Choosing the best intellectual property (IP) law school usually entails finding a school that strikes the right balance between overall ranking and IP programming strength. Personal impressions and professional reputation are also crucial. Only a few schools specifically advertise themselves as intellectual property law schools. Nonetheless, some schools must have more robust intellectual property programs than others. The best way to figure out which one is right for you is to figure out which school will best meet your educational needs while also providing excellent IP opportunities.
Commercial law school guidebooks are a good place to start looking for an intellectual property law school. Guidebooks divide law schools into several categories, including the strength of coursework in specific practice areas, such as intellectual property. Making a list of all schools with notable intellectual property law programs can help you see your options more clearly.
There is some debate about whether it is better to attend a well-ranked school with a weak intellectual property program or a lower-ranked program with a renowned intellectual property program. After graduation, you will be judged as a lawyer based on the overall quality of your law school. Employers don’t care if your school has the country’s number two intellectual property law program if the school itself isn’t even in the top 100. Other companies may be more persuaded IP-specific strength, but overall rank is still important.
By doing some research into each of your options, you can make some assessments about whether an intellectual property law school is a good fit for you. Begin comparing the various intellectual property course offerings of the various schools, as well as the professors’ credentials. This information is typically found on a school’s website, but it is also included in most admissions prospectus materials. If you’re unsure, contact the admissions office and request a copy of the current course offerings as well as instructor biographies.
Speaking with alumni who went on to become intellectual property lawyers can also give you a good idea of how practical an IP program at a particular school is. An intellectual property lawyer with a few years of experience in the field will be able to tell you if she felt her education adequately prepared her for the rigors of her job, and if she had any difficulties finding work. It’s also a good idea to inquire about the opinions of prominent intellectual property attorneys in the community where you want to work about a particular intellectual property law school.
Choosing the best intellectual property law school is the first of many steps you’ll take on your path to becoming an intellectual property attorney, and it’s arguably the most crucial. Before enrolling, do your research, ask the right questions, and, if possible, visit the schools to which you’ve been accepted. Regardless of rank or program strength, the best intellectual property law school for you will be the one where you feel comfortable spending several years studying and living.