Hold the applause for law schools
The following is a Counterpoint article:
By Matthew Slotkin
March 19 brought news of the new law school in Charlotte and, similarly, confirmation that Elon University's new law school will open its doors in Greensboro in 2006. I have heard for years how, per capita, the state has among the fewest attorneys in the nation. Such statistics don't automatically translate into justification for opening new law schools and further saturating the legal markets.
As a 1994 UNC Law School graduate, I've watched in recent years as new graduates find it more and more difficult to secure employment. North Carolina is a sprawling state with a seeming glut of attorneys in the large population centers and few in the far-flung areas. It's not so simple as to expect new law school graduates to move away from the Interstate 85 corridor and large cities.
More law school grads will engender an already eroding code of civility among the bar. Competition for cases will spawn even greater contentiousness.
The notion of new law schools in Charlotte and Greensboro seems more an exercise in vanity, perpetrated by city leaders to boost the image of their cities. The actual need of such schools is lost amid the misguided civic advocacy.
I don't see the consumer necessarily reaping any particular benefits. To the contrary, as more attorneys seek to generate income, needless litigiousness may only rise. Some younger attorneys may offer services at a reduced rate. Caveat emptor, as one generally gets what he or she pays for. Legal advertising can and does confuse and mislead.
Sadly, I discern no mention of any monies apportioned to support those interested in careers in the public service. The middle and lower classes remain woefully under-served by lawyers. And there's little reason to believe that law school grads from high-priced ($26,000-plus annual tuition alone) Charlotte and Elon will gravitate toward addressing the needs of those marginalized.
The writer lives in Raleigh.
Comments (3)
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In his evaluation, Mr. Slotkin looks at the possible effects of new law schools on attorneys and the consumer, but he ignores a group that will obviously benefit: prospective law students. Competition for entry into laws schools in North Carolina is fierce, providing additional opportunities for a legal education will give more prospective students an increased chance of pursuing a worthy profession. And if such an opportunity means that some of our local best and brightest do not have to move away from our fair city, all the better.
As an aside, I had to laugh when I read; "I don't see the consumer necessarily reaping any particular benefits" followed two sentences later by "Some younger attorneys may offer services at a reduced rate." I think that reveals Mr. Slotkin's real concern, and it is not for the consumer or the aspiring law student.
Posted on April 1, 2005 7:10 AM
"a worthy profession"
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!
Posted on April 1, 2005 9:06 AM
Respectfully, younger attorneys offering legal services at a reduced fee is not a concern. I represent injured workers in stress and physical injury claims. My recovery is wholly fueled by a statutory 25% cap. Competition is not a concern.
As I alluded to, you get what you pay for. If you'd prefer an attorney fresh out of law school (at a school with less rigorous admissions standards), then so be it. Experience and expertise can't be obtained in a law school.
The state bar examination given at the conclusion of teh three years of law school is but a rote memorization test. It doesn't gauge critical reasoning or any particular skill. Opening the door to additional numbers of "prospective law students" otherwise denied admission to the existing FIVE law schools dilutes the pool. The consumer has little means to discriminate among who is capable, who is not. And just because large numbers WANT to be an attorney doesn't justify lowering the standards to accomodate their wishes. There's an expectation of quality---at least when we consult our accountant, our physician. Apparently such concerns are ignored in your calculus.
--Matthew Slotkin, JD, MSW
Durham/Raleigh
Posted on April 6, 2005 6:41 PM