Journey to Law School (and Back)!

Blog Moved!!!

2011-03-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

I moved my blog. I am finally finishing law school (May 2011)!!!

Long story short - it's been a great adventure. I co-founded several new businesses. And I hope to be blogging more frequently.

Check out my new blog: Journey to Law School

Interview Tips

2009-06-17T12:53:00.001-07:00

Here are some interview tips for law students attempting to get a biglaw job in this economy.

Relax re grades and law review. If you don't have amazing grades and you didn't make law review, then there's really nothing you can do about it. Would it have helped to have good grades and law review on your resume? Yes! Will it preclude you from getting a job to have neither on your records? No, of course not.

If you have mediocre grades and nothing to set you apart from the crowd, then you need to really make the most of the 20-30 minutes interview slot during On-Campus Interview. How do you shine? Here are some tips:

Smile. None of that fake stuff; only the real deal. People know when you're faking your smile.
Do your research and find out not only about the firm (this is easy), but also about the attorney (or recruiter) sent to interview you. How do you do this research? If you have the name of your interviewer in advance, then just go to the the firm's website and search for the person - read up on them and take note of their interests. For example, if you find out that your interviewer is an IP lawyer with a computer science background from UC Berkeley, but now works in NY, then take note of this and prepare to use it as a discussion point. During the interview ask him some questions based on that information (i.e., Why'd you move to NY after studying in CA?). If you don't know who your inteviewer will be, NO PROBLEM! Just do your research during the interview, spend 5-10 minutes of your interview time taking a genuine interest in the person interviewing you.
Think: this isn't about me, it's about the person sitting in front of me. These on-campus interviews are NOT about you. Thinking that the interview is an opportunity for you to show off and sell yourself is the biggest misconception EVER. The interview is SO MUCH more about engaging the interviewer. Instead of focusing on selling yourself, focus on "entertaining" your interviewer. See what about your resume interests them and talk about that, BUT ask many more questions to figure out why they are so intrigued by that particular point. This requires you to be a good reader of body gestures and facial expressions. If you can't grasp their attention, then you've lost the game.

But all of the above is sort of a moot point if you have good grades, law review, and a decent personality - you'll get a job somewhere, somehow, no matter what.

NY is dying

2009-06-17T01:08:00.000-07:00

Cravath is laying off attorneys. I have three friends at Cravath this summer. But I have yet to speak with them about the current buzz surrounding Cravath's response to the economic downturn (see here and here).

What is the world coming to when one of the NY's top 3 firm is going down the drain? There has been much banter about paradigm shift (i.e., NY is no longer the center of the world...ahhhhhh!). Assuming, for the moment, that there indeed is a paradigm shift, where is the shift moving to? China? I speak Chinese, so this would be a good thing. However, a paradigm shift to China seems unlikely in the short term.

Perhaps the paradigm is shifting coasts? Again, I don't think this is true either. The west coast is as much, if not more, dependant on the NY market as the rest of the world. The dearth of IPOs have caused many Silicon Valley firms, for example, to fire folks and restructure their practice groups.

So, once again, I ask: where is the paradigm shift moving to?

To be honest, I don't know. Love to hear people's thought on this. But my gut tells me that NY still has some fight in it before it throws in the white towel.

Interesting Summer

2009-06-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

This summer is turning out to be a very "interesting" summer for my classmates and me. The fortunate few all across the country that were able to obtain a summer job are bringing back interesting news to my ears. I don't have a wide spread network of friends in every law firm (in the States), but I have a large number of friends in every major legal market.

Few of my friends from Skadden, NY have reported that they've been doing data entries (didn't know that was legal work).

My buddy at Wachtell is busy - the last time I checked, she was on gchat and it was 5:00 a.m. in the morning...I dare say that she was at work.

Friend at Sherman Sterling claims that he's busy - but he's in the tax department. He confessed that corporate was kind of quiet.

Buddies at A&O, NY and Hong Kong say their having a blast, but the vast majority (if not all) of their work is non-billable.

I confess this is just a list of some of the top New York law firms. I'll write about the other happenings in other parts of the country....when I have more time (hopefully tonight).

Let's keep our heads up, folks.

Law School Blues

2009-03-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

It's everywhere. Talks of impending doom and no more jobs for law school grads. It is kind of sad. Today's law students got into this rat-race thinking they'd make a lot of money after graduation (not as much as their Ibanker friends, but still a lot). In a good economy the corporate lawyers were to bring in the dough. In a bad economy the bankruptcy lawyers were to keep the firm alive. Theoretically this industry is well hedged - lawyers won't be spectacularly rich during a boom (remember when we used to joke about Ibankers kicking lawyers around?), but they won't go hungry during economic downturns either. Thus, the risk-adverse and wide-eyed 1L happily enrolls and shoulders the $200,000 loan.

Today, people (= lawyers and legal staff) are losing jobs at some our nation's top law firms. See here and here for two of the latest specific examples. See here to see a complete list. The law doesn't seem so risk adverse anymore.

Today's 1Ls are afraid because they don't know whether the firms that come on campus (will they come?) will have summer jobs to give out. The 2Ls are trying to keep their heads low this summer (gone are the days when you just party your way through the summer). 3Ls are nervously checking AbovetheLaw everyday, wondering if their jobs will still exist when they graduate.

Bankruptcy

2009-01-21T15:27:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a lot of bankruptcy and bailout courses this quarter. Surprisingly, they're actually quite interesting.

I know it's a geeky thing to say, but the law is most fascinating when you begin to see the deeper connections between one field (i.e., corporate law) and another field (i.e., bankruptcy).

Now I'm actually beginning to think about bankruptcy as a practice.

Interviews

2008-10-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

This interview season has been hectic. The current job market has so many people worried and frantic. I've been talking to many of my friends at other law schools. The general consensus is that we're all just very happy to land a job (better if it's a biglaw-Vault ranked job). A bad economy really puts things into perspective.

Last night, while having dinner with a friend, I got a call from the Silicon Valley law firm I interviewed with last week (OFFER!). The night before I got a call from the only Chicago law firm I had applied to (OFFER!). I'm extremely thankful that I am getting job offers. I suppose it goes to show that a law degree does mean something afterall.

Law school doesn't teach the "law," it teaches you how to read and write critically. What's amusing to me is that we're taught to "read, write, and think critically" from day one (in high school). Somehow 8 years of reading, writing and thinking critically (high school + college) was not enough. I'm not be sarcastic here. I really think it's a shame.

But get this, a few months ago, I met with a bunch of Alumni from UChicago's class of 1998. A singular advice that I received from EVERYONE is: become a GREAT writer. I got the impression that NOT all LAWYERS are good writers. It's really really a shame.

So I suppose law school doesn't really teach one how to write - it simply teaches one how to think and read. 3 more years of schooling to become a better reader and writer. And somehow 3 years of reading and writing more justifies us being paid a six digit salary?

Just thinking about this humbles me - I'm so not worthy.

Silicon Valley

2008-09-23T23:55:00.001-07:00

I heard so much about Silicon Valley (SV). I feel the impacts of that illusive place everyday as I use the internet. Today (technically last night), for the first time, I actually stepped foot onto that sacred ground.

There's definitely something different and unique about SV. It's buzzing with tech start-ups and venture capital firms. Yet at the same time, geographically, it's just like any other suburban city in CA - quaint, safe, peaceful, and perfect for family raising.

I was born and raised in CA. While I like CA, I can't help but fight the feeling that returning to CA is like taking a step back (for me). I've always cherished the biblical image of a bird leaving its nest once fully grown and matured. Thus, I left CA for college and never really returned.

SV is sort of a compromise (I suppose). It's not exactly home (home is near Los Angeles). But it's familiar enough to invoke that warm homey sentiment.

Even so, with my passion for Asia, I can definitely see myself in Hong Kong, Tokyo, or even Seoul.

David Lat, from Above the Law, was here!

2008-02-22T21:01:00.000-08:00

It's been FOREVER since I last wrote on my blog. I hate it how plans don't sometimes fall into place. I promised myself that I would post regularly . . . I let law school get the better of me. =(

So what's the occasion for my sudden posting (you might ask)? Well . . . the title of this post should speak for itself. DAVID LAT was here!!!

Though I highly doubt that anyone who managed to find this post will have trouble comprehending why I just used three exclamation marks, allow me to briefly explain why this man is such an inspiration for me to have returned from my long slumber.

Not only is he brilliant (did you click on the above link yet?), he's absolutely hilarious and charming. It sucks how some guys just have it all. But David Lat is just impossible to not love. Here's a guy who literally achieved ultimate prestige and glory in the field of law; he could have been a rainmaker at any top law firm (from Wachtell he could have gone anywhere), a professor at an ivory tower, perhaps a judge . . . maybe even a supreme court justice (I know I'm pushing it a little, but believe you in me that he has all the right credentials). Instead of continuing on that path, he decides to jump boats and pursue his passion to become Gossip King of Blogs!

After one of the most entertaining debates ever (more like stand-up comedy between Judge Richard Posner and David Lat - moderated by the venerable Prof. Lior Strahilevitz) I got to see David Lat again at the law school musical and then at a post party (at the Pub). David was constantly surrounded by my classmates. Quite frankly, I was impressed at David's ability to address any and every subject-matter thrown at him. He's very well versed in quite literally everything - I'll bet he knows more about pop culture, politics, legal gossip, law (in general), movies, songs, and fashion than any teenager and law professor duo. Ugh . . . that's not the best description of this man. I'm clearly not doing justice here.

In any case, I went out on a limb and asked David if he'd be willing to return to U of C if we invite him to be a guest speaker for one of our student organizations. He immediately said, "Yes." This guy is totally awesome.

In case you haven't check out his blog @ Above the Law.

More of "nerd" in me than I thought

2007-12-09T06:30:00.001-08:00

At first I was in denial, but I've come to accept that the "beast" (a.k.a. law school exams) can bring out both the best and worst in me. I'm more "nerd" than I thought.

I finished my first (EVER) law school exam yesterday - the shortest 3 hours of my life. I'm strictly sticking to the "no talk" policy re: exam, so you won't find me chit-chattering about the contents of the beast.

For the last week (or so), I was literally studying, studying, studying....and studying. I gave my body and soul some down time - eating well and making sure to catch a flick everyday - nevertheless, it was one huge tornado of a ride. The night before the exam, I went to bed at 10:30 p.m. Started counting sheep; tossed and turned. I looked at my alarm (my dying cell phone) and it's 12:30 a.m. I called my girlfriend (10:30 p.m. her time) to share with her the woe of my inability to fall asleep: "I counted to 200, but I'm still awake!"

I don't remember exactly how, but I dozed, somehow, into sleep. I wake up from what I think was a dream (at this point dream and reality is really hard to distinguish). I look at my alarm, it's 2:30 a.m.-ish. I toss and turn some more....

Despite the struggle to fall asleep, I was perky the next morning. I packed my backpack (laptop, outline, and my big purple "Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.") and started for the law school approximately half an hour before action-time.

Classmates were very considerate. No unnecessary chit-chats. One fellow, however, spazzed out about forgetting to bring a pen. The proctor started reading instructions and before I knew it, I was trying to tame the beast.

To tell you the honest truth, I have NO idea how I did. But I'm came out of that battle alive. =)

It's one day after my first combat, and what am I doing? Instead of tending to my wounds (resting), I'm studying for my next encounter (which happens to be tomorrow). =(

Okay, so here's the funny thing about it all. It's weird, sick and twisted, but I'm beginning to actually enjoy this torture - thus my sudden epiphany: "nerd." It's really really weird. I hate it, yet I love it. I can't wait until I finish killing this beast, so that I can go off and enjoy the holiday season with my girlfriend and family. Yet, I'm sorta content (I dare say, even happy) studying, studying, studying just to conquer the beast.

I suppose it's perspective? Compared to what I was doing before coming to law school (everything and anything, but no control or say over my time), I have complete and utter control. It's not so bad.

Anyhow, back to learning the ins-and-outs of this beast.

Finals

2007-11-17T00:26:00.000-08:00

The quarter system works well for me. Although it feels like the school term is ending just as I'm getting into the full-swing of things, Chicago is gentle to us 1Ls: we only have two final exams this quarter - Elements of the Law and Civil Procedure.

Elements of the Law is an absolute wonder. I'm taking this class with Prof. David Strauss. He's a gentle intellectual giant teaching us to think big and deep. So what does this exactly mean? Well, it's sort of a Chicago tradition, an intellectual boot-camp. Prof. Strauss would ask a student, for example, to argue against protecting sexual harassment...argue AGAINST protecting sexual harassment (this is actually more difficult than you think). He may even ask a student to make the best argument for keeping segregation intact. =) Eventually, we are asked to take the opposing side and break down the argument we just built up. I love this class. Too bad it's only one quarter long.

Civ Pro....ugh...I guess I'm just not a Civ Pro kind of guy. Ask me how much I like it after 3 weeks. I have yet to grasp this subject adequately to go in and take the final exam.

ALIVE and well~

2007-11-02T09:40:00.000-07:00

I'm back. It's been nearly three months.

Law school is AMAZING. I think I've heard one too many negative criticism.

Law school, contrary to popular opinion, is actually, and surprisingly FUN!

I'd like to think I speak from the general law students' perspective.

I may be wrong, but books like "1L" and movies like "Paper Chase" have done this generation of law students a great service. In response to such draconian portrayals, law schools have become extremely friendly and humane.

This isn't to demean the intellectual demands and heavy work-loads required of a 1L in law school. Law school is definitely challenging. But it's school, so that's expected.

What was unexpected is the extremely close and family like environment. I haven't met a single person I hate in law school. Everyone is not only accomplished, but moreover, down to earth.

We poke fun at one-another and call each other "gunner." We go out to eat every weekend. Thursday night Bar Reviews are always well attended. People are smiling (none of those fake smiles). And honest to God, people really do enjoy studying and talking about the law. I suppose it's because the maturity and work-life-balance level is high.

