Does anyone know of the advantage of one of these schools over the other for general employment prospects? Weather aside (I don't really like cold), I am not finding out any info that pushes me towards one over the other... is Emory more national?

my guess is they both place much better regionally than nationally. I'm considering Emory and it seems like if i come in the top 15% of my class, i'll have a decent shot at NYC. Apparently NYC is their second largest alumni base. So, if you like NYC, Philly, DC, Charlotte, Nashville, Atlanta...basically the east coast (i would guess Boston is an exception) than i would lean towards Emory. If you like Chicago, Detroit or other Midwestern markets, i'd go with UIUC. Unfortunately, i don't think either one sets you up very well for the west coast.

EDIT: Just noticed your weather comment. I'd DEFINITELY lean towards Emory. Worst case scenario is that you end up in Atlanta (a great legal market and a great town). If you don't come in towards the top at UIUC (and therefore don't crack Chicago BigLaw)...you'll be somewhere small and cold.

yeah, that is pretty much the way I've been leaning. Thanks

Blah, why does Boston have to have such a competitive/somewhat crappy legal market with such a high cost of living? I'm having a hard time justifying Boston schools over Emory at this point. At least for the first college and 5 years thereafter. If I can get into Biglaw in Atlanta I figure I'll be able to transfer pretty much anywhere on the East Coast.

As for UIUC v Emory I'd say that Emory has better national recognition. Sure, it may not do as well in the midwest, but everywhere else Emory should be superior.

The cost of living in Atlanta is awesome too.

I know. Plus, the women there are so much more attractive.

See: Nancy Grace.