When you're in Washington, D.C., you don't have to look far to find a DC school of law. There are numerous ABA-accredited law schools in Washington, DC. Local law schools include American University, Washington College of Law School; George Washington University Law School; Georgetown University Law Center; Howard University School of Law; University of the District of Columbia, David A. Clark School of Law and Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.

To learn more about news and current trends at any particular Washington DC law school, you'll want to explore beyond the main page of the school website. The following are some sources that take you beyond surface and get you to the heart and pulse of each campus.

1. Law school websites provide the best official and current information about law schools in DC.

2. Student and professor blogs offer the unofficial scoop on Washington, DC, law universities.

3. Several Washington, DC, law colleges offer podcasts pertaining to a variety of different current topics.

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

Find the news section on websites for Washington, DC, law schools

Most of the law schools in Washington, DC, reserve a space on their website for news and announcements pertaining to activities at the law school. These particular sites are good for obtaining official law school news.

I recommend: George Washington University Law School In the News offers up-to-date information about how staff and alumni from the school are making national and international news. Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law maintains an area on their website that discusses recent stories at the school.

Find the latest news on law colleges in Washington, DC, by reading blogs

Often times, blogs are a great way to learn about the culture of a particular place. Reading student and professor blogs keeps you current on the academic and social culture.

I recommend: The Georgetown Law Faculty Blog is a blog where several Georgetown Law faculty write about interesting legal topics, such as environmental law and criminal law. SUA SPONTE is a blog maintained by a group of George Washington University Law students. They talk about whatever interests them; however, there is quite a bit of information pertaining to law school included on the blog. The Georgetown Law Admissions Blog is written by the Dean of Admissions for Georgetown Law Center. It will give you pertinent information about how to get into the school.

Sign up for podcasts sponsored by law schools around Washington, DC

Podcasts are a modern way of automatically bringing content to your personal computer. By signing up for podcasts sponsored by law schools in Washington, DC, you'll be able to listen to all the latest news.

I recommend: American University Washington College of Law maintains a collection of podcast episodes on a variety of topics, such as professional development, curriculum and student affairs. Georgetown Law Center maintains a directory of recent webcasts and podcasts.

Compare the rankings for various law schools in Washington, DC

Law school rankings change from year to year. Various publications rank the law schools according to select factors.

I recommend: The Consus Group provides the U.S. News ranking of law schools. Top-Law-Schools is another good source for the latest law school rankings. Check these listings to look for law schools around Washington, DC.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some of the best information about law schools in DC can be obtained through a good conversation with law students at some of DC's popular bars and pubs.

There are so many jobs for people who hold a degree from one of the Washington DC law colleges. From civil law to criminal litigation to business negotiations, lawyers are in high demand. Law schools generally accept students who hold a Bachelor's degree in any major, but they prefer students who majored in business, political science or something similar during their undergraduate years.

Different Washington DC law universities have different requirements, but being the best student you can be will only help your chances. Remember to research each school's admission requirements before applying.

1. Look into attending a public Washington DC law school. These schools are bustling with life and social opportunities.

2. See if perhaps private Washington DC law schools are right for you. These schools cost a bit more but the quality of education is known for being of the highest quality.

3. Find ABA law schools in Washington DC. Attending an American Bar Association accredited school ensures that you'll be eligible to sit for the Bar Exam.

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

Check the public DC school of law

Public schools can be just as good as private schools, but for a fraction of the cost. They have large student bodies and foster a feeling of community. The opportunities for networking are great, and after you graduate, you'll be glad you made those contacts.

I recommend: Get an overview of the J.D. program at the University of District of Columbia, then apply in the Spring for the Fall semester. The University of DC law school is the only public law school located in DC.

Consider attending one of the private law colleges in Washington DC

Private schools may cost more but each has its own advantages. For example, some colleges use rolling admissions (and thus, no application deadlines) and offer part-time classes as well as full-time schedules.

I recommend: Check out the study abroad programs available from American University. Enhance your J.D. with the other programs available at the prestigious Georgetown Law. Apply for an early decision scholarship at George Washington University.

Find reputable and ABA law schools in Washington DC

The American Bar Association (ABA) approves schools that offer a proper law education, and guarantees that the student can sit for the Bar Exam upon graduation. Laws vary from state to state, but going to an accredited school is a good idea no matter what. Also, checking out the rankings of different schools can help you choose a better school.