And we're not just about work work and balance~ The University of Virginia Law School has banned us (at least for this year) from their annual soft-ball game - they banned us for missing games (sleeping), drinking too much and badgering Harvard.

The professors are quite amazing. They are all (100% of them) super-smart, friendly, and they show up in our textbooks. It's surreal.

Anyhow, law school is AWESOME. I highly recommend it. =)

Becoming pale = BAD!

2007-08-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

One of the worst things about starting law school, for me, is leaving my LSAT students behind. Getting a good LSAT instructor can be such a coin toss; on the other hand, getting a good bunch of students can be a coin toss also. I've always been blessed with good groups of students. I'm definitely going to miss teaching - I don't intend on teaching during my 1L year (Paragon to Pieces, I give you mad props for being able to teach while studying).

Though summer is winding down (in L.A. it seems to be winding up), I get a bit worried when my students become more pale while I get more tanned. This summer, for the sake of getting in shape before law school, I spent a significant amount of time swimming (both at the pool and at the beach). However, this doesn't quite explain why my students are SOOOO much more pale than I am.

I learned that most of my students were studying 6+ hours everyday for the LSAT (for the past 2 months). My goodness. I wouldn't be surprised if some admitted to NEVER seeing the sun in the last two months.

I'm a strong advocate of balance. Studying and doing well on the LSAT is important. And while people may be able to pull off several weeks (maybe even months or years) of crazy study hours, their body will eventually have to pay the cost.

I have to constantly remind my students that the LSAT, though important, is merely a small detail in the long scheme. If they can't learn to manage the LSAT in a more balanced fashion, what makes them think they'll be able to do it once at law school OR as a lawyer?

Go see the sun...it's pretty. It'll probably help you do better on the LSAT anyways. Plants aren't the only things that need the sun.

Calm before the Storm

2007-08-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

It really feels that way. As my summer approaches an end and as I twiddle my thumbs waiting for law school to begin, I'm thinking, "It's quiet...a little too quiet." My friends that are starting law school this year have already started their orientation.

Thanks to UChicago's quarter system, for me, law school doesn't start for another month.

Sitting here thinking about how I can use my time more productively, I began flirting with the idea of taking the GMAT. Actually, on-and-off, I have thought about getting an MBA in the past. But only today was I serious enough to get onto MBA.com and find out more about the test.

I'm tempted to jump on board the JD/MBA boat. Any thoughts or recommendations on how to go about studying for this while a 1L?

I move to Chicago in about two weeks. I'll be blogging more consistently (I know I will), once I arrive at law school.

Meanwhile, my apologies for the long hiatus. It was summer. I was busy at the beach. =)

LSAT: Doing what is right

2007-08-03T01:57:00.000-07:00

Today I overheard two students in my class chatting over how people have attempted to cheat on the LSAT.

It's amazing the measures some people will take to gain a little "edge" on the test. As I stood there listening to my students, I began to think: isn't it better to spend the time wasted devising a "cheating" method on studying more practice questions? Not to mention the great risk of getting caught.

I keep telling my students that the LSAT is as cheat proof as any test will get. To try and undermine it will require nothing short of Ocean's 11 style planning and execution. And in the end, I just don't think the risk + reward is worth all that effort. If you get caught cheating, you'll NEVER be a lawyer.

Besides, even if you successfully cheat, what kind of lawyer would a cheater make? Definitely not the kind we want in our profession. =)

Anyhow. For anyone out there thinking about cheating for the LSAT, please remember nothing is worth your dignity.

The power of a law school t-shirt

2007-07-03T01:23:00.001-07:00

I haven't even started law school, but I've already witnessed, first-hand, the crippling effect a "prestigious" law degree has upon those who think way too highly of lawyers (or to-be-lawyers).

I went to Blockbuster to rent "Dreamgirls" and "Adaptation."After waiting in line for some time, I finally got to the cash-register and handed the Blockbuster employee my membership card.

"Sir, your Blockbuster Rewards is due to cancel next week. Would you like to renew it right now?"
"What? I just started this program last week."
"No sir, it says right here that you are due to cancel next week." He sounded agitated.

At this point, I stepped back puzzled; trying to figure out if this guy was pulling my leg or actually being serious. Just as I was about to ask for his supervisor, I noticed his eyes widen.

"You're in law school?"
"Uh....yeah."
"I see...(awkward silence)...ummm...let me write a comment here, cause there has clearly been a mistake. I'm sorry about the trouble." He was cordial.

My jaw literally dropped at his sudden change in tone and attitude. When I momentarily stepped back, he saw my t-shirt that had "Law School" written in big bold letters over my chest area.

Sad, ain't it?

What a night~

2007-06-27T04:32:00.000-07:00

There are some nights that are just too precious to forget; rare and unexpected surprises, which I may never taste during my law school tenure. Tonight was such a night.

The night started with me meeting up with two friends for dinner. One friend is a 3rd year medical student from New Orleans and the other is a relatively well-to-do real estate developer. I haven't seen them for nearly 7 years. You can imagine the breadth in our conversation's topic. I always enjoy a good heart-to-heart talk, where minds and spirits meet. It's like a breath of fresh-air.

As all good things must come to an end, I said my farewells to these two, and drove home.

Just when I thought my night was over, I had a sudden urge to call a friend, whom I'm just getting to know. We had one of those conversations that keep two people up all night, giddy in each other's company. The topics of our conversation spanned from religion to family to law school to relationships to muscles to languages to music.......we talked about EVERYTHING. It's been quite a long time since I've stayed up all night reveling in the joy of sharing a simple conversation with another soul. But then again, it's been a while since I've met a worthy friend whom I can share such uplifting conversations with. I genuinely didn't want to hang-up.

But again, as all good things must come to an end, we hung up at around 4:30 a.m.

Funny thing is that I'm not tired right now. I suppose I should be thankful and grateful, since I cannot enjoy such all-nighters while in law school.

I know the guy in the article~

2007-06-26T01:32:00.000-07:00

Kudos to Prof. Leiter for pointing out this link.

Interesting WSJ article regarding law school rankings. I personally know/met two of the guys interviewed.

Leading up to law school

2007-06-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

The months leading up to law school are restless ones. I have plenty to keep me busy (e.g. working out, teaching, swimming, etc.), but my mind is constantly reverting back to law school thoughts.

Much of my worrying and fretting has stopped - the human body can only be so concerned. I'm not stressed or worried about law school. Just eager to start.

Though I hate to admit it, the adrenline rush I felt last year while applying to law school was much more exciting than this.

Ugh, I'm scheduled to leave for China next week. Then...maybe, just maybe I'll fly to Texas. =)

Adobe

2007-06-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

I've been approved. I guess, management at the high-rise apartment complex near the Law School didn't hate me. Now, I ought to look for some good furniture.

Desk
Bed
Dining table
some chairs....

Am I missing anything else?

Why law school?

2007-06-15T09:19:00.001-07:00

I frequently ask my LSAT students, "Why law school?" Of course, as expected, the answers are as eclectic as the bunch. It's, moreover, a great way for me to measure and reflect on my own motive and purpose for going to law school.

"I love to argue and debate." This one always amuses me. I suspect that it's because I can reply with Robert Miller's quote from, Law School Confidential, "You're better off getting married." (I'm such a geek).

How can I leave out the embittered paralegals, whom after decades of being used and abused, finally muster up the courage and time to study for the LSAT. They want the authority and money their boss' possess. "I do all the work, but he takes all the pay!"

There's always that one person who spits back: "I'm doing it for the money."

And the do goody-goods: "I want to change the world."

But I think my all time favorite response was from a blonde female student: "because there were more lawyer jokes then blonde jokes." This one had me going for a while.

"I wanted to go to law school eversince...." The natural step after elementary school was middle school. The next logical step after that was high school. And after that it was college. After college, however, people panic. A substantial number of these people cling to law school because they see it as a "smooth transition" between college and the real-world. Around 50% of my LSAT students are typically of this background.

I am not in any position to make a judgment call on any of the above responses. But my general opinion is that most people have clouded reasons for going to law school.

Last night I watched the film Patch Adams with my youngest brother. It wasn't about lawyers or law school, but it really made me think how important it is for a person to have a clear vision and reason for wanting to attend law school. Knowing your starting point and ending point simply makes you a more efficient and happy human being.

Happy V-day wishes.

2007-06-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

For those taking their LSAT today. I'm wishing you the very best. Do well guys~

Confusing surprise

2007-06-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

I sit down to pay my bills, and behold a letter informing me of my rights in a lawsuit I never even knew I was a part of.

AmEx is getting sued by a plantiff, whom I've never heard of. There is to be a settlement between the two parties. I have to go out of my way and write a separate "request for exclusion," if I want to be uninvolved.

I'm not in law school yet, but geeze, is it okay for a bunch of attorneys to represent an entire group of people without their expressed consent? It's obviously okay, since this letter I received was sent by the Order of the San Francisco Superior Court.

I tried to learn more about the case and discovered that the attorneys for the plantiff are big shot lawyers, who fight for employment rights, etc. Moreover, I learned that it's not easy to find background information on these lawyers.

Prepping for law school

2007-06-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

It's summer! The summer before the big year; the calm before the storm. I've been doing some extensive, albeit informal, research on how I can most effectively use this summer to be in top shape before law school starts. Here are some sound, along with some crazy, advice that I've received thus far:

- "Go on vacation. You'll be asking why you didn't during those long nights"
- "Practice sleeping early"
- "Buy used 1L books and preview by reading EVERYTHING before school starts."
- "Start working out"
- "There's no way you can prep for law school, so just relax and enjoy"
- "Get some legal exposure; work as a para-legal or law clerk"
- "Date as many people as you can"
- "Don't get into a relationship!"
- "Learn to cook"
- "Take a Great Books course; you'll never have time to read real books again"
- "Go on a road-trip"
- "Don't waste time learning how to cook; you won't have time anyways"
- "Put on some pounds....studying makes you lose weight"
- "Make money"

This'll be an interesting summer. Of all the above, I want to go on a road trip (from sea to shining sea) and maybe even go backpacking in Africa or Southeast Asia. But it's very likely that I'll be stuck making money. Maybe I'll go on a brief excursion to Jamaica! My friends there have been begging me to come for some time now.

Counting Blessings

2007-05-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

I returned to California at around 4:30 a.m. yesterday. My lil' brother graduated from college and I did not want to miss it for the world. His graduation, however, overlapped with my buddy's father's funeral. Originally, (before any dates were determined and set in stone) my buddy asked me to be one of six casket bearers. Things didn't quite work out.

When I read books, I love flipping pages and starting new chapters. But more often than not, I hate finishing books...I hate having to end my interaction with the characters that I have grown to adore. I'll never forget how much I hated Leo Tolstoy during those last few pages of "War and Peace." I wanted to know more about the characters' after their "happy ever after" ending. Ugh, and don't even get me started with Plato's "Republic."

Anyhow. A good ending is a good ending. In fact, the momentous events that emerged in the last week will be amongst the many blessings that I will count in the years to follow. I'm glad that my buddy is safe and at peace. I'm glad that my brother finished college with so many great memories. I'm glad that I'm able to stop and think at this point in my life about people.

Thank you for your prayers. Though it is still too soon, I will eventually be sharing your thoughts and prayers with my buddy.

Prayers

2007-05-23T02:01:00.000-07:00

Dear All:

Yesterday afternoon, I wrote a post about being happy. Little did I know or expect the tragedy to follow.

In the middle of my LSAT class, I received a call from a close friend, who informed me that another very close friend's father got shot multiple times by two gunmen in Los Angeles. I was shocked; I didn't know how to respond.

I never drove so fast. If pulled over, I had, I thought, a perfectly legitimate excuse to speed. Roads were taped and blocked. Instinctively, I swerved and parked my car. I ran passed the yellow tapes and police officers. Several officers stopped me....but only for a few seconds...I think my eyes told them everything they needed to know.

I won't forget the embrace between my friend (my brother) and I. His shudder, his tears and his agony. I cannot forget the boiling anger that bubbled inside my gut....I wanted shout, punch and cry all at once. The only thought running through my mind was simply this: "Be strong, be strong, be strong..." The only words that came out of my mouth was this: "Be strong, be strong, be strong..."

It's 2:16 a.m.....it's hard to sleep. I want to pray for my friend and his family. I want to ask you all to keep them in your prayers.

UC Irvine School of Law

2007-05-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

Some of you probably already know, but I just got hold of wind that UCI got the "okay" to found its anticipated law school. The school is scheduled to open its doors in 2009.

Although Southern California has several notable law schools (i.e. UCLA, USC, Loyola, Southwestern, etc.), I'm eager to see how UCI's addition will affect pre-law students, employers and law schools. Typically, new law schools don't fair too well. But UCI is likely to be different. Unlike Loyola or Southwestern, UCI's law school has the benefit of being connected to the wider UC system. It will also benefit from its access to the university's other undergraduate and graduate programs. Arguably, prospective law students may prefer this diversity/diversion over stand-alone law schools, like Loyola and Southwestern.

UCLA Law is quite young, and yet within fifty-years it stands amongst the ranks of our nation's top law schools. I presume that the nice living condition and weather had a role in recruiting and retaining some of the top legal minds. UCI is in Orange County, which ain't as crowded and dirty as Los Angeles proper. Moreover, Orange County ain't that far from Downtown L.A. (Southern California's legal hub). In the footsteps of UCLA, I suspect UCI will have no problem recruiting and retaining top law professors, and thus soon after, top students.

L.A. Works Day

2007-05-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

On June 2 (Saturday), I'll be joining hundreds of Angelinos (people from Los Angeles) to get down and dirty painting shelters, planting trees and giving face-lifts to inner-city schools.

If you don't have anything planned for that weekend and you just so happen to be within driving distance from Downtown L.A., march on out and join us!

This is my first year participating, but I know it'll be fun meeting new and cool people.

Proud

2007-05-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

There are days when I'm extremely happy to be an LSAT instructor. Today is one of those days.

