Law School Applications Up: What Gives?

The National Law Journal is reporting that law school remains an attractive option for applicants despite the massive debt and questionable job options at the end of road.  Some statistics mentioned are a rise in applications nationally by 7% and the number of applicants by 3%.  The schools in the table accompanying the article shows the University of Alabama leading the pack with a 70% rise in applications, followed by the University of Maine at 65%.  Cornell and the University of Illinois increased by 50% and 37% respectively. 

Applicants apparently think that things will improve by the time they get out of law school.  That's a bet I wouldn't be willing to take, but one never knows.  The law degree is attractive because it has some flexibility for job potential.  Not every J.D. is a lawyer.  Still, does someone want to pay $100,000 or so coupled with an M.L.I.S. for around $20,000 just to be a law librarian?  Better hope that law job market improves.  More from the NLJ.  [MG]