Re: ABA v non-ABA law degree

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On 9/02/04, Hadi wrote: Greetings;I have a non ABA degree and i
find it quite diffcult in our legal system.I have been looking for
a position for three months.I think i will go to immigration law
and work for myself.What do you fellow non-ABA and ABA think?
> On 7/09/04, possibly perpetual patent agent wrote:
>> On 7/09/04, cc wrote:
>>> I have a BEE, MSEE and JD (Tier 2) with USPTO registration
>>> and state bar. I have been looking for entry level work for
>>> over a year with no success. Unlike engineering, the law is
>>> EXTREMELY FLOODED with an OVERSUPPLY of highly qualified
>>> candidates so law firms like to place games with pedigree,
>>> class rank, etc. Most firms are cherry picking from top
> 25&37;
>>> grads from top 10 law schools. A non-ABA JD is a BIG black
>>> mark on your record, but if you have some experience as a
>>> patent agent there may be some hope for you.
>>>
>>> Where did you work as a patent agent? Your best bet is to
>>> seek patent attorney opportunities with a firm that you have
>>> worked with in the past.
>>
>> I think you are right.
>>
>> I have 4 years of experience as a patent agent in both industry
>> and law firms (chemistry/pharmaceutical). I have a doctorate
> in
>> Cell Biology. I am getting lots of interviews for patent agent
>> positions because of my experience.
>>
>> Like you say, there is a real stigma about having a degree from
>> a non-ABA school. In other words when viewed from my present
>> credentials I am highly competetive. However, with a non-ABA
> JD
>> I am viewed as non-competetive in the light of all the first
>> tier law school graduates. So I do not bring it up.
> Especially
>> since I get such a negative reaction from putative employers.
>> Frankly, it actually does negate my excellant credentials as an
>> agent.
>>
>> Quite honestly, I believe that my non-ABA law school provides a
>> fine education (but what do I know). However, it is too much
>> work if it doesnt get one to one's career goal. Very
> depressing.
>>
>> You seem to be correct in your analysis and I very much
>> appreciate your response.