Three (the magic number) of my former students called me out of the blue. Below are excerpts from each conversation...

First conversation:
A: David, David! I got into UCLA!
Me: !#$%#$%$!$%!$!#!%!$%

Second conversation:
B: I decided to go to Yale.
Me: !$!%!!$%!$%!$%!$%!$%!%

Third conversation:
C: I'll be in Columbia this fall.
Me: !!$%!%!$!$%!$%!$%!$%!$%!

(FYI, !$!%!$%!$%!^$!$%!$%!$%!$%! = "Oh my goodness! I'm so happy for you! Congratulations! Let's do dinner!" No profanity at all.)

To be honest, there are times (like right now) when I feel that I'm not doing a good job as an instructor because students are becoming discouraged by their low scores and a few decide not to even show up to class.

But now, I feel that today is definitely a good day!

For those studying for the June LSAT, I want you to know that the above three students started out exactly where you are - stressed and discouraged yet hopeful.

Up your score

2007-05-20T08:24:00.001-07:00

There's about 3 more weeks before V-day (Victory Day) - a.k.a. LSAT testing day.

It's just about time for my students to start panicking. Some will wonder, "If I just hadn't worked that extra shift, then maybe my score will be higher." While others will wonder, "I shouldn't be stressing so much because it may be what's keeping my score down."

Given my students' myriads of personality types and backgrounds, it's impossible for me to sit here and exactly diagnose what's keeping some scores down and pushing others up. However, one thing is certain: without practice improvement is just impossible.

Many of my students are the smart types. They come to class and try really hard to understand the concepts and tools for attacking the LSAT. However, once they feel they understand one concept, they feel that they can move on to the next concept. This type of study method may have worked throughout high-school and maybe even college. But the LSAT is quite a bit different, at least for many people.

LSAT requires repetition and practice. Merely understanding the concepts is not sufficient. You need to digest those tools and concepts to make them a part of your second nature. This requires you to actually hit the floor and do the grunt work. For example, think of Chess. It's not enough to merely understand the rules and moves. In fact, winning a few games is not sufficient (e.g. your opponent may have been a not-so-good player). To become really good at Chess, one needs to actually sit there and practice, again and again, until one can react almost naturally to every possible move.

Now, there are those few genius types that are simply great Chess players or awesome LSAT takers from the up-start. These people are very small in number/percentage. Focusing on or comparing yourself to them will not up your score. Most people, including me, need to work hard to improve.

Now here's the problem I see with most students, they practice three or maybe four hours on one concept. They get a decent number of questions right and a few wrong. Compared to where they were before doing the practice, they feel that they have improved. So they never return to practice or review these concepts again.

To improve, one must practice, again and again and again, even the concepts one "thinks" she mastered. In many cases it take only about a day for your mind to forget the concept you just mastered.

To Make A Difference

2007-05-18T09:04:00.001-07:00

The power and privilege bestowed upon one possessing a law degree is obviously great. It's easy for law students, even pre-law students, who are so engrained in the learning process to forget what it meant to value the law degree from a layman's perspective. I feel that it's sort of like a diamond - afar from your possession it looks sparkly, shiny and desirable, but upfront, in your possession, you're so accustomed to it that it feels like just another rock.

This morning I am reminded by John Grisham of law graduates' illustrious potential to protect people.

EDIT: Deleted a part of this post.

More options for law students

2007-05-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

This morning I found myself grinning at my computer screen. "Uncle Sam Wants You (and Will Pay Off Your Loans)!"

According to this Wall Street Journal article, Congress has voted to pay off $60,000 for lawyers who work in the public defender's office or the prosecutor's office for 3+ years. I think this is a sexy deal!

Though it does not completely bridge the $$$ gap between private and public sector legal jobs, it does ease up (quite significantly) the burden that many law graduates feel when pursuing public sector jobs with loads of loans.

I wish, though unlikely, Congress will increase the amount ($60,000) at a rate consistent with law school tuition inflation.

Advice to a friend

2007-05-15T01:45:00.000-07:00

Today I had a great night out with my friends. Some of 'em were my former LSAT students.

One of 'em is struggling with an issue, to which I tried to give the best advice I can give. I thought I'd pose the issue to my fellow bloggers and see if I can get your input.

This former student (we'll call him J) is deciding between two schools: 4th tier school in S. California (his home) and a 3rd tier school in Michigan. He wants to eventually practice law in California (Orange County).

Given his two choices and preference, I advised him to attend the California school. There is no significant difference between a 3rd and 4th tier school. At the regional level, solid networking will take students further than school name/prestige. His only reason for wanting the Michigan school is its higher ranking in US News World Report, while his reasons for wanting the California school include proximity to the city, in which he will eventually practice law, and the already established networks with family and friends in the California legal industry.

What say you? Did I give him good advice?

Around the world in 730 days

2007-05-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

I attended a wedding yesterday. It was nice.

During the reception one of the guests took me by my hand to introduce me to her child. My faintest hope that perhaps this nice lady wanted me to meet her daughter wafted away as she introduced me to her son. "David goes to law school! Listen and learn as much as you can from him." The kid looked at me eagerly.

I felt extremely uneasy. For starters, I don't go to law school yet. And what to make of this awkward meeting. My romantic hope for maybe...just maybe meeting my soulmate at this wedding wasn't gonna happen.

"So what school do you go to?"
"I go to NYU."
"Wonderful school. What's your major?"
"Finance. But I was wondering if I should change it because I'm not sure if it'll help for law school."

At that instant my mind began to shoot in 80 different directions: "Why would you change your major for that?; Are you serious?; Why not do what you like?; Why so intent on law school?" It may have taken a while, but one-by-one I managed to organize my thoughts and get each of my questions out and answered.

There are several noteworthy thoughts that transpired during our conversation: 1) he would greatly benefit from seeing the world; 2) he needs a hobby; and 3) he needs to stop caring about the world's eyes.

1) When my friends and I returned from abroad, our first point of irritation was that many Americans (our family and friends) are very narrow minded and narcissistic - the world revolves around my country, my state, my city, my hometown, so why venture out? This kid had the entire, "I want to live and die in L.A.!" mentality - both geographically and figuratively. He was convinced that there was nothing better for him out there, so why bother to explore? While I admired his resolve, I was not altogether convinced that he knew what he was talking about. Judging from his mother's earlier actions, I knew that half, if not all, the things he wanted were, in actuality, his mother's desires.

Going abroad desensitizes these mothers - the physical distance forces 'em to understand that their children are not children.

2) Before applying to law school, I encourage working, traveling, playing, soul-searching, musing, or even reading. In fact, anything short of nothing will do. Most people, like this kid, go directly from Kindergarten to Elementary School, to Junior High, to High School, to College. And most people, when life's path is predetermined, go on auto-pilot - they never bother to feed their passion (btw, this is not unique to high-school/college aged kids). This kid needed a hobby. His "hobby" was studying.

3) Rather than studying what he loves or cares about, this kid does what he feels others love and care about. While I cannot completely discredit the value of playing the "game" (following the herd), there is a point of departure, where the groups desires and my desire differs greatly. To follow the masses in these areas is to kill your passion, and thus yourself. When this kid finally realizes that he's not happy, he may already be 40 years old, living with a woman other people want and love, working a job other people want and love, and associating with friends other people want and love, only to know that he wants and loves none of the above. (I admit I'm being a bit extreme =P)

Here's a challenge for everyone out there thinking about law school. Life is short, why don't you try to travel around the world in 730 days (2 years)? See what you can learn about yourself and the world around you. Pushing law school for 2 years won't kill you.

Timing the Beast!

2007-05-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been getting a lot of questions regarding timing. Running against the clock can be quite stressful and my LSAT students are freaking out.

Whenever I get a, "I can't think straight when I think I'm running out of time," I give students the following analogy:
When you start learning how to swim, you learn, first and foremost, the proper forms and techniques (e.g. how to float, kick, stroke and breathe). You don't worry about how fast you can get from one side of the pool to the other side. LSAT is like swimming. Who cares if the national standard is to finish in 35-minutes; first learn the proper forms and techniques, then we'll worry about speed.

There's a Korean proverb that says, "If you try to catch two rabbits at once, you'll lose both." If you are still struggling with specific logical reasoning questions, games sections and reading comp passages, then don't try to improve both accuracy and speed at the same time cause you'll end up frustrating yourself more. Learn how to attack each question and fix your flaws before rushing.

Chicago forth~

2007-05-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

Some of you already know. I will be starting school this fall at the University of Chicago Law School! I'm extremely excited!

My "Journey to Law School" is almost complete. Once I begin school this fall, I will have to think about what to do with this blog (e.g. continue writing under another blog-title, start an entirely new blog, etc.).

Right now I'm packed up to the neck with LSAT teaching/tutoring, trying to make as much money before starting law school. Yet I'm torn. Making money is making money, I'll be doing that for the rest of my life. Not knowing what to do with months of leisure time, however, is something that comes once in a blue-moon. The only other time I felt this care-free, "I can do whatever I want," freedom was right after high-school graduation, but before starting college. That summer I spent all my money traveling around the world.

A part of me yearns to do something like that again. Yet another part of me is holding me down. It seems wiser to cut back on the amount of law school loans I take out by earning more money. Teaching LSAT full-time over the summer can earn me up to anywhere between $13,500-$22,500. That's a lot of money~

Deciding

2007-05-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

Interesting blog that my friend forwarded to me.

Everyone is deciding or has decided on which law school he/she will be attending. Congrats! For those waiting to get off waitlists, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Single, Studio or Roommate

2007-04-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

I'd like to throw some question out to bloggers:
What was your living situation like during 1L year?
You recommend living in a Single (Studio, Roommate)?

As I see it:
The benefits of living in a single is the complete and total selfish control of time and space.

The benefits of living in a studio is all of the above, except in a smaller universe.

The benefits of living in an apartment with roommates is the cheaper price and good company.

Drawbacks of living in a single is the scary thought of having only books as your friend.

Drawbacks of living in a studio is the previous thought, except in a smaller universe.

Drawbacks of living in an apartment with roommates is the unpredictable nature and personalities of roommates, whom I've never met/lived with til' now.

So which would you choose under these circumstances?

Ah~ The Amazing Possibilities After Law School...

2007-04-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

I was at church yesterday, and after service John, a great mentor and friend, comes up to me and tells me about a newspaper interview he recently read that reminded him of me. He read about the winner of last season's Survivor.

I had, just a few weeks before, told John that I'm training for the Iron Man competition, so I thought, "Maybe that's what reminded him of me." I was geniunely flattered thinking, "Dude, my pects and bisceps must really be bulging through my shirt!"

My narcissistic thought-bubble quickly popped, when John continued to mention, "....he went to law school, and you're going to law school!" I later found out that John was talking about Yul Kwon, the Stanford grad who later went on to Yale law school. This guy is now my new official role model. He's got both the brains and the brawns (and if applicable the beauty).

Later that evening I watched the final season of the Apprentice. Stefani Schaeffer, the L.A. attorney, is now Donald Trump's new apprentice. Schaeffer attended the University of California, Riverside, and then went onto to graduating from Southwestern University School of Law's SCALE program (2 year law program; instead of the typical 3 year program).

So there ya' go! After law school, if you want to make it, not merely as a star, but a winner on America's prime-time reality T.V. show, YOU CAN DO IT!

Visiting Law Schools: Chicago

2007-04-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

Chicago, Berkeley and Stanford each had their ASW on the same weekend. As for UPenn - the dean of admission called me to personally tell me not to come (long yet funny story). Since Berkeley and Stanford are only four-driving-hours away, I visited them the week preceding ASW. Here's a brief review on Stanford and Berkeley, then a thorough review on Chicago.

I was honestly more impressed with Berkeley students than with Stanford students. It may have been their "not a big deal" attitude about studying. I'm sure the "pass, honor & high-honor" grading system had a part. Although Stanford's architecture reminded me of a huge taco bell, the facilities and equipment at Stanford were much more posh than Berkeley's. Students at both schools boasted their amazing job prospects. One Stanford remarked, "The hardest part is choosing from the loads of options. Employers love us. Coming from Stanford you pretty much have the job, so you really have to purposely try for an employer to revoke an offer." Lastly, I was pleasantly surprised that Boalt wasn't "hippy" town.

Chicago was amazing. I should admit from the outset that I'm a bit infatuated with University of Chicago (yet another long and funny story for another time). To sum it up Chicago's ASW was a weekend of being wined and dined. I was particularly impressed with Dean Levmore, the faculty panel and the trivia contest.

I arrived to Chicago via Las Vegas (I won $11.00 from the airport slot machine...beginners luck!). At Las Vegas I met another admitted student. He and I sat together on our plane ride to Chicago. Once at Midway airport, my 2L host picked us up with his car. We stopped by his apartment (Regents Park) to drop off my luggage. Regents Park is in every sense of the word "a luxury apartment" - beep-in-security revolving door, elevator with elevator music, and a 24-hour security-doorman. My host's apartment was large with 2-bedroom and 2-baths. He had the Nintendo Wii, Playstation 2 and X-box 360....a video gamer's dream come true!

Afterwards we went directly to the law school. Chicago Law's architecture wasn't bad; in fact, I thought it was really nice (a lot of windows). Once inside at the Green lounge (the main lounge), I spotted admitted students, current students, professors, administrators and a dog (help dog that guides the disabled). I walked over to the table where Dean Perry and Mike Machen were registering and welcoming people. After finishing the formalities I spent the next hour chatting with current students. It felt nice and natural.

Next on the agenda was filing into charter buses to go to downtown Chicago. My ride there was pleasant due to the girl sitting next to me - her rather sarcastic and slap-in-the-face humor was just the thing to let time fly by. Shiff Hardin (the law firm) hosted us on the 66th floor of Sears Tower. The rolled-up shrimps, edamame, fried-dumplings, sushi, and open bar were definitely a nice touch. Throughout the reception partners walked up to me trying to sell their law firm - one even offered me a job (he may have been joking, but what the heck, it felt good).

