WWS MPP for Lawyers

[Red lightning]

I am an international student currently attending the LL.M program at Georgetown Law and specializing in international law (international trade law mainly). I think I'll probably end up with a GPA around 3.5 for the degree. I joined the LLM program right after graduating from one of the top law schools in my country. Result: two degrees, no work experience. After spending six years studying law, an MPP would be a refreshing change. In fact, a life far far away from law would be even better.

I want to apply to the WWS MPP for lawyers in 2011, I'm keen on the international relations track. The long and short of it my friends is, would I have a shot with my profile? As for commitment to public service - I was president of the student body for a year and edited a journal. I also work for an NGO part time. Do these count? or does the program have higher expectations (feeding the hungry in Darfur perhaps)

I would really appreciate some input!

Earn some karma, help a poor soul escape the jaws of BigLaw.

Edited April 19, 2010 by Red lightning

[007]

I think you would need some work experience first. WWS seems to be particularly focused on public commitment, so I'd suggest you try to find something adequate, work some 2-3 years and then apply to WWS. Unless if you are dead set on going to WWS. Otherwise, I would try and apply to schools like SAIS and hope for admittance without work experience (that is what I did, also escaping 6 years of law).

[Red lightning]

Thanks for the input 007 and congratulations for getting out!

The reason I'm keen on WWS is the duration of the course. The SAIS is, of course, a great program and I'll probably apply to it as well.

What kind of work experience do you think they look for from lawyers? I plan on returning to my country and (hopefully) working with government, in something akin to the office of the attorney general in the US. Is that relevant work experience? or should I look to work with civil society or with international institutions/organisations?

I had written to the office of admissions but they were not very forthcoming with statistics on the MPP for lawyers program. They did mention that they don't have a specific work experience requirements.

Any thoughts?

Edited April 20, 2010 by Red lightning

[egmpp2010]

Bios of the current students are here: http://wws.princeton...tudentbios/mpp/

My impression of the program, having just visited the WWS for the MPA, is that the MPPs have more work experience than you have and the bios generally reflect this (almost everyone is 10+ years removed from their undergraduate degree). Of course you can apply, but it sounds to me like you're a better fit for the MPA program than the MPP at this point in time...

As for government versus civil society versus international institutions, I don't think they make a distinction as to what is "better". All of those are forms of public service. It's going to be more important that you go and make a significant contribution in whichever of those organizations/fields you choose to work in.

Edited April 20, 2010 by egmpp2010

[Red lightning]

Bios of the current students are here: http://wws.princeton...tudentbios/mpp/

My impression of the program, having just visited the WWS for the MPA, is that the MPPs have more work experience than you have and the bios generally reflect this (almost everyone is 10+ years removed from their undergraduate degree). Of course you can apply, but it sounds to me like you're a better fit for the MPA program than the MPP at this point in time...

As for government versus civil society versus international institutions, I don't think they make a distinction as to what is "better". All of those are forms of public service. It's going to be more important that you go and make a significant contribution in whichever of those organizations/fields you choose to work in.

Thanks for the info egmpp, you are probably right.

Do you think the reason why most people in the program have 10+ years of work experiences is that it is primarily aimed at mid-career professionals. In other words, I wonder if they have different expectations from lawyers/physicians/phd applicants. The physician candidate they selected seems to still be in med-school.

Does anyone know anything about this?

[Dreams]

Thanks for the info egmpp, you are probably right.

Do you think the reason why most people in the program have 10+ years of work experiences is that it is primarily aimed at mid-career professionals. In other words, I wonder if they have different expectations from lawyers/physicians/phd applicants. The physician candidate they selected seems to still be in med-school.

Does anyone know anything about this?

There are several "different" MPP programs at WWS. One is the traditional mid-career program that accepts people with more than 7 years of post college experience (though most applicants have over 10). Then there are the newer MPP programs for physicians, lawyers and PhD scientists that do not carry a minimum work experience requirement. So long as you have a law degree, are committed to public service (and can demonstrate it), then you have a shot of getting in through the program. So go ahead and apply for 2011.

[grad2]

Thanks for the input 007 and congratulations for getting out!

The reason I'm keen on WWS is the duration of the course. The SAIS is, of course, a great program and I'll probably apply to it as well.

What kind of work experience do you think they look for from lawyers? I plan on returning to my country and (hopefully) working with government, in something akin to the office of the attorney general in the US. Is that relevant work experience? or should I look to work with civil society or with international institutions/organisations?

I had written to the office of admissions but they were not very forthcoming with statistics on the MPP for lawyers program. They did mention that they don't have a specific work experience requirements.

Any thoughts?

Hi, the other question I would double check with WWS is whether they require a JD degree for the MPP for Lawyers degree, as that's what appears to be on their website.

[Dreams]

Hi, the other question I would double check with WWS is whether they require a JD degree for the MPP for Lawyers degree, as that's what appears to be on their website.

They have taken people with both JDs and LL.Ms for the MPP for lawyers program.

[Red lightning]

They have taken people with both JDs and LL.Ms for the MPP for lawyers program.

Thank you all for your responses, keep them coming!

Just on that note, how many candidates do they accept to the Lawyers' MPP program? Does the program have a definite size or do they just pick a couple of people every year? The statistics in the view-book dent help much and the admissions office wouldn't venture a figure.

Edited April 23, 2010 by Red lightning