I recommend: Find accredited schools in your area at the American Bar Association. Find rankings for DC schools on Top-Law-Schools.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Carefully compare law schools in DC before you make a decision to apply to one. You'll want to find the school that's right for you; some schools may offer law programs that don't appeal to you. Also, consider the professors' experience before deciding.

Washington DC 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 may also form the basis of a law school evaluation.

Applicants to accredited Washington DC law colleges 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 Washington DC law schools:

1. Blogs on law schools around Washington DC. 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 Washington DC law schools.
2. Rating services of law schools. Recognized experts may provide ratings of law schools that offer an exceptional education.
3. Recognition for individual law schools. The best law schools will have awards, grants and other accolades for their programs.
   

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

Get advice for law schools in DC through blogs and forums

Blogs and forums contain advice, opinions and comments from law students, professors or lawyers about law schools in Washington DC. They also may discuss the rankings of law schools.

I recommend: The Chronicle Review contains recent posts by Stephen Joel Trachtenberg, a professor at George Washington University. This blog analyzes national law school rankings and also contains comments on specific law schools, including George Washington University. City-Data.com discusses the significance of rankings with respect to law schools in Washington DC and offers advice for students applying to law schools in the DC area.

Study rankings of ABA law schools in Washington DC

Rankings for law schools in Washington DC 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: The Prelaw Handbook provides current ranking data for the top 104 law schools, including several law schools in Washington DC. Brian Leiter's Law School Rankings ranks the top 15 schools from which prestigious law firms hire new attorneys, including Georgetown University.

Look at a Washington DC school of law that is the recipient of awards

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

I recommend: The American Association of Law Libraries awarded the Nonprint Division of the Law Library Publications Award for 2008 to the Georgetown University Law Library. The Washington Post reports that the Humane Society of the United States awarded the Humane Legislator Award in 2008 to Mary M. Cheh, a law professor at George Washington University.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Law school applicants seeking a highly rated Washington DC law school 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 may also wish to consider attending Washington DC law schools online. An online law school in Washington DC may provide a more affordable option for busy law school students.

Washington D.C. offers more than national monuments, memorials, Smithsonian Institutes and cultural events. Washington D.C. also offers quality law schools such as Howard University, George Washington University, Columbia Law School, George Mason University and Georgetown University. Before applying to law schools, one needs to determine if they wish to earn a Juris Doctor or Masters of Laws degree and apply to those schools that offer that program. One also needs to take the Law School Admission Test prior to applying to law school.

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

Juris Doctor Degree

One earns a Juris Doctor degree after completing three years of full-time study or four years of part-time study from an accredited American Bar Association (ABA) law school. A typical law school curriculum consists of the first year students participating in courses such as case method, civil procedure, constitutional law, legal writing and torts. Second and third year students may select courses in civil litigation, family law, taxation, labor law and participate in clinical programs.

I recommend: For more information on a Juris Doctor Degree curriculum, refer to the George Washington University Law School.

Master of Laws Degree

One earns a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree after completing one year of full-time study in a specialized field of law. In the United States, an individual holding a Master of Law degree may not practice law unless they also possess a Juris Doctor degree and pass the bar exam.

I recommend: Refer to the Howard University School of Law or LLM Guide websites for specific information on the Masters of Laws Degree.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

The first step in enrolling into law school is taking the Law School Admission Test commonly referred to as LSAT. The LSAT is a multiple-choice exam comprised of five sections of 35 questions designed to measure reading comprehension, critical thinking, logical reasoning and analytical reasoning. In addition, test takers are also required to complete a writing sample.

I recommend: For more information on the LSAT’s role in the admissions process, refer to Columbia Law School. To register for the LSAT, refer to the GradView webpage.

Law School Admission Council

The Law School Admission Council not only administers the LSAT, but also acts as a clearinghouse that compiles the information one needs for law school, such as LSAT scores, letters of recommendation, transcripts and applications.

I recommend: For more information, refer to the Law School Admission Council or Georgetown University Law School websites.

Law School Data Assembly Service

The Law School Data Assembly Service organizes information submitted to the Law School Admission Council, generates a report, and sends that report to law schools an applicant applies. The report sent by the Law School Data Assembly Service includes one's LSAT score, writing sample, transcripts, letters of recommendation and other necessary documentation.

I recommend: Refer to the Princeton Review website for more information on the Law School Data Assembly Service.

Academic success program

The intent of academic success programs offered by law schools is to prepare students to the rigorous demands of law school by offering classes focusing on legal writing, legal reasoning and other subject matter. Students also learn time management and study skills to aid them with their law school studies.

I recommend: For more information on academic success programs, refer to The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law.