Afterwards, it was off to Sluggers (the bar). This bar had a batting cage, so I spent the rest of the night hitting soft-balls. =)

The day after, Dean Levmore gave a rather amusing and superb welcome. He was very witty and to-the-point in answering everyone's question. He made it a point that Chicago is unique amongst other law schools because of its "life of the mind" and intimacy. Faculty panel followed next with Professors Baird, Buss, Samaha, and Henderson on the table. Professor Samaha and Henderson blew me away - they were absolutely brilliant. Professor Baird and Buss were also great, but Prof. Baird didn't speak much and Prof. Buss' topic of choice was far from my interest. The next big highlight for me was the "Faculty v. Student Trivia Contest" - it was hilarious! The students won with the faculty trailing very close behind (1 point).

Now my notorious list of positives and negatives:

Positive:
- Faculty is amazing (by far the best I've sampled thus far).
- A bus ride away from a great city
- Nice facilities
- Rigor: students are smart and serious
- Intimate and close-knit community
- Amazing job prospect and reputation
- Generally friendly student body

Negatives:
- Less than perfect weather (Windy City)
- Not the most safest neighborhood
- Rigor: students are smart and serious ("Where fun comes to die")

Visiting Law Schools: USC

2007-04-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

USC hosted a day-long event. Parking was free (law school sponsored). USC law is situated towards the Natural History Museum side of the college campus. It's right next to Marshall Business school (which btw was posh!). After years of living in green suburbs, it was hard for me to appreciate all the grey smog and red bricks, which is the general characteristic of the USC neighborhood. But once on campus, there is a stark change in color. Things just seem brighter and greener within the campus gates.

After parking my car, I approached the law school building. There were big red and gold (USC colors) balloons and white cloth tables decorated with food and drinks. But I was alarmed. The people standing around that area were wearing suits and tie. I was in khaki pants and t-shirt. When I got within 50 feet of the crowd, I realized the pomp-and-circumstance that alarmed me a few seconds ago was business school affiliated. I think B-students were meeting prospective employers. Although I was relieved that no one would accuse me of under-dressing, I was admittedly disappointed not to be showered with free food.

The law school is quite small. I walked into the building and waited for the admissions office to open. The day was to start at 9:30; I was 15 minutes early. Propsective students started gathering around ocean-green-colored couch area. There were about 15-20 students. Promptly at 9:35, the admissions staff took us to USC's mock court room to debrief us of our day. The court room, wasn't as big as UCLA's, but the wood used to build it seemed to be of higher quality (I don't know anything about wood quality....but it just seemed that way).

We were given the opportunity to sit in on a 1L class, criminal law. It was boring. Mainly because I had no idea what the professor was talking about, and because the class was more of a lecture than a discussion.

After class we were given a tour of the law school. The library has been recently renovated. I've seen the library in its pre-renovation days, and I've got to admit the new look is much nicer. I was amused, however, that the library had the Abraham Lincoln room. It allegedly has the largest collection of Lincoln books and materials of all the law schools in the world.

After the tour it was lunch time with a professor at the University Club. The University Club is the classy dining area for staff, faculty and guests. The menu has high-end dishes like salmon and filet mignon. I ordered the salmon. The professor was awesome. She was in charge of the legal clinic that helps non-profit organizations in the greater L.A. region. Our lunch conversation ranged from world-travel to best-yogurt toppings.

The day ended after lunch.

Now the list of positives and negatives:

Positives
- Relatively intimate law school atmosphere
- Minutes away from the Staple Center, Downtown L.A. and the beach
- Trojan connection (pervasive throughout the campus)
- Awesome weather
- Across the street from the Natural History Museum (dinosaur bones!!!)
- Amazing array of restaurants and ethnic food
- Students seemed geniunely happy

Negatives
- The neighborhood is sort of shabby
- Job opportunities seem to be L.A. polar
- Law school architecture could use some remodeling.

Big-Law Revolution

2007-04-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Andrew Canter and Craig Segall, Stanford Law students, are heading up a new organization called, "Law Students Building a Better Legal Profession." The article can be found here.

Here's an excerpt from the article:

“We are writing as a group of over 100 law students to propose a change in the way we all experience our profession. We are working to ensuring that practicing law does not mean giving up a commitment to family, community, and dedicated service to clients.”

Four Principles -

1) Making concrete steps towards a transactional billing system;
2) Reducing maximum billable hour expectations for partnership;
3) Implementing balanced hours policies that work; and
4) Making work expectations clear.

By next fall recruiting season, they want to compile a list of AmLaw 100 firms that have committed to their request, and let law students know which firms are on board and which are not.

What sort of negotiating leverage does this organization have? For starters, they are willing to exchange all of the above for lesser money (salary). It is the organization's belief that they have enough market power to make the difference.

Here's my 2 cents from a law student's stand point.
Most law students don't have the insight or wisdom to see beyond money. When law firms wave $160,000, their primal instinct comes screaming back. They begin to see light and hope for paying off that $150,000 loan. This coupled with the "grass looks greener on the other side" tendency, law students all too often think: "It won't be that bad being a highly paid associate at a top-notch firm! In fact, it'll be awesome!"
It isn't until they are working associates that most law students realize they are cuffed in golden chains. As the organizers of this organization astutely point out, all negotiating power goes out the window, once law students are associates, so change must start from the law student level.
Thus, for this organization to get real results, they need to spend more fire power and time preaching to the law students. Fortunately, more and more associates are getting the message out that they are "extremely unhappy" by leaving their firms. The organization should go a step further and connect these dissatisfied attorneys with current law students, so that the law students can get it directly from the horse's mouth.

Now, from AmLaw 100 stand point, this new organization may seem a bit brazen: who do these kids think they are?
Law firms are generally conservative in their management and business. But just like their proteges, they are moved by money. The main question for these law firms will be, "Will it affect our profit?" If lowering associate salaries across the board (keep in mind, they are going to hit some rough pavement, if they try to lower the salaries of already practicing associates) in exchange for all of the above requests won't affect their profit, law firms should (in theory) jump at this proposal.

Personally, I think, as I mentioned in a previous post, some sort of free-market system (like ibanking) would be better. Start off with a lower base salary, but award increased bonuses to those who were most productive. Let those who want to work their butt-off do so. Let those who want more control of their time do so.
I don't see how or why the nature of modern legal profession wouldn't allow for such a system. Perhaps there is something I don't see. If anyone can provide invaluable bits to contribute to my meager knowledge, I'm greatly indebted to her/him.

Visiting Law Schools: NYU and USC

2007-04-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

This weekend I'll visit USC, and next weekend I'll be at NYU.

I'm really excited about Greenwich Village. Whenever I visit New York City, I somehow end up in the Village hanging out, eating and lounging around. One of NYU's greatest asset is its happenin' location. I always wonder how students at NYU ever get any work done with so much "distractions." The last time I visited NYU Law, what impressed me above all, however, was the super friendly student body. One student even went out of her way to show me her dorm room, which compared to the apartments near Columbia seemed smaller, but nicer.

Speaking of locations, USC's is less than ideal. For those familiar with the L.A. area, East side ain't all that spiffy. I rarely go out towards that area. USC is near downtown L.A., but L.A.'s downtown, in comparison to the downtowns of other cities, is dead - there is no nightlife what-so-ever. However, most people in L.A. have cars. You can't really get around without a car in L.A. So as a student at USC, you can always drive to Sunset/Hollywood for parties and return to the East side for classes.

Reading Comp is 50% psychology

2007-03-31T23:23:00.000-07:00

A large part of performing well on the reading comp section of the LSAT is changing your mindset. You have to think, "This is SO interesting!" And really believe that it is!

I know this is easier said than done. Usually when given homework assignments, students have no problem mowing through logical reasoning and game questions. It's the reading comp passages/questions that they get flaky on. When asked why they get flaky, most respond by saying, "It's mind numbingly boring."

For those struggling with this very problem, I have devised a method (albeit a quirky one).

When you learned how to walk, you probably first learned how to crawl. Likewise, to transform the reading comp section into an exhilirating experience, you have to first learn to realize that it ain't so bad.

Next time you go to the restroom (to do the deed), I suggest you take with you a reading comp passage. Humor me and hear me out. When you're on the toilet at school (or in any public place), your mind starts wandering. And as if you don't have anything better to do, you begin to scrutinize every scribble and doodle on the stall. Why do we do this?

When you're at an upscale restroom at some fancy restaurant, you don't have these wonderous distractions. So you move your eyes to the restroom floor, where you find many little squares and diamonds. And you sit there counting 'em and/or making bigger shapes.

When you're on the toilet, anything and everything is interesting because your mind is bored.

If the bathroom floor can be this interesting, imagine how interesting your LSAT reading comp passage would be on the toilet.

After doing this exercise several times, when you return to your desk, convincing yourself that the reading comp passage "ain't that bad" is only a matter of remembering your quirky adventures on the toilet.

Several hundreds of students have tried this method, and they've attested to its amazing effect. Try it. What have you got to lose? =)

Lack of diversity. LSAT is the culprit.

2007-03-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Interesting article.

"In law schools throughout the country, the number of Black applicants, students and graduates are all declining."

I don't know if condemning the ABA is the most effective remedy, but I suppose it's the place anyone would start in his/her attempt to make a difference in legal education.

It's also no surprise that the LSAT took some heat.

As an LSAT instructor, I know and am convinced that the LSAT can be studied for. Many African-American students, however, don't have the finanical luxury to pay $1000 - $1300 for a LSAT course.
Since this "condemning" originated from Congress, perhaps Congress ought to consider making student loans available for students who want to take test prep courses.

US News

2007-03-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

I purposely waited until official publication to comment on this year's US News World Report's law school ranking.

I am bent towards attending the University of Chicago Law School, so obviously I was a tad bit surprised and upset to see NYU ranked 4th and UPenn ranked 6th (the same as Chicago).

However, consider these facts (as reported by US News):
LSAT (Median)/GPA(Median)
Chicago: 171/3.66
Columbia: 172/3.7
NYU: 170/3.75
Penn: 170/3.7

Acceptance Rate
Chicago: 16%
Columbia: 15%
NYU: 21%
Penn: 16%

% in Academia/% Judicial Clerks/% in non-law Business
Chicago: 2/21/2.5
Columbia: 0/14.2/0.5
NYU: 0/12/0.5
Penn: 1/12.4/1.3

Based on these numbers it would seem that Columbia and Chicago are ahead of NYU and Penn. So I've done some searching and asking to find what bumped NYU ahead of Columbia and Penn up to Chicago's level. It was obvious to me that US News rankings are not determined by what pre-law students on discussion boards perceive to be purely test scores, employment numbers and/or acceptance rates (because based on these alone the current US News results are clearly questionable).

Prof. Theodore P. Seto, a Harvard Law grad teaching at Loyola Law School, has recently researched and written in depth on this topic. His inquiry started much the same way I'm beginning to question US News rankings - namely by taking it personally. His studies adequately answered my questions.

Simply put, the current US News methodology is not a perfect system. Prof. Seto does quite a thorough job at breaking it down.

FYI, I endore Prof. Seto's results, which BTW does not favor Chicago over the schools mentioned above. This is my feeble attempt to remain objective =)

But a journey...

2007-03-27T03:18:00.000-07:00

Law school is not the ending chapter of your story. It is not the answer to your life's search for a purpose. Law school will certainly not make you happy.

One thing I find extremely common amongst all my LSAT students (regardless of their score) is their "happy ever after" attitude about law school. While studying for the LSAT, one of my best students cried and mumbled to me: "I need to get into Harvard." She spent hours and hours each day studying for the LSAT. Despite my efforts to comfort her and help her relax, she stressed and cried right up until (and even after) the test. Law school was EVERYTHING to her. Getting into law school was the final act, and she was convinced that nothing mattered more than getting into Harvard. (She eventually did get into Harvard).

It honestly saddens me a bit to see this self-induced torture. Having an absolutist view of law school is already placing too much pressure on one's shoulder. And imagine the disappointment crashing down on someone who finds themselves just as lost and desperate as they were before law school.

This is exactly why I get excited when my LSAT students decide to take some time off before going to law school. Any job, I mean ANY job, will help bring perspective to one's legal education.

Law school is not the finish. It is but a journey; a means to an end.

Coming out

2007-03-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

One of lisetiffner's recent posts "Anonymous no Longer" got me thinking: how much of myself do I want to reveal?

I adore the freedom that follows from readers not knowing who I am, thus I prefer remaining anonymous to most.

But my purpose for writing isn't to gleefully poke random statements and revel at the thought that no one knows me. My hope and purpose is that others will benefit from my observations and experience.

So a balance is necessary. I ought to share just enough, but not too much - making only sufficient and necessary points =P [I just had to slip in LSAT lingo!]

Interesting concept

2007-03-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

A high school friend started the company called eMax.

The concept is very simple: you join and save money at your favorite stores because the group (members of eMax) will collectively make massive, high volume purchases at those stores.

Honestly, I'm not sure if this will work, I have my doubts. But if it does work, then I would love to save money at Jamba Juice and the movie theatres!

Live or Die in L.A.

2007-03-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

The June LSAT is slowly creeping nearer. And unfortunately for those in Los Angeles there aren't many places to take it - only Southwestern Law and University of Southern California (USC).

The number of students taking the June LSAT is typically smaller than those taking the October LSAT, but I'm still a bit surprised that Loyola and UCLA won't be available for testing.

Perhaps the new twist to the LSAT is discouraging people from being what they perceive as the first group of guinea pigs, and as a result, LSAC is responding by hosting the test at fewer test centers.

Law school evacuation?!?

2007-03-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

I'm about to leave for China. This morning, as I am packing, I read a spine chilling article on the avion influenza. And again, I was remined of the impending "doom" to come.

Eversince last year, while I was in China, I have been monitoring news on this disease. So far it ain't a major problem. However, it should scare us to know that leading health officials at the World Health Organization as well as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention aren't asking "if," but rather asking "when" the pandemic hits.

