The Evolving Landscape of Law School Admissions in 2019

The landscape of legal education is dynamic and continuously evolving. In 2019, various trends and factors have impacted law school admissions, leading to a complex and multifaceted scenario. This article explores the changes in admission requirements, the impact on law school applications, and the future prospects for aspiring legal professionals.

Trends in Law School Admission Requirements

Steven Haddock's insights suggest that law school applications have been on the rise over the past few years. This trend is partly attributed to a surge in the number of applicants seeking entry into the legal profession. However, it is not a uniform phenomenon, as some schools are raising their standards while others are lowering them. The recent upswing in applications has led to more competitive law schools adjusting their admission criteria accordingly.

A detailed analysis reveals that top law schools are expected to raise their median LSAT scores by 1 point for the 2019 admission cycle. This indicates a slight tightening of admission standards, a result of the increasing number of candidates.

Application Trends and Economic Considerations

Despite the upward trend in applications, the overall number of law school applicants has actually been declining. This is particularly concerning given the high cost of law school and the often challenging job market for new lawyers. While top graduates can earn upwards of $150,000 annually, most entry-level jobs pay closer to $60,000, which is a poor return on the approximately $75,000 investment in law school.

The decline in applications is most pronounced among third-tier schools, which are now admitting students who are barely qualified. Some of these institutions have even closed their doors or merged with nearby schools, reflecting the poor performance in both bar passage rates and job placements. These schools are struggling to attract qualified applicants, leading to a shortfall in their admitted class sizes.

It's important to note that despite the declining numbers, the legal profession still has a significant need for lawyers. However, this need is concentrated in the lower-paying sectors such as criminal defense and family law. Therefore, the struggle for admissions is not driven by a lack of demand for legal services, but rather by the limited opportunities in higher-paying, more competitive fields.

Impact on Admission Policies and Criteria

Admission criteria in law schools fluctuate based on the number of applicants. In recent years, the increase in applicants has allowed law schools to be more selective, thereby implementing stricter admission standards. Conversely, some schools have relaxed their criteria to fill their places, leading to a mixed bag of admission policies across different institutions.

Overall, the evolving landscape of law school admissions in 2019 reflects a complex interplay of supply and demand, economic pressures, and institutional strategies. Aspiring law students and current applicants need to be aware of these trends to make informed decisions about their future career paths.