Seeing as how we're in the midst of applying to law schools, we have spent a lot of time lately considering what it actually means to BE a lawyer. Why do we want to practice law? What drives us toward the legal profession? What kind of attorney do we want to be?
Likewise, what law program is going to best help us accomplish those goals?
Let's be honest, lawyers don't have the best reputation. Google the words lawyer and/or attorney plus joke and you'll get 17.6 million hits. Compare that to the 10.6 million for preacher and/or minister plus joke, and the 13.5 for doctor plus joke.
If we say lawyer, you think:
(a) A man who helps you get what's coming to him,
(b) A mouth with a life-support system, or
(c) A slick talking SOB who's basic creed is something like "A man is innocent until proven broke"
Not exactly what we aspire to be.
Which is why we WILL NOT apply to Tennessee's law school (besides not wanting to graduate with a wardrobe that might be confused with the Adopt a Highway folks). Their goal seems to reinforce the negative stereotype:
"The College of Law teaches its students to think, write, and speak like lawyers, providing them with a complete legal education." - University of Tennessee Law School Dean (also, the Dean eerily resembles Red Forman from That 70's Show)
Contrast with Notre Dame's purpose statement:
"Perhaps the most prominent aspect of the Anglo-American legal tradition at Notre Dame is the focus on law not just as another job option, but as one of the ancient healing professions. Like doctors who are called to their vocation to heal the ills of the body, and like the clergy who are called to heal the ills of the spirit or soul, Notre Dame lawyers are called to heal the ills of society - to seek justice and peace among nations, within communities, and between individuals."
Go Irish.
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