I was told that once the H5N1 virus becomes transmittable from human-to-human it will only be a matter of 2-3 weeks before it hits the entire world (no amount of border closing will prevent it from happening). They expect people to die in the millions from this virus, especially those who are between 20-40 years-old (H5N1 uses your immune system to attack your body, so the stronger your immune system, the more you are prone to danger). Scary...huh?

Colleges are preparing evacuation plans. I wonder if law schools are doing the same.

I feel like I'm in some sort of a bio-hazard movie (Resident Evil).

Cass Sunstein's Article

2007-03-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

Prof. Cass Sunstein's recent blog/article entitled, Taxpayers and Religion perked my ears.

I wouldn't consider myself a religious person, nevertheless religion is a big part of my life. Even as I am such, it is still a bit eerie for me to know that the President is arguing that taxpayer's have no "standing" against government spending of taxpayer's money unless: 1) "Challenging a specific governmental mandate;" and 2) "taxpayer money is dispersed outside the government."

I don't know enough about this case (appearing before the Supreme Court), so I will not go indepth. I don't know whether President Bush's pointed spending of taxpayer's money was for religious organizations in general or his "religious" organizations in particular. But one thing I am certain of, as Prof. Cass Sunstein accurately pointed out, is that the current administrations argument taken to the extreme can only be bad for liberal democracy.

For the record, I do pray daily (regardless of who's in the oval office) for the President. My sincere wish is that our Commander and Chief has the wisdom and courage to act in our nation's best interest (which by the way ain't easy.....and in the name of which so much has gone wrong).

Wine Mess

2007-03-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

Last night at the Paul Hastings building in L.A. the University of Chicago Law School hosted a wine mess for admitted students. Ugh, I LOVED it!

I don't know what they put in those quesadillas, but it was good.

It was nice to speak with alumni, prospective classmates, and school representatives over a glass of wine and fine food (Yes, yes! For me quesadillas can be fine food). I learned a lot about the varied employment options available to graduates. It was also nice to be able to fling questions without being concerned about making the wrong impressions. The environment was very laid back and surprisingly fun. I never imagined standing around holding a glass of wine could be so much fun.

Paul Hastings is a beautiful law firm. I've visited three big L.A. law firms, and thus far, Paul Hastings takes the prize for best aesthetic taste. Everything was translucent white, kinda like an iPod or Mac-Apple store. The one-man couches in the lobby were very futuristic and comfortable. A partner at the law firm freely gave us a tour around the firm, during which I noticed that associates' offices are very spacious and decorated with nice furniture.

Beyond these superficial observations, I noticed that the partner-associate interaction was quite natural and, from what I could gather, frequent.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience.

LSAT scores from 142 to 173

2007-03-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Starting from this past Saturday all the way up until today, I've been receiving phone calls from my former LSAT students. I wish they were calling me because I'm genuinely fun to speak with, but alas they only call to talk about the LSAT.

My students' scores ranged from 142 to 173. Here's several observations about the students who scored in the two extremes.

The person who scored a 142 came to me with a 137. The person who scored a 173 came to me with a 158.
The person who scored a 142 did not take the test too seriously. The person who scored a 173 was hungry to do well on this test.
The person who scored a 142 studied for 2 months, and didn't do any of the assignments. The person who scored a 173 studied for 6 months, and went over all the assignments + practice tests 3 times.
The person who scored a 142 believed that only geniuses do well on the LSAT. The person who scored a 173 believed that ANYONE can do well on the LSAT.
The person who scored a 142 is unsure about law school. The person who scored a 173 knows for certain that law school is the next step.

These observations are NOT absolute. It's simply interesting for me to compare and contrast because both students are almost identical in background, personality and the approximate time they started studying for the LSAT.

$160,000 salary = Bad News?

2007-03-06T00:57:00.000-08:00

It is according to the recent article in The American Lawyer: Is Raising Salaries the Best Way to Retain Associates? (By Elizabeth Goldberg and Ben Hallman, 03/05/07)

This past January, Simpson Thacher & Barlett, as many of you already know, raised salaries for its associates. I won't say I was unhappy when I first heard the news. But there's no such thing as free lunch.

According to the article, partners at large firms are understandably unhappy about having to pay more. But the associates aren't all that happy either. Some New York firms have raised their "minimum billables from 1,950 to 2,000 hours." Firms that haven't officially raised their minimum billable hours, nevertheless expect more from associates.

If the purpose for raising salaries was to increase retention rates and prevent the ever increasing law firm exodus, then according to the article, it hasn't made a dent. "A third-year associate recently left Schulte Roth and Zabel for a hedge fund with a salary approaching $700,000...." Ergo to people who are driven by money the recent raise ain't that hot.

Fortunately for partners at these large law firms, money hunger is not at the heart of the issue. It's rather "quality of life." There is no official study on this, but it seems that more and more law students are also leaving law school. The message, in short, is that "Generation Y" (Hat tip to Anna Ivey) cares less about the pay and more about the way. A pay boost can temporarily increase associates' morale, but once the snow settles, people are reminded that somebody has to shovel the snow.

But when thinking matters from a partner's perspective, the problem of improving "quality of life" for an associate is another ugly pickle. Should firms require less billable hours? Allow associates to go home promptly at 5:00? Then what about surprise client demands? Is lowering associate salaries even an option, if there's a trade off between business and higher quality of life?

And what about those partners that feel that the 80-100 hour weeks are a lawyer's rite of passage?

I often find law students comparing their prospective salaries and life styles to that of ibankers. Bonuses in ibanking is contingent upon performance, whereas in law firms it's pretty much set for each class. Another significant difference is the nature of work. A lawyer spends hours pouring over word documents, whereas an ibanker spends hours pouring over an excel spreadsheet. However, in this very act of making comparisons, law students are saying something. They've heard one too many times that ibankers spend more time interacting with people, teams, and clients, but lawyers work too many lonely nights. They've heard that ibankers feel invigorated by their work, while lawyers feel that their work is too monotonous. They've heard ibankers live the high roller's life, while lawyers work like dogs.

Ibanking ain't easy. Though I don't have first hand experience, I've learned during my brief tenure at a venture capital firm that ibankers work like dogs too. Meritocracy in ibanking allows those that are gifted and talented to climb faster, but generally speaking the "high roller's life-style" doesn't kick in unless you're vice-president.

In this matter my point is simple: if your options are limited to ibanking and law, you're going to work like a dog no matter where you go, so do what you love and follow your passion.

As for the issue of retaining associates, it seems like a good idea for the legal profession as a whole to re-think its compensation model into a more merit driven model. Simply raising everyone's salary across the board won't stop the exodus because associates who want more money aren't satisfied (i.e. "that other guy is making $700,000!!!") and associates who want better quality of life aren't satisfied (i.e. "that's just great, I have to work more hours now") In the end everyone seems unhappy.

My final words are for my fellow colleagues in law school. Lets not be too hasty and get excited about the $160,000 salary boost. Our innocent excitement will only contribute to the perpetuation of a tradition, which so many of those who've walked this road ahead of us gripe about.

Visiting Law Schools: Northwestern University

2007-02-28T16:36:00.000-08:00

Northwestern was awesome!

Where to begin? It was an adventure trying to find the law school (not because it's difficult to find, but because I've never been to Chicago). Northwestern law is in downtown Chicago; detached and away from Evanston, where the main campus is located. Well blended with the Northwestern University Hospital/medical school, the law school is situated in the outer perimeter of the downtown campus - more towards Lake Michigan (amazing view!)

My interview (Northwestern Law strives to interview every single applicant) was to start promptly at 9:45 a.m. The cold weather and breeze (mind you this was in December 2006) was actually quite refreshing.

As soon as I stepped into Northwestern's building my mouth opened (in awe). Students, who had their nose buried in their books, were gathered in an open common area, studying under high ceilings, from which drooped purple flags/banners with Northwestern Law's emblem. This place looked more like a business school than a law school (FYI, this is a good thing).

The admissions office was very easy to find. The lady at the front desk was super nice (notice how my impression of the school is greatly impacted by the admissions staff's attitude towards prospective students). My subsequent interview went well.

Afterwards, I began my routine interviewing students, raiding 1L classes, and knocking on professors' doors.

The first student I tapped told me that he was much too busy to answer any of my questions. But he was polite and nice about it. About two hours later, after class, he went out of his way to find me and entertain my questions. To my fortune, this fellow transfered from another law school. So he had great perspective and a basis of comparison for the "ups" and "downs" of Northwestern Law.
"You'll hear it tooted that Northwestern is collegial. But the school I was at before was even more collegial."

I asked him what he likes most about Northwestern, and he replied: "National placement. That's why I had to transfer. I want to return to California, and that wasn't an option at the other school."

I asked about the academic atmosphere: "People work, but not to the point of nervous breakdown. I'd say there's a good balance here."

Two other students, whom I met towards the end of my tour, confirmed with this general analysis. These two were 2Ls and they were (be prepared to perk your ears) "project partners." This intrigued me. Not only did the school look it, but it acted (sorta) like a business school. In all my law school visits I had never heard of "project partners." My general impression of law school and law practice was that it's intensely individualistic. "Project partners" went against this notion.
What was most impressionable about these two 2Ls was that they never stopped smiling. They were so happy that I soon became happy for no apparent reason.
Given its proximity I had to ask about the University of Chicago Law School and how Northwestern students compared, and one of these two 2Ls answered: "I have a friend at Chicago and he's miserable. He's intensely jealous of me because he realized that our job opportunities are essentially the same, but the process is much more enjoyable here at Northwestern."

Almost everyone at Northwestern has some sort of job experience. There are few students who are fresh college grads, but they are an extreme minority.

I stepped into a 1L property class. Before it began, I walked up to introduce myself to the professor, but nothing special or impressionable happened. I sat towards the backend of the room, just so that I wouldn't take someone's coveted front row seat.
The girl sitting in front of me was typing at a mad man's speed. She was AIMing (with 3 different people) yet she did not miss a single word from the professor's mouth.
The Socratic method wasn't really utilized - not too much interaction between the students and the professor. This was a bit surprising, especially because I had heard that this specific professor was good. Don't get me wrong, he was actually very good. It's just that I was expecting fire, passion and heat.

Northwestern isn't all modern "business school-esque." The other half of the law school is wood and vintage-esque. Lincoln Hall, for example, looks exactly like something I imagined from a European parliamentary house. Supposedly, Abraham Lincoln himself lecture in that very room. Personally, I like this older traditional side of Northwestern Law better than the more modern side.

And now, my list...

Positives:
- Great interior! Both modern and classic flavor.
- Geniunely happy and collaborative student body.
- A lot of Northwestern pride (at least amongst those I spoke with).
- Easy access to EVERYTHING! Including Ghirardelli Chocolate!

Negatives:
- Students too readily talked bad about University of Chicago; I sensed inferiority complex.
- Compared to peer schools, facutly + student interaction was almost non-existent in the common area.

Visiting Law Schools: Columbia (1st visit)

2007-02-20T21:32:00.000-08:00

I'm about to make a horrible analogy: visiting law schools can be like watching a movie - if you go into it hyped and expecting too much, you return disappointed because it didn't meet your expectation. Columbia Law School (CLS) was such.

Nevertheless, it's a great school and there's no denying that.

The following visit took place in February 2006.

I stayed with my friend who attends Columbia University's Teachers College, which happened to be quite close to CLS (a block away). I woke up bright and early (7:00a.m.) to snoop around the law school. But I soon found that 7:00a.m. is too early, even for NYC. No one besides the janitor was in Jerome L. Green Hall (the main law building).

I accessed it by crossing the bridge, which connects Columbia University's main campus with CLS. The small rectangular-grassed area on the bridge and the general scenary looked so much nicer on the internet. Just about the only thing that captured my eyes was the large-black hideous "horse-on-fire" statue attached to the face of the law school building.

I was able to interview 17 students, 2 administrators, 3 faculty and 1 janitor. And I was able to slip in a wave and a "Hello" to Dean Schizer.

First impression of the student body: smart bunch, but too money driven. For example, I asked a 2L how he likes Columbia Law, and he responded: "Man, law school everywhere bites. It's a lot of boring and mindless work. But who gives? Coming out of Columbia you'll make big bucks no matter what!" He said it as if I was supposed to be impressed; but I wasn't.

The next student I interviewed was much better. She was very laid back....almost too laid back. I asked her what she likes most about Columbia: "Well, it's nice to be in the city." She was a 1L, and she didn't seem to be stressing; this was a huge relief.

I had the privilege of sitting in on Professor Waldron's class, "Law and Philosophy." This was his final semester at CLS before leaving for NYU (I found this out on the day of my visit. It's a shame because he was very good). His lecture spoke of Richard Posner and Ronald Dworkin's different philosophies on the analysis of law. As a neophyte to the various competing legal schools of thought, I found Prof. Waldron's topic of discussion fascinating.

His class was in Warren Hall, the building next door to Greene Hall. After class I stopped a student walking out of the same class. He happened to be a 1L international student from Asia. I asked him about Columbia and he said: "It's the best. We're in the best city and I take advantage of it every weekend!"

Another 1L who heard us conversing jumped into the conversation: "You liar! You go out everynight." She said this with a friendly shoulder bump to the other 1L.

I asked how the academic scene was and, in short, they responded: "You work hard if you want. But you manage a "B" without killing yourself."

I asked about the faculty, and one of them responded: "Let me tell you a funny story. I participated in moot court, and the judge was like, 'Good job, I wouldn't have been able to do that half as well as you did in English in Chinese.' I was like, 'What the f***, I'm not Chinese!' Yeah, anyhow, the professors are cool. There are a few that can bore you to death, but overall teachers are good."

