Making the most of Texas law schools requires you to understand that a law degree is not just for lawyers. It is also useful for many other professionals including administrators, business investors and politicians. The most common law degree awarded in the United States is the Juris Doctor (J.D.), which is usually granted through a three-year graduate program.

The top law schools in Texas must be accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) before the state bar association will allow a graduate to sit for the bar exam. The ABA specifies precise requirements of accredited schools, including factors such the contents of its library and the minimum amount of instruction time. In addition to completing the required course work, there are three important credentials to strive for while in law school:

1. Membership in the law review of Texas ABA law schools; this membership is based on grades and writing ability, and many employers may include this in their hiring criteria.
2. Moot court; this experience can distinguish students as effective oral advocates and provide practical legal training.
3. Membership in the Order of the Coif; this is based on grade point average.

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Get a Texas law degree from a top ranking law school

A law school's ranking is extremely important to an attorney's career. Graduates of the most elite laws schools typically fill prestigious positions such as clerkships for the Supreme Court.

I recommend: The Princeton Review ranks law schools each year in a variety of categories and also provides other resources for law students. The Wall Street Journal provides links to several ranking systems and also offers an article on blogs that rank law schools.

Research law schools in Texas according to their courses of study

Many online sites describe the specific areas of specialization for various law schools. These sites frequently provide additional resources about each law school to determine if it is a good fit for you and your business career.

I recommend: The Philosophical Gourmet Report provides a list of top law schools with a strong emphasis in philosophy. The American Bar Association describes the course work for law schools in Texas with a program on mental and physical disability law.

Learn more about the admissions process required for a Texas online law degree

Many busy professionals needing a legal education choose to earn an online law degree. Texas law schools that are highly-ranked typically accept only a small percentage of the total applicants.

I recommend: WorldWideLearn provides a list of the growing number of law schools that offer an online education. The University of Texas at Austin is a top-ranked law school that offers a number of courses online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A student graduating from a lower-tier law school may wish to concentrate on job opportunities in that school's home market as local businesses typically employ area alumni. Lower-tier accredited law schools in Texas may also have a national scope when they cater to a specific type of student, such as a historically black or Christian university.

Earning a Texas law degree doesn’t necessarily mean you want to practice law. Texas law degrees can be put to use in a variety of different ways for your business, from learning about business investments to ensuring the administrative aspects of your company are in compliance with Texas and national laws.

There are a variety of Texas law schools throughout the state to choose from, or you can opt for an online law degree in Texas. Before you can seriously consider a Texas law degree, you’ll need to meet the academic requirements for Texas law schools, which includes taking the LSAT exam. You’ll also want to research Texas law school rankings and find accredited law schools in Texas. As you begin your search for Texas law schools, consider the following:

1. Check out the rankings of Texas law schools to ensure you get the best education possible.

2. Only seek out Texas law schools that have been accredited by the American Bar Association.

3. Consider Texas online law degree programs if your hectic schedule cannot accommodate regular daytime or evening classes.

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Search for top Texas law schools

Don't settle for anything less than the best: Research the top Texas law schools to determine your best options in the state.

I recommend: U.S. News & World Report ranks more than 12,000 graduate programs throughout the country each year, including law schools. It ranked the University of Texas at Austin Law School as the best Texas law degree program. FindLaw is another source for Texas law school rankings.

Apply to accredited law schools in Texas

In addition to consulting Texas law school rankings, when it comes to deciding among Texas law schools, you should only consider accredited law schools in Texas. These institutions have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) to meet the standards set within the country's legal profession.

I recommend: The ABA’s website provides a list of accredited law schools in Texas. Powerscore lists Texas ABA law schools in alphabetical order.

Consider an online law degree in Texas

If you run your own business, it can be difficult to find the time between work and home life to attend classes toward a Texas law degree. An online law degree in Texas is a great option for busy business owners -or anyone, really - to get the education they seek. Most Texas online law degree programs take anywhere from two to six years to complete.

I recommend: Check out TheEducationEdge.com to search for schools that offer a Texas online law degree. Concord Law School was the first to offer a fully interactive online law degree program, beginning in 1998.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be realistic when determining how much time you'll have to spend each semester toward earning a Texas law degree. Most schools have a part-time option, so while it may take longer to get the degree, you'll have an easier time focusing on coursework - and your business - if you don't overload yourself.

Texas law schools advice and ratings use many statistics, such as employment prospects, median salary and tuition. Intangibles such as campus life, teaching methods and learning atmosphere also may form the basis of a law school evaluation.

Applicants to accredited law schools in Texas should begin their search by first considering law schools located in their desired geographic area. They also should consider the top law schools in the state where they plan to practice. Applicants should then select the schools that are within their budget and meet their specific needs. There are three general sources for evaluating Texas law schools:

1. Blogs on ABA law schools in Texas. A credible blog or other type of social media may have posts from students, faculty and law school experts sharing their personal experiences or professional opinions about Texas law schools.
2. Rating services of law schools. Recognized experts may provide ratings of law schools that offer exceptional educational programs.
3. Recognition for individual law schools. The best law schools will be recognized with awards, grants and other accolades for their programs.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get advice for Texas ABA law schools through blogs

Blogs contain advice, opinions and comments from law students, professors or lawyers on law schools in Texas. They also may discuss and analyze law school rankings.

I recommend: Res Ipsa Blog contains posts on law schools in Texas and includes rankings of Texas law schools based on student surveys. The Blawgraphy contains posts about law school issues and provides advice for incoming students at the University of Houston Law Center.

Study Texas law school rankings

Rankings for law schools in Texas are an effective and credible source of advice and ratings. Each rating service should provide its methodology. Rankings typically consist of weighted factors, such as assessments of law professors, selectivity and placement rate.

I recommend: Internet Legal Research Group provides rankings of raw data from law schools, including law schools like Baylor Law School in Texas. The University of Texas at Austin provides rankings of its various schools, including its law school, based on quantitative and qualitative measures.

Look at Texas law schools that are awards recipients

Awards and accolades can be an excellent way of identifying top tier law schools in Texas. Law schools may receive awards for legal research, academic programs or specific papers. The best law schools also will receive grants for their programs.

I recommend: The State Bar of Texas awarded the Outstanding Law Review Article Award for 2008 to the Texas Tech Law Review. The Texas Access to Justice Commission awarded Texas Tech University School of Law with the ATJ Law School Commitment to Service Award in 2008.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Law school applicants seeking highly rated Texas law schools should use the law school ratings to get a good overview of the schools. However, applicants should be more concerned with finding a law school that will meet their particular needs, rather than attending the highest ranked law school on a list. Law school students also may wish to consider obtaining an online law degree in Texas. A Texas online law degree may provide a more affordable option for busy law school students.