Western State also offers a wide array of generous merit scholarships based on pre-law school achievements and on academic performance in law school. As the practice of law is generally quite rewarding financially, the cost of attending law school, and whatever debt is incurred in the process, may appropriately be considered as investments rather than expenses. While it does make sense to study at a law school that will enable you to start building relationships with the local legal community, you needn't limit yourself geographically. What is most important is that you select a school that offers a curriculum and an approach to teaching in which you are interested, and a faculty, student body and overall atmosphere with which you are most comfortable. As graduates of ABA schools can take the bar exam in any state, you should choose the school that you believe will offer you the best preparation for becoming a successful lawyer.
Counselors keep stressing the importance of professional skills training.
A gain, not necessarily. But being well-versed in legal theory won't take you far in the real world. A curriculum that integrates such professional skills as contract drafting, client counseling, negotiation, litigation, oral advocacy and the like also teaches you how to put theory and doctrine into practice. Many law schools teach the skills of lawyering as a rather minor adjunct to legal theory. The Western State faculty is committed to teaching students how the rule or theory plays out in actual practice.