Faculty offices are mostly located on the upper levels of Greene Hall. I casually walked pass several faculty office doors. One door was slightly open. A professor was in there eating lunch. His eyes met mine, so he invited me in. He was the director of Columbia's Center for **** Legal Studies. He and I had a long and extended conversation about life as a lawyer, marriage, children, travel and authentic ethnic dishes.

I asked him how students can get involved in the Center for **** Legal Studies. He said: "Students don't really get involved. They may be interested in helping out, but these centers are more for scholars and faculty exchange. Students are too busy with their work anyways. A better way to get international exposure is internships during the summer."
At that moment I couldn't help but feel duped. Columbia Law is supposed to be one of the top schools for international law, but in essence this professor was telling me upfront that students don't really "study" international law at Columbia.

I ran over to Warren Hall to speak with the head of the **** Legal Studies Centers and confirmed that foreign law exposure happens not during the normal school semester, but during summer internships or through exchange programs. This to me seemed more like another undergrad study abroad experience than a chance to deeply study another country's legal system and codes.

I ended my day of flying around to different classes and interviewing various people with a final stop at the admissions office. The lady at the front desk was mildly rude. Perhaps it was because I caught her at the tail-end of her day, but honestly, I was a bit taken aback that someone at the admissions office could afford to be rude to a prospective student. The following conversation ensued:

Me: Hello, I'm a prospective student, are there any campus tours available?
Admissions: We have no law school tours. All tours are self-guided. [She looked annoyed]
Me: Oh....uh...sorry, didn't know. Is it possible to meet with one of the admissions officers?
Admissions: No. ["No duh" look]
Me: Okay. Thanks for your time.

I was afraid to ask anymore questions. She never smiled; not even a smirk.

I was disappointed that CLS students viewed law school not so much as an experience, but more as an ordeal. Faculty was awesome, but distant (with the exception of that one professor I met). Facilities....eh...could be better. Food in Greene Hall, not too good. Social scene was very clique oriented (i.e. colored students didn't really mingle with the white students).

So this was my CLS experience. I've been invited to admitted students weekend, so I'll visit one more time. Hopefully, the second visit will be better than my first.

EDIT:
This post is already all over the place, so might as well, at the expense of adding to the mess, I add my list of "positives" and "negatives."

Positives:
- New York City's easy access to great social scenes.
- Student's seemed happy and laid back
- Great classes on so many topics
- Good representation/mix of international students, students of color, etc.

Negatives:
- Students seemed to lack genuine bona fide interest in law
- Beyond classroom interaction, facutly seemed detached and busy
- Architecture and aesthetic design of the buildings sub-par to the rest of the city + campus.
- That odd New York City sewer smell was pervasive
- Majority of students very much divided along racial/ethnic lines

Visiting Law Schools: UCLA

2007-02-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

First impression: the main building looks great coming from south (looking towards north). The bold-blocked imposing words, "School of Law," labeled in front was definitely impressive (I know, I know...I'm easily impressed).

Unfortunately, it seemed that many law students don't really use this entrance. Most were gathered at the minature-outdoor-square area between Dodd Hall and the Law Building. Due to Southern California's remarkable weather, socializing, studying, chit-chatting and eating in this area seemed to be the norm.

I had to search a bit to find the admissions office, located in Dodd Hall (building next door to the Law Building). Boy, the interior of Dodd Hall, not as impressive as the exterior. The halls (where the admission office and career service office is located) were lined with lockers on both sides of the wall - screaming scary images of underfunded public high schools back into my memory.

Rob Schwartz, Dean of Admissions, is perhaps one of the most friendly and genuinely nice person I have met. He recommended several classes (based on students' referrals), but was quick to admit that he's new to the school, and thus unaware of which classes are winners. No power-trip from this guy. He'll give you straight-up, good and honest answers. On a side note, his current staff is extremely helpful (unlike the previous staff....I had bad experience with the previous staff).

I declined the law school tour and decided to do my own tour. Based on my impression/experience, I'll start listing the "positives" first, and then the "negatives":

Positives
-The facilities designed for UCLA's Clinical Program is absolutely state-of-the-art. See through windowed-walls, cameras, computers, semi-courtrooms, and microphones.... you name it and they've equipped it. Supposedly UCLA pioneered clinical education.
-Library is amazing! The very top floor (sunlight pours through all sides) is absolutely stunning. Security is extremely tight - no undergrads allowed.
-Students were really cool, laid-back and interesting. Current students' attitude towards prospective students can range from anywhere between cold and overtly welcoming - one can discern quite a bit about a law school's tension level based on this. Despite their priority (studying) 100% of the students I stopped (56 students) were willing to answer my questions (and beyond).
-Easy access to EVERYTHING. UCLA law benefits from the undergrad population's consumer demands.
-Generally warm and sunny weather. Students were walking around in sunglasses, sandles and shorts in February!
-Federal Income Tax Law class was (contrary to my expectation) extremely fascinating. The professor's general charisma (Prof. Steven Bank) probably had a lot to do with it.
-Grading system changed to 20-70-10, which means 20% get A's, 70% get B's and 10% get C's.
-Students can join journals during their 1L year.

Negatives
-Dreary interior design. The men's room resembled something from a 20's movie.
-Undergrads trickle in-and-out of the law school building. This can be distracting especially when they have their ipods leaking blasting music through the earphone.
-Faculty offices are sorta detached. I knocked on several professors' closed doors (just to see if I can drop in a few questions), most weren't in. The one's that were in were kind enough to entertain my questions.
-Lack of diversity. The vast majority of students were either Caucasian or Asian.
-I personally didn't like the trees planted in the area. Smelled kinda funny.

This is all in hindsight. If I recall or remember anymore, I will attach edits.

Visiting Law Schools

2007-02-15T09:39:00.000-08:00

Admitted Students Weekends (ASW) are coming up, and the time to submit enrollment/commital forms is fast approaching.

In the next few weeks I will attempt to visit as many law schools as possible (financial and time restraints bar me from going on a spree). And I'll try to provide as thorough a review as I can.

First stop, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law.

Countdown to V-Day: Day before the LSAT

2007-02-09T00:45:00.000-08:00

This Saturday is V-day for many of you - Victory Day.

You've studied hard and long, and now it's finally time to show 'em what you can do. Though I have different advice for different people when studying for the LSAT (mainly because we all think and study differently), I generally have the same advice for how to prep the day before the test.

The following 7 points worked for hundreds of students, and I'm ready to wager that it'll work for you too.

1) The day before the test NEVER take a full diagnostic. I repeat - NEVER! So many things are going on in your mind (stress and worry about the test) and body (higher blood pressure), why in the world would you add to that by sitting through a 4-hour practice test that will only worsen/increase your stress and blood pressure level?

There is yet another reason why you shouldn't take a full diagnostic test. You don't want the score you get on a practice diagnostic to psyche you out (be it a good score or a bad score). Students rarely score lower or higher than their norm the day before the real test, so don't bother trying to reassure yourself. Be comforted in your potential score and try to relax because if you ignore this advice and proceed to take an exam, and you happen to get a lower score than usual, then you will have discouraged yourself. You won't do so well on the real deal simply because you're convinced that you are "dumber." On the other hand, if you score higher than usual, you'll only have made yourself "cockier." Either way psychologically you're doing yourself a disservice. I like to preach that the LSAT is 50% logic and 50% strength of mind (psychology). You don't want to do anything to mess with your clear and focused resolve.

2) Don't do anything outside the ordinary. One of my students ran five-miles the night before her test. Typically I would commend someone for deciding to do something that'll help them go to sleep at night (i.e. light exercise), but five-miles? She ran so much, so suddenly (she typically doesn't run at all) that the next day she was sore and unable to move.

3) Don't mingle with your significant other. Some disagree with me here, but let me present my case. The day before the test you don't want any beef with anyone, especially with your significant other. Your boyfriend/girlfriend has the power to turn your positive state of mind around 180 degrees. Given that the only likely thing on your mind the day before the test is "the test," the chances of a small quibble to arise is good.

4) Prepare everything you'll need for the test and have them ready on your desk before you go to bed. You'll need at least: three #2 pencils (or one of each lead pencil and #2 pencil); eraser; admissions ticket (don't forget this! - it's on your online LSAC account. go print it out); and a timer w/extra sets of batteries (or better yet another timer - who wants to be replacing a battery in the middle of the LSAT?). You ought to also pick out the clothes you'll wear (layers) and the breakfast (your A game food!) you'll be having in advance. I know this sounds extremely high-wired, but you'll thank me when you aren't flopping around in a frenzy the morning before the test.

5) SLEEP EARLY! I say between 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm. The night may seem young, but research shows that 8 hours of sleep can do wonders for your brain.

6) Visualize and walk yourself through the process. Imagine yourself sitting there with your test booklet. Imagine the girl sitting to your left, who keeps coughing, and the guy sitting to your right, who keeps erasing and thereby shaking the desk you share. Imagine three logical reasoning sections in a row. Imagine the worst and best case scenarios. Many of you who are athletes are familiar with this process. Coaches have you do this before any big game, and there is a good reason for it. It puts you in the zone and helps you focus. You are also less likely to encounter unexpected surprises.

7) Last, but not least, keep that positive attitude. It's been proven that people who believe they can succeed will more likely succeed than those who have already admitted defeat. All of my students who are scoring in the high 160s have learned to enjoy the LSAT taking process - they keep a healthy sense of humor and understand that they can actually score high.

There are more tid-bits I've gathered throughout the years, but this should be sufficient, while by no means necessary (a little LSAT humor for those who got it).

Have fun with the test.

Best Law School in the Nation

2007-02-07T11:42:00.001-08:00

Is there such a thing? Perhaps.
On many law school discussion boards pre-law students, and law students alike, puff up their cheeks and argue 'til they're blue about which law schools are truly the "best in the nation."

Every March US News World Report ranks the top law schools. I've been aware of and attentive to the rankings since 1995.

Many experts and professionals far more accomplished and well-versed than I have already written numerous articles/opinions on this topic. I ought to stop holding you in suspense and mention upfront that I agree - US News ain't all that hot.

For law school applicants it can be useful in determining, "Which law schools do I have a shot at?" However, beyond this, I'm hesitant to say that the rankings are any more meaningful.

US News gives significant weight (25%) to LSAT score and GPA. So the school with the highest LSAT score and GPA is more likely to rank higher. Most law school applicants stop here and think, "High LSAT score and GPA equals higher rank, and higher rank equals better job opportunity." But this is exactly where the rankings get interesting and, to say the very least, controversial.

According to both Prof. Leiter's rankings and Ciolli's (a law student at UPenn) research, law schools with the best big law firm placements (the jobs most pre-law students are vying for) do not correlate with US News rankings. [BTW, Professor Leiter and Anthony Ciolli otherwise disagree with each other)

Besides biglaw firm jobs, pre-law students also strive for jobs in academia and public service (i.e. court clerkship, NGO, etc.). US News rankings don't correlate with these figures either.

But of course, "US News ranks schools by prestige!" - if prestige equals high LSAT score and GPA, then sure that's exactly what US News does. The last time I checked, however, prestige was based on factors more intangible than concrete LSAT score and GPA. Which is more prestigious, Princeton Law or Columbia Law? UCLA or NYU?

Princeton law will be most laymen's response to the former question. UCLA or NYU (despite their relative rankings) is up for grabs depending on weather you're from the west coast or east coast.

"Best" can be very subjective. Any intelligent pre-law student should realize this and understand that US News rankings are not the end-all conclusive revelation of truth, but a mere beginning to her journey in deciding the best law school for her.

A current law student at Boston University once told me that going to law school is like joining an exclusive club, so don't take other people's/publication's word for it, check it out yourself.

EDIT: FYI, Princeton does not have a law school.

Hype

2007-02-02T21:28:00.000-08:00

It's hard not to get caught up in the law school hype.

I'm beginning to speak with potential-to-be law school classmates, colleagues, buddies, or whatever you'll call 'em. And ya' know what? I'm Impressed. Heck, I'm exuberant. It's exciting to know that I could be in the company of such amazing and accomplished group of people.

I may one day look back at my current blissful state and shake my head in disapproval. But I intend to cherish and thoroughly indulge in this moment because my better judgment tells me (based on all the horror stories I've heard about law school) that this will soon evaporate and in its place will be stress.

Type faster lest you fail!

2007-01-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

Adrain Z. sued University of Michigan Law School for unfairly discriminating against his slow-typing speed.

While I don't condone Adrain Z's complaint (mainly because there is always the tried and true method called, "Pen and Paper"), I can remotely understand his trouble and frustration.

To be honest, it is quite disconcerting whenever I visit a 1L class and witness the madness ontop keyboards. During my visit to Northwestern University Law School, I witnessed a student in her property class-lecture taking down notes (of every single word uttered by her professor). What's amazing is that she did this while chatting with three different people on AIM. She was soooo fast. While I could barely retain and keep-up with the lecture, here she was cooly chatting with three different people at the super-speed of lightening.
Her typing speed enabled her to multi-task like none other.

This observation along with Adrain Z's lawsuit has me asking another question: is it a good idea for anyone to be attempting to type a professor's every word? Wouldn't it be more beneficial, especially for people who type slower, to forgo the frustrations of taking down every word and instead focus on simply understanding the lecture?

Law School: for making Lawyers~

2007-01-25T22:50:00.000-08:00

Anna Ivey (yet again) has written an interesting blog pertaining to law school. It is her response to someone who asked a question during one of her three "Law Firm Brain Drain" series.

Law Firm vs. Public Interest = Prestige vs. Scholarship?

2007-01-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

I literally spent the last 40 minutes (or so) reading blog after blog (I read 14 in total) of people who have substantial things to say about the "law firm exodus."

All this literature and outspoken thoughts has me (someone starting law school in the fall) thinking: so should one choose a school based on prestige (destined to be locked in golden handcuffs) or take the money to open up options?

Neal, from Anna Ivey's blog, correctly points out that many practicing lawyers give mixed reviews when confronted with this question: some say, "Law school loans eventually dwindle away! In your generation, you will be billing $1000 an hour, what's the worry?"; other's say, "Those loans really can bite you in the a**. Prestige is overplayed. In the end it's all about how much money you can take home."

