now you may have an interview set up. If not, I advise to be politely persistent. Do not annoy the office with your demanding request to speak with someone, rather call a week or so later and ask if they had a chance to review your resume. Make it clear that you are still interested and you would like to hear from them soon. Do not just leave your resume with the receptionist and forget about it.
THE INTERVIEW
Now you have the interview set up. Here are some quick tips:
- Be early. Anywhere 5-10 minutes early is good. Any earlier than that could catch the interviewer unprepared.
- Dress nicely. Dress the part you are interviewing for. If you are going to be in a law office or possibly running errands to the courthouse, the dress is business professional.
- Men: slacks, ironed long-sleeved button-up, tie, jacket optional
- Women: skirt or slacks, blouse (not low-cut), heels or flats
- Bring a resume. You may have already left a resume with someone in the office, but bring another one anyway. In the event one was misplaced, you can provide your interviewer with another one for reference. Better safe than sorry.
- Strong handshake. Introduce yourself.
- Sit up straight in the interview. Relax. Be yourself. Be clear. Answer the question.
- Discuss what you want out of the job and what their expectations are for that position. Discuss hours and pay.
- After the interview, shake hands once more and thank the interviewer for their time. Let them know you look forward to hearing back from them.
- Wait for a call.
THE JOB
Now you’ve got the job. Show up to work on time, dress nicely, and do your best. It’s a great opportunity to learn, so ask what you can do to help. They want quality work, and you want experience. Those should go hand in hand for everyone to get the most out of your employment. You may just be filing, or running errands, but do not underestimate the knowledge you can gain from this work. You may be asked to draft a pleading, or file it with the clerk’s offices. You may even get to network with some of the other attorneys and judges you come into contact with.
In my experience, I have made personal friendships with my bosses and courthouse contacts. These can came in handy down the road when you need recommendation letters for scholarships or your law school application. Work hard, de diligent, but most of all, enjoy.
TTU PreLaw Program By Collin Foster, on April 4th, 2012
You can view and download our entire newsletter in PDF format by clicking on the image at left.
We look forward to seeing you at our next PreLaw event on April 18th. We will have a roundtable discussion with practicing lawyers and others with JD degrees about what you can do after you graduate from law school. After you read the Pundit, make sure to go to www.prelaw.ttu.edu/go to sign up for the roundtable event.
TTU PreLaw Program By Sarah Smith, on April 4th, 2012
By: Jonathan Namazi, PreLaw Program Ambassador
An internship in a law firm is no small responsibility and this past summer I learned that lesson the hard way. Not only was the internship unpaid, but I worked more hours than most of the attorneys in the office. I got to the office at 8am and was lucky to be home by 8pm that night. Lucky for me I was doing something that I truly love to do. If you don’t truly have a passion for law or learning every aspect of it then maybe you should re-evaluate what you want to do in life. A law firm internship is a great way to make sure being a lawyer is the right path for you. You are at the absolute bottom of the totem pole and you get stuck with doing all the filing, typing, and clerical work that no one else wants to do. If you can handle doing such minute tasks then the attorneys, by the end of the summer, may trust you with actual legal briefs and memos. There was one perk that was exceptional in my mind: getting to accompany the attorneys to court a few times a month. Getting to be in the courtroom and interacting with clients solidified that law was the path I wanted to pursue.
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