why do law schools admit so many people when most firms only want to hire between the top 10%-20%?

$$$$$$$

They have to admit enough people in order for the firms to actually find the 10-20% with the skills they are looking for. If they decreased their admissions then the amount of top quality students would also be smaller - not all law graduates are top law firm material if you catch my drift.

I don't think the law schools care what happens to you after they've collected their money for your education...that alone is reason enough for them to admit a lot of people. Less people = less money. More people = more money.

This depends where you are. There are people who graduated in the bottom of their classes who did fine with their careers after passing the bar. The top firms want the top 10%, yes, but there are myriad other jobs for lawyers. For example, you could be a public defender.

The larger question is, is it worth taking out $100,000 in loans if you will not be in the top 10% or 20%? Probably not!

You need to be really honest with yourself as to your abilities. A lot of students THINK they are smarter than they are.

because the more you admit, the more that is in that top 10-20%. Therefore, it looks good for the school because they can say that x amount of their students were able to continue on to be successful lawyers.