It's all so very interesting.

BTW, the title of this blog was intentionally made bipolar to catch the reader's eye. Prestige =/= Law Firm & Scholarship ($$$) =/= Public Interest. In fact, many people I know are able to garner both prestige and money - lucky, lucky people~

2nd Diagnostic

2007-01-21T06:52:00.000-08:00

I'm up at 6:30 a.m. Sunday morning. I'm to drive 2 hours to do a diagnostic review session for the LSAT.

People usually do worse on the 2nd diag than they do on the first. This is mainly because they are still trying to master the techniques and thus slower at going through the test. People who do worse are usually depressed and down during the diag review.

There are those who improve 3-4 points and start celebrating. But 3-4 points increase is hardly an improvement. According to the LSAC, on any given day, someone could correctly answer or miss one or two more questions. If you take this into consideration, these fluctuations (3-4 points increase/decrease) mean that despite the improvement one could have just as well scored the exact same score as he/she did on his/her 1st diag. If people go from a 150 to a 153, I tell 'em not to get too excited. Likewise, I tell people not to get too depressed, if they go from a 148 to a 145.

Some people actually jump 10-15 points. They get ecstatic and expect the same jump on the next diag. But on the next diag they won't jump that much because increasing points on the LSAT becomes exponentially harder. It's much easier to go from 140 to 155, then it is to go from 155 to 170.

The best attitude after the 2nd diag is to understand that studying for the LSAT (in a prep course) is a process. One success or failure doesn't mean much. However, constant and repeated success/failure is an entirely different story.

Some people shouldn't be in college?

2007-01-19T17:31:00.000-08:00

I try to read the Wall Street Journal regularly (I paid for it, so it's too late to back out now). Charles Murray has recently been writing a series of topics associated with education. His bit on "our culture put[ing] a false premium on the college degree" intrigued me greatly.

Here's a tid bit from his article:
If you want to do well [in college], you should have an IQ of 115 or higher. Put another way, it makes sense for only about 15% of the population, 25% if one stretches it, to get a college education. And yet more than 45% of recent high school graduates enroll in four-year colleges. Adjust that percentage to account for high-school dropouts, and more than 40% of all persons in their late teens are trying to go to a four-year college -- enough people to absorb everyone down through an IQ of 104.

I asked my LSAT class what they thought about this article. Their response was as intriguing as the article itself. One girl argued that college education is "impractical." More courses that pertain to "real job" skills should be taught (haven't we heard this one before?). In response, another girl adamantly opposed, arguing (just as Charles Murray did) that college isn't a vocational school.

I attended a small liberal arts college in New England. The closest thing to a "real job" skill that I've obtained is learning to speak Chinese. Otherwise, my course load was inundated with philosophy, politics and history readings. Some may argue that my college education was "impractical" and a waste of money. But I disagree (not quite for the same reasons as Charles Murray).

Liberal arts is a term derived from the Ancient Greeks. "Liberal" education wasn't meant for "slaves," but for those who are "free" and "unrestrained" from the practical necessities of life (i.e. worrying about where and how my next meal will come). As Plato and Aristotle would have it, even pigs and dogs pursue these necessities, but only humans can stand on "higher ground" and deliberate about the "supernatural" things of life. US college education enables students to mimic this Ancient Greek tradition through the liberal arts - when else can a teenager be so self-centered and careless about life?

But honestly, this Ancient Greek image always bothered me. Socrates was able to "deliberate" day and night because his slaves took care of all the "necessities." So if via liberal arts education I am Socrates, then my parents (who worry about the necessities of life on my behalf) are the slaves?

Beyond Greek connections, there is something to be said about studying what you want to study without having to worry about "my future occupation." This of course doesn't make obsolete the need to think and meditate about one's future goals and purposes.

Slum-Lord

2007-01-17T21:30:00.000-08:00

There are times (quite often actually) when I wish I was already practicing law.

Currently, my parents are dealing with a landlord (a.k.a. slum-lord) who is breaking the law left and right (i.e. incorrect [over] billing; hiring illegal immigrants [so he can work them 80 hours per week and pocket money]; creating fake painting companies [so he doesn't have to hire real painters]; lying about the square-footage of the properties he's selling [again to make more money]).

I'm going to find a lawyer tomorrow and pay good money to nab this guy.

Alas, if I were already a practicing lawyer, things wouldn't have dragged on so long (negotiating). A simple letter citing the legal codes breached with a dash of legal jargon would have finished the job in a snap.

Lawyers as CEO

2007-01-10T17:09:00.000-08:00

There's an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal today about corporate firms turning to lawyers as their CEO.

Some worry that this is a sign of poor economy because lawyers are risk-adverse. However, I disagree. As Alan Murray implies, we can't make blanket statements based on people's degree/previous-occupation. Excellent lawyers may very well be risk-adverse, but not all lawyers are so - certainly not ones that took off their lawyer suits to try on Fortune 500 CEO suits.

I'd be interested to do some more research and find out how successful these ex-lawyers are as CEOs.

Mind boggling

2007-01-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

Ocassionally I run into my former students. Yesterday was one of those ocassions.

Me: Hey! How are you!?

J: I'm still studying for the LSAT.

This particular student constantly scored in the upper 160's to lower 170's. But on her actual test she got a 155. Mind boggling to say the least. Practice tests are usually a good and accurate indication of the actual test score.

But this isn't the first time I've witnessed this happen. A friend of mine, whom I know is/was constantly scoring 170's during practice tests scored 158 on the actual test.

If I am to extract similarities between the two cases, I can conclude that they both psyched themselves out WAY too much. It shouldn't come as a surprise that people perform worse when their nerves are "flexed."

I know it's easier said than done, but I really encourage people to approach the LSAT in a "matter of fact" manner. Of course maintaining a certain amount of pressure is healthy, and necessary to score higher. But people who take a fatalistic view of the LSAT tend to do worse, than people who translate LSAT = GAME.

Think for a moment when you play sports games. How well do you do when you take a fatalistic view of the game as opposed to simply understanding that it's just another game?

Perhaps the example is a horrible one, but my point is to learn to have fun in the process, which in turn will help you take a less LSAT = MY ENTIRE LIFE attitude.

Mac or PC

2007-01-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

I've begun contemplating what type of laptop I ought to purchase for law school.

Eversince I was 8, I've been using a PC. Normally, I relentlessly bash Mac users. But lately, I'm being swayed. Macs, for lack of better words, are sexy. They look so slick and I love the fact that they are virus proof.

3 months ago I was convinced that I would buy a Mac for law school. However, I've been hearing that most law schools don't allow Macs during exams - bummer!

In anycase, I'm bouncing back and forth between the Mac Book Pro and the Lenovo ThinkPad T60 (both of which come very highly recommended by current law students).

If you have any thoughts, feel free to comment.

Another Season

2007-01-03T01:49:00.000-08:00

It's January and the beginning of another season of LSAT teaching (prepping for the Feb test).

Today a student asked, "How long does it take to study for the LSAT?"

Tough question to answer because everyone is different. I've encountered both extremes of the spectrum: 1) A girl who studied for 5 years.....and she's still studying; 2) Another girl who took the exam cold (no prep at all!) and scored a 171.

It's a safe bet to say that most people fall somewhere snug in the middle of this spectrum (the opportunity cost of studying for this test for 5+ years is just too high; and very few people score in the 99th percentile without studying).

For those in the safe-middle your tactic is to be disciplined.

From the outset I want to declare that there's only so much an LSAT instructor can do for you. LSAT instructors can show you the way/tools/tactics/logic, but when test day arrives you're the one that'll be butting heads with the test. Simply put, you have to learn to think on your own.

This means what you learn at home is perhaps more important than what you learn in LSAT class.

Work Experience

2006-12-23T02:20:00.000-08:00

It's generally a good idea to acquire some. Here's a blurb from the University of Chicago Law School's admissions blog:

The first question is whether work experience makes a stronger application. The short answer is yes. An application from someone employed full-time after college is often focused, insightful, and reflective in ways that a first-semester college senior sometimes is not.

Try to get some work experience.

Plagiarism and its cousins~

2006-12-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

I want to thank 1L @ UT law for her comment about being fine even if applying late. Please read her comment to get a more full detail of what I'm talking about.

I would like to also add that applying later (late December as opposed to early October) with a stronger application (i.e. higher LSAT score, air-tight Personal Statement, etc.) can case-by-case (but in most cases) be to your advantage.
__________________________________________________________________________________

Last night, I spoke with a student who is debating whether to take the Feb LSAT or not. The conversation went well up until he brought up the topic of plagerizing for his personal statement. This guy suggested tweaking a great personal statement that he had found online: "If I change the details, but keep the basic idea, I'll be fine!"

There was an obvious and awkward pause after he said that. A million and one thoughts ran through my mind: personal statements are suppose to be personal; what makes you think that the admissions committee isn't smart enough to notice?; if you get in through the merits of another's work, then can you live with the probing question, "Am I really good enough to be here and compete with my classmates?"

I know that getting into the best school possible is a worthy goal, but it troubles me to know that people are willing to plagiarize/cheat to get there. "The ends justify the means [for law school admissions]," argument just doesn't stand in a profession that requires you to prove yourself (your skills and yours alone) again and again, especially when taking the Bar exam (good luck cheating there!)

Some students (I kid you not) audaciously ask me to write their personal statements for them, and "tempt" me with couple hundred dollars.

As Abe Lincoln said in his notes on the practice of law: There is a vague popular belief that lawyers are necessarily dishonest. I say vague, because when we consider to what extent confidence, and honors are reposed in, and conferred upon lawyers by the people, it appears improbable that the impression of dishonesty is very distinct and vivid. Yet the impression, is common – almost universal. Let no young [person], choosing the law for a calling, for a moment yield to this popular belief. Resolve to be honest at all events; and if, in your own judgement, you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer. Choose some other occupation, rather than one in the choosing of which you do, in advance, consent to be a knave.

Planning ahead~

2006-12-13T18:54:00.000-08:00

My friend Angie is getting married this month. She and her fiance have been planning this wedding for the past 1-year! I know weddings are a big deal, but wow! One-year!?

My initial reaction is, "How can you wait an entire year? Especially having determined that "the one" is right there besides you?"

Nevertheless, I'll bet that Angie's wedding will be spectacular. The amount of time and energy she spent preparing for this wedding is absolutely prize worthy.

How does this relate to law school admissions? (Take a wild guess).

I discourage students who decide they want to attend law school on a fling. I know, I know....Elle Woods did it, then why can't I? Well, I suppose my counter-example would be: "Tom Cruise can fly in mid-air while riding a motorcycle and shooting guns, so why can't you?"

Law school is an extremely important step/decision/move. It's expensive, exhaustive and above all, nothing like the movies! So if you're serious about law school, you ought to plan ahead and prepare well in advance (it pays off!)

Here is some helpful advice to prepare in advance:

1) Take the LSAT before December! Given my advice about studying at least 3-months before test-date, this means studying over the summer!

2) Start thinking about your Personal Statement at least 3-months before due date. This gives you plenty of time to draft/re-write/draft and if all should go wrong, to start-over again.

3) Do all your research regarding schools well before you take your LSAT. Typically people want to wait until they have their LSAT scores to compile a list of schools. That's not planning ahead~ To plan ahead one ought to have a general idea of what their reach schools and saftey schools are even before the LSAT. If you had that elusive score, where would you apply? If you get a lower score, which schools would you not mind attending? Think through all the possible scenarios in advance....it'll save you more time and you'll stress less later.

4) Make requests for letters of recommendation in advance! Especially to college professors. They have a life of their own, and they can't put it on pause just because you're apply to law school. I would give them a generous 6-week window. So if you want to apply early, this means giving them a heads up during the summer. Also, keep in mind that the US postal service and LSAC can (together) take FOREVER to process the letters of recommendation, so plan accordingly!

5) Think about how you want to pay for your law school education. To some the answer is simple: ask my parents or take out loans! But if you make the effort to search, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find plenty of fellowships and scholarships out there. Also, it doesn't hurt to have a part-time/full-time job before law school (just a thought).

The early birds get the worm~

2006-12-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

It's true! Especially in law school admissions.

My numbers (which will not be revealed for identity protection purposes) are good, however, they are definitely not auto-admit worthy at many of the top law schools. I thus applied REALLY early: between the last week of September and first week of October.

It's December and I've already been admitted to 50% of the law schools I applied to (they are all schools that I'm excited about!).

Moral of this post: APPLY EARLY!!!

For those who haven't sent in their applications yet, send them out soon!

The Pond or the Ocean~

2006-12-03T23:07:00.000-08:00

Right now I am in Chicago. My travel mate has been complaining for the past 4 hours about the blistering cold. But honestly, compared to the cold winters in Siberia, Chicago really ain't that bad. I like the brisk wind and bundled coats.

Every person, deep inside, is adventurous. We seek the unknown and the different. Yet every person is also risk adverse. We do not want to venture too far from the familiar and the established ways (I'm speaking so vaguely on purpose). It is this tug-a-war between the yin and the yang of our hearts that drive our life choices/decisions.

I find this tug-a-war especially tense within soon-to-be law students (for example, to leave my home state or not?).

I've heard the advice that unless admitted to a first-tier law school, students shouldn't venture far from the region they want to spread their roots. I agree....sorta.

For the past two-years, while traveling throughout various parts of the world, I've learned that there are two things people (of ripe old age) wish they could have done more: 1) read more good books; 2) see new places.

While law school really isn't a place to fulfill the second of these two desires, I am a fan of venturing far from home and experiencing the new - swimming out of my pond and into the ocean.

When choosing your list of law schools, I dare you to flirt with the idea of moving out to the unknown.

Relax

2006-12-02T02:48:00.000-08:00

For those who just took the December LSAT, go unwind and relax. You deserve it.

