There are over 1.3 million lawyers in the United States, according to the American Bar Association’s National Lawyer Population Survey. Each year, thousands more enter the legal profession, intensifying the already competitive landscape. Therefore, for anyone hoping to stand out and build a successful career in law, choosing the right law school isn’t just important—it’s foundational.
Law school is where aspiring attorneys develop critical thinking, build networks, and prepare for the bar exam and real-world legal challenges. A poor decision at this stage can ripple through your entire career.
So, do you want to know the eight most common and costly mistakes that students make when picking a law school—and how to avoid them? Read on!
Whether you’re narrowing down offers or just starting your research, this guide will help you make a smarter, more informed choice.
- Rushing the Decision Without Doing Enough Research
It’s easy to feel pressure when decision deadlines approach. Some students commit to a school simply because they’re tired of the application process or because it’s the first one that accepted them. Others pick based on a school’s name recognition or emotional appeal—maybe it’s in a city they like or close to family. But making this choice without proper research is risky. Every law school has a unique environment, curriculum structure, and career support system. Spend time understanding these aspects. Don’t let urgency lead to a decision you’ll later regret.
- Overlooking ABA Accreditation
This is a mistake that can quietly derail your legal career before it even begins. Not all law schools are accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA), and that matters. ABA accreditation is what gives a law school legitimacy in the eyes of state bar examiners and employers. If you attend a non-accredited school, you might not be eligible to sit for the bar exam in many states, which means you can’t practice law there. Some states allow exceptions, but those paths are limited and often come with additional hurdles. Always check the school’s accreditation status on the official ABA website before enrolling.
- Ignoring Bar Passage Rates
Graduating from law school is just one part of the journey. To practice law, you need to pass the bar exam, and that’s no small feat. The bar passage rate is a clear indicator of how well a school prepares its students for this critical step. If a law school has consistently low bar passage rates, it may signal gaps in the quality of instruction or student support. Choose a school that demonstrates strong results, especially in the state where you want to take the bar. It’s not just about passing the test—it’s about being ready to handle the pressure and content effectively.
- Underestimating Total Cost and Debt Load
Many students focus on tuition when comparing law schools, but the real cost is often much higher. Living expenses, textbooks, technology fees, and health insurance add up fast. Then there’s the opportunity cost—three years without a full-time income. Law school can easily put students into six-figure debt. Before enrolling, understand your financial aid options, the average debt graduates carry, and the typical starting salary for alumni. Make sure the numbers work. If you graduate with significant debt and limited job prospects, the burden can follow you for decades.
- Choosing Based on Name Alone
There’s no denying that attending a prestigious law school can open doors, but it shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision. A well-known name doesn’t guarantee the right fit for every student. Class sizes may be huge, competition may be intense, and support could be lacking. It’s also worth noting that many employers, especially smaller firms and public interest organizations, care more about your skills, bar passage, and experience than where you got your degree. Look beyond the brand. Ask yourself whether the school’s culture, academic strengths and support systems align with your personal and professional goals.
- Skipping a Campus Visit or Virtual Tour
You can read every brochure and scan every ranking list, but nothing compares to experiencing a school for yourself. A campus visit—or a thorough virtual tour if you’re unable to travel—can tell you a lot about the learning environment, student culture, facilities, and overall vibe. Some campuses may feel warm, collaborative, and student-focused. Others may come off as rigid or overly competitive. Speak with current students and sit in on a class if possible. You’ll get insights that go beyond marketing language and glossy photos.
- Not Reviewing Faculty and Specialization Areas
Law is a vast field, and many students enter school with specific interests—like environmental law, human rights, corporate litigation, or intellectual property. If you have a particular area in mind, make sure the school offers courses and professors who specialize in it. Review the faculty’s background, research interests, and published work. Are they active in the legal community? Do they offer mentorship or open up opportunities for clerkships and internships? A strong faculty in your desired field can deeply enrich your learning and provide a stepping stone toward your chosen career path.
- Overlooking Career Support Services
One of the most overlooked aspects of a law school is its career services office. This is the department that helps you find internships, clerkships, and post-graduate employment. It offers resume reviews, mock interviews, networking events, and job search support. Strong career services can make a huge difference—especially in a competitive legal job market. Ask about employment rates for recent graduates, where alumni tend to work, and what kind of support you’ll get as a student and after you graduate. The difference between a school with strong placement support and one without can be the difference between landing your ideal job and struggling to find one.
Choosing the right law school is more than a matter of rankings or reputation—it’s about fit, opportunity, and long-term success. While it’s tempting to get swept up in surface-level metrics or rush to accept the first offer, a thoughtful and well-researched decision will serve you much better in the long run. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you choose a law school that truly aligns with your goals and sets you up for success. It’s your future, and you deserve to start it with clarity and confidence.
