Have law schools been misleading with job-placement statistics? Recently released American Bar Association statistics suggest so. For the first time, the ABA reported data revealing how many law graduates at accredited schools secured full-time attorney jobs within nine months after graduation.

The Wall Street Journal published analysis of the data that paints a grim picture of employment rates out of law school:

The numbers suggest the job market for law grads is worse than previously thought. Nationwide, only 55% of the class of 2011 had full-time, long-term jobs that required a law degree nine months after graduation. The ABA defines “long-term” jobs as those that don’t have a term of less than one year.

What’s not surprising about the WSJ analysis is that students at top schools don’t have nearly as much difficulty finding work than students at lower-tier schools, generally.

More interesting are the exceptions. Among schools reporting that over 80% of their classes got full-time lawyer gigs were Louisiana State and George Washington, with St. Mary’s and Mississippi College, as well as a few others, not far behind.

When it comes to job placement, something is distinguishing these schools from those in their same tier. Local relationships? Goals of the graduates?

Check out the interactive graph. See what you think.

Happy Fourth of July!

Relax and enjoy your Friday with some of this week’s top law and LSAT links!

How to Handle Extracurriculars on Law School Applications (U.S. News Education)

Putting together your law school applications? U.S. News Education has some great admissions advice for how to present your extracurricular activities.

ABA: Law Schools Getting the Message on Practical Skills (The National Law Journal)

According to the ABA’s latest empirical survey, law schools are increasing so-called practical skills courses: clinics, simulations, and externships.
Read more

In the northern hemisphere some people throw parties during July that mimic Christmas celebrations. Parties may include Santa Claus, ice cream and other cold foods, and gifts.

The wait is finally over! The June 2012 LSAT scores are in and are currently being sent to test takers via E-mail. The curve was -10 for a 170, -27 for a 160, and -46 for a 150. For some, today may feel like  Christmas in July, as your stomach fills with fluttering butterflies and and your heart starts racing just before you unwrap what Santa LSAC has brought you this year.

If you were a good boy or girl, did your prep work, and received the score you were hoping for, congratulations! It’s time to celebrate the holiday with a party or a happy dance. For those who would rather have a lump of coal than your June 2012 score, proceed by first taking a look at our Retake Manifesto to decide whether it is worth your efforts to reregister for the exam. If you are set on retaking the next available exam, be aware of some of the upcoming dates and deadlines pertaining to the October 2012 LSAT.

On a final note, remember to sign up for our Free Online Review of the June 2012 LSAT on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 8:00-10:30 (EDT). Two of our 99^th percentile teachers will be reviewing and analyzing some of the most difficult logic games from the June exam.

Need to talk more about your June 2012 LSAT score? Leave a comment below, tweet @manhattanlsat, or email StudentServices@manhattanprep.com/lsat/.

Merry LSAT-Christmas to all, and to all a good score!