I understand that the pressure of trying to get all applications in before Christmas may keep some awake. But people are more productive when they are well rested.

Lastly, before you make any rash decisions to cancel your score, give it at least one more day of thought. Typically there are three types of reactions people have just as they walk out of the testing center:
1) I rocked that test! (a lil' cocky aren't we?)
2) I don't know what just happened; things just went by so fast.
3) *crying* I bombed that test! =(

A vast majority of people walk out thinking reaction #3 (I was in this category). A handful think reaction #2. A very small minority thinks reaction #1.

Oddly enough the people who thought they bombed the test tend to do very well. So keep your hopes UP!

You can't have both the cake and eat it

2006-11-28T00:07:00.000-08:00

I've always despised this saying. Perhaps because it is so true.

Lately, as the date for the December LSAT approaches, countless students have been asking and I've been responding:
"Should I take the test or postpone it until Feb?"

The LSAT score is weighed heavily during law school admissions. So if waiting until Feb. will significantly increase your score, then "YES!" postpone the test.

"But then I won't be able to apply to law school this year."

Then take the test on Dec. and apply this year, so that you can go to law school.

"But what if I don't get the score I want?"

So postpone the test and take it when you're ready.

"But I'm not getting any younger and that's one more year of not being a lawyer!"

As you can see, this conversation is very circular and frustrating. Fortunately, the new LSAT policy, which asks law schools to report only the applicants' highest LSAT scores, helps resolve this issue (albeit not completely because some law schools still average....a topic for another night).

Today, my point is that students caught in this dilemma (i.e. to postpone or not to postpone?) are often impatient. Most students actually decide to take the test. And most students end up regretting their decision. In the long run what is a few more months of study? If one is serious about being admitted to a top-law school, then one ought to buckle down and study a lil' more. Applying "later" with your peak LSAT score will get you further than applying "earlier" with your sub-standard score.

Having said this, I must address the other extreme of the spectrum: students who have been studying for this test way too long (i.e. 2-5 years!). Law school is law school. You've proven your commitment and passion for the law, so take the test and apply! If you're so serious and motivated about becoming a lawyer that you would study THAT much, then your determination alone will get you far. So instead of chasing that elusive "perfect" score, take the darn test and become the lawyer you dreamt of becoming once upon a time.

Sometimes we need to sacrifice one thing to gain another.

Yoda's logic game tactic...

2006-11-25T08:33:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching a scene from Star Wars; Yoda is so awesome! He is truly the master of masters.

Many of us are no Anakin Skywalker when it comes to the LSAT. But who wants to be a pompous, self-absorbed genius, when you can strive to become YODA!

For those struggling with logic games, let me share with you a 3-step study method; it'll transform you into a true Jedi game master. I call the 3-step method, "SuperGames Week."

Gather 15-20 games. Do them ALL! Time upwards (from 00:00:00 to however long it takes you). After each game, write down how many you got wrong and how long it took you (for each game you have approximately 9 minutes). Then follow these steps...

Step 1: Categorize all the games into one of three classes: A, B or C.
Class "A" is all the games that took you less than 10 minutes and you got at most 2 wrong.
Class "B" is all the games that took you 10 minutes or more, and you got at most 2 wrong.
Class "C" is all the games that took you 10 minutes or more, and/or you got 3 or more wrong.

Class "A." You got these and you understand them! Put'em away!
Class "B," although you got the game....it took you WAY too long. Briefly review and evaluate how you could improve your speed.
Class "C," ....you just didn't get these games. Even if you finished the game within 6 minutes, you got 3 wrong (that's 50% of the game)! You need to take time to study these.

Step 2: Take Class "C" and redo the above step! (YAY!) Categorize everything into A, B, and C (again). Ideally, this time around you should have zero Class "C's."

Step 3: After Step 2, if you have more than 10 games in Class "C" go grab a box of tissues and start crying. Cry now because you will need to exhaust these games until you can recite them by heart! I'm being serious. If you're not getting it after several attempts, then your only hope of learning these games is to memorize the logic behind it.

Some may think this method bizarre, but trust me, it's helped thousands! After several "SuperGames Week," you will not only become a Jedi Knight, but Yoda in the games section of the LSAT.

group therapy, getting naked and those peeping toms~

2006-11-23T05:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Turkey Day!

Several law schools have started accepting people. And several fellow soon-to-be law students and I have been spending more and more time pouring over law school forums, such as Law School Discussion.

While these forums can be very informative and entertaining, there are times when I feel a tad bit pathetic for checking the same page in 2 second intervals (click....click, click). Perhaps it's group therapy...online group therapy. I feel comforted reading about others who are also experiencing this "torture." To know that I am not alone in being a freak - definitely feels good.

Applying to law school can be (for most of us it actually is) a very stressful process. Taking the LSAT is no small feat, writing a good personal statement can take months (doesn't have to), and those letters of recommendations come on a turtle's back. Thus these forums can help.

And it would be a perfect world, if not for those peeping toms.

Behind the walls of these forums, it's really common for applicants to go completely naked and reveal everything about themselves (i.e. LSAT score, GPA, personal statement, work experience, their inner most deep secrets, etc.). And whenever people go naked, you can bet your money that there will be peeping toms.

In the world of law school forums, these unwelcomed peeping toms are the very people we want so badly to be accepted by: the admissions committee (adcomm)!

I suppose one can use this knowledge to indirectly market oneself (i.e. Look! I'm such a down-to-earth, friendly, kind and cool person!). But really...if you were on the adcomm, day-and-night hashing through 5000-7000 applications of people who are indirectly/directly gloating about their "amazing" accomplishments and "awesome" personality....would you be at all fazed by another quirky online "look-at-me!" attempt?

In this "legally blonde" generation where Elle Woods is our hero, it somehow got lost in translation that law schools are professional institutes. Too much personal information can be just exactly that - TOO MUCH information.

Let's be wise and be wary of these peeping toms, and next time, I hope to see you at the forum wearing at least a bikini (<--- this is being used in its maximum metaphoric capacity).

What your children will look like...

2006-11-22T15:06:00.000-08:00

I just finished speaking with a student who is convinced that her LSAT score will determine what school she'll be admitted to, who she'll marry, what kind of mortgage she'll get, how her children will look like and what kind of car she'll drive (she literally listed all of the above).

It's always a challenge to dispel these myths because while horribly blown out of proportion, I don't want to send the wrong message that the LSAT isn't important.

But if we live in a world where a petty set of three-digit numbers will conclusively determine what our spouses will look like, I'd rather not take my chances, but live the rest of my life single.

If you are one to think that the LSAT is going to completely determine the rest of your life, then perhaps you're young enough to remember that the SATs were also going to determine the rest of your life.

Money Well Spent~

2006-11-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

Law school admissions is an important process.

Many many many (including me) are willing to spend good money to enhance their chances of being admitted.

If you are going to spend your good/hard-earned money, it's nice to know that you are getting the BEST for your bucks~

Here are two books I highly recommend:

The Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions: Straight Advice on Essays, Resumes, Interviews, and More. By Anna Ivey

How to Get Into the Top Law School By Richard Montauk

Anna Ivey's book, like Strunk and White's Elements of Style, is a must have when writing your personal statement, drafting your resume and prepping for law school admissions in general. As the former Dean of Admissions at the University of Chicago Law School, she has so much insight into the process. Just when you think you've heard all there is to hear about law school admissions (and trust me, I've heard quite a bit), Anna Ivey offers at least a dozen more invaluable advice that could easily make or break your chances. Check-out her website: www.annaivey.com. In my opinion, she offers one-on-one consulting that is absolutely second-to-none.

Richard Montauk's books is the mini-encyclopedia of guide to law school admissions. Perhaps my favorite aspect of his book is the quotes he managed to get from the various Deans of Admissions at the top law schools - it's quite eye-opening to hear directly the opinions of the people who will be reading your application. I think Richard Montauk also offers one-on-one consulting. I'm afraid I don't have his website (sorry).

Personal Statement and Killing Babies~

2006-11-18T00:21:00.000-08:00

Professor Sherman, a Harvard Law grad and phenomenal teacher, once solemly whispered to me, "You must be willing to kill your babies."

This was in reference to good writing. =)

I consult several pre-law students as well as teach the LSAT. Today I sat down to read one of my student's personal statements only to call her three-minutes later and tell her to kill her babies (i.e. get rid of some paragraphs). She was offended. She protested that many people were convinced that her paper was magnificent.

Her writing wasn't bad. However, it was excellent either. Understanding who is the audience is an often overlooked prerequisite to good writing.

My student wrote a personal statement that sounded more like high-minded hosh-posh, proclaiming the meaning of justice and the virtues of law. hmmm...she forgot one thing: her audience probably knows more about it and has read TOO much about it than she can ever muster on a 2-3 page statement.

Unless you have geniunely substantive things to say about law practice (i.e. your experience interviewing clients during your internship with the public defenders' office), it's generally a good idea to stay clear and away from the topic.

Anna Ivey gives the best advice yet on the topic of writing good law school admissions statements.

LSAT: legitimate?

2006-10-31T11:26:00.000-08:00

For those who care at all -

the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is an extremely efficient test. It does what it is suppose to do very well, very quick and very accurately.

What is the LSAT suppose to measure? Well, it's suppose to measure how well you will do during the first year of law school. So is a low LSAT score (120) a definite prophecy of your imminent failure in law school? No.

However, if you did get a low LSAT score (120), there is a good chance you will fail. Although imperfect, the LSAT is as perfect as it can get in measuring an individual's success in law school.

My experience has been that the skills required to do well on the LSAT (reading vast and diverse amounts of information, and critically thinking assessing the validity of these arguments/sets-of-facts; reading through dense and boring literature, and pin-pointing the flaws and main-points; quickly thinking of all the different angles and possibilities to a complex problem/situation) are also the skills required to do well in law school.

The only major flaw on the LSAT is the fact that it measures all of this in one sitting. I do believe that some people are not so good standardized test-takers. For these people the pressure of having to sit through a timed test literally chokes them. This is the only drawback to the LSAT's otherwise perfect (my opinion) testing.

Anyone who moans and groans about the LSAT's logic games and how it's irrelevant are simply in denial...trying to make themselves feel better about their failure.

I'm not an elitest; simply a realist.

Study Method

2006-10-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

If money is not an impediment, then the best way to study for the LSAT is to 1) sign-up for an LSAT course; 2) actually do all the homework problems (which ought to be real licensed LSAT questions....if the testprep uses anything else, then you're being gypped); 3) re-do those homework problems (several times); 4) Start doing full sections as well as timing yourself; 5) Do full tests and time yourself (try to hit under the time limit).

Roughly speaking, this is the best LSAT study method (it worked for thousands of test takers).

Now let me tell you a true story (I love telling this story), my friend (he'll remain anonymous....but seriously, this guy exists!) took the LSAT 4 years ago. He didn't have the luxury of spending money on some fancy shmo testprep course. So he did the next best thing, purchase as many 10 Real LSAT books along with $10 separate single test booklets (not yet a part of the 10 Real LSAT series) and started taking as many practice tests as possible. So far this sounds quite typical, right?

Well, what set him apart is that he went through all the tests from June 1991 - June 2001 FIFTEEN times!!! CRAZY GUY~
He ended up memorizing every single question from June 1991-June 2001. If I were to ask him, "What's question #23 on June 1995 section 2?" he will (NO JOKE) recite the entire question + answer choices + the reasoning behind why each wrong answer is wrong and why the correct answer is correct; to the dot of the "i" and cross of the "t." This guy was insane!

You know what he got on his LSAT?

180!!!! (I'm dead serious).

When he started doing these problems over and over again, he didn't merely memorize the questions, he also memorized the reasoning behind each and every question. And the LSAT test makers can only be so creative. A lot of the questions are predictable, once you've seen and done enough practice problems.

Do I recommend his method? Honestly, NO!

Afterall, to be fair, this is a test designed to see if you're equipped to do well as a 1L (how accurately it does this....I'll discuss in my next blog) and though you can artificially increase your "reasoning" ability and even fool yourself/law schools with your high score, once you begin your 1L year, you don't have that same luxury and time to do all the reading FIFTEEN times.

Getting into a great law school is a tempting and awesome opportunity, and some people are willing to do anything (i.e. go through 10 years worth of LSAT questions 15 times) to get there. Moderation, a classical virtue (Aristotle), I think is key, even in this case.

LSAT

2006-10-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

People who do well on the LSAT have better options (no duh!)

But I speak not only in terms of applying to law school; they are also given the opportunity to teach the illusive test to hopeful pre-law students. Countless test-prep companies (you know them) search for these 99th percentile test-takers and pay'em high wages.

The LSAT market is huge~ Each year approximately 120,000 people take this exam. Of them only 1% (1200) get 172 or above. The number of people taking the exam is growing each year. In short, the number of people with 172 and above is steadily increasing. Admissions to law school, in general, will become harder and harder.

The growing number of applicants, in part, is because law school is the default option for many. Why is law the default industry for failed pre-meds, post-college vagabonds, and unemployed liberal arts majors? Well, unlike business school, it doesn't require work experience, and unlike med-school, it doesn't require P-chem. Applying to law school is easy~ All you need is an undergrad degree, a respectable GPA and... you need to take the LSAT.

The LSAT, despite what people say, is the great equalizer. Honestly, it is a difficult test, and though I firmly believe that ANYONE can do well on it, it comes only after great sacrifice and due diligence. The LSAT can be studied; people can learn to think more logically (unfortunately, many people's minds do not think very logically...I know, I've taught this thing).

And despite all the moaning and whining out there, I truly believe that the LSAT is a perfect test (as perfect as it can get). It really does a good job of testing people's reading and thinking skills. In teaching this test to hundreds of students, I've seen it crop out the bright from the dense, the quick and keen from the slow and dull.

But even dense, slow and dull, can be made bright, quick and keen, given enough time and patience.

Record of my Journey

2006-10-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

This blog will be an attempt (a sore one perhaps) to document my journey ahead to Law School.