An Economic Analysis of the Market for Law School Students

52 Pages Posted: 23 Jul 2001 Last revised: 13 Aug 2022

See all articles by Ronald G. Ehrenberg

Ronald G. Ehrenberg

ILR-Cornell University; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); IZA Institute of Labor Economics

Date Written: May 1988

Abstract

This study utilizes data from a number of sources to estimate how lawyers' starting salaries relate to their ability, the quality of law school they attended, and whether the law school was a private institution. Based upon this analysis, a benefit-cost analysis is conducted of the value of attending a high-quality private institution. Analyses are also done of how the financial attractiveness of law vis-a- vis other careers has changed in recent years and a conceptual framework discussed for law schools to use in allocating their financial aid resources.

Suggested Citation

Ehrenberg, Ronald G., An Economic Analysis of the Market for Law School Students (May 1988). NBER Working Paper No. w2602, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=277294

Ronald G. Ehrenberg (Contact Author)

ILR-Cornell University ( email )

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