Miami Scholars

[cmk]

I know what the opinion of Miami is around here, but I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about the Scholars program. The woman who interviewed me really sold me (though of course that's her job). She also claimed that the employment stats for UM weren't indicative of the employment stats for people in the Scholars program. Plus the guaranteed 1L summer placement is really intriguing. Thoughts?

[cmk]

shameless bump...

[FeelTheHeat]

I know what the opinion of Miami is around here, but I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about the Scholars program. The woman who interviewed me really sold me (though of course that's her job). She also claimed that the employment stats for UM weren't indicative of the employment stats for people in the Scholars program. Plus the guaranteed 1L summer placement is really intriguing. Thoughts?

When she said the employment stats weren't representative, did she give you stats backing that up? What are your other options and where do you want to practice?

[cmk]

When she said the employment stats weren't representative, did she give you stats backing that up? What are your other options and where do you want to practice?

She claimed that all the people in the Scholar's program had jobs upon graduation, I didn't really press her beyond that unfortunately. As for where I want to practice I have no real preference at this point but I'm hoping not to be locked into one specific region for the rest of my life (trickier when dealing with T2s I know). I am interested in child advocacy, domestic violence, and family law; I'm hoping that will give me some regional freedom but that could just be a pipe dream. I don't know all of my other options yet since I'm still waiting to hear from most of the schools I applied to. Lawyers I've spoken to up here in the Northeast where I live have all told me that Miami is a great bet because the school has big name recognition, but that completely contradicts everything on this forum, hence my confusion. Thanks for your input.

[FeelTheHeat]

When she said the employment stats weren't representative, did she give you stats backing that up? What are your other options and where do you want to practice?

She claimed that all the people in the Scholar's program had jobs upon graduation, I didn't really press her beyond that unfortunately. As for where I want to practice I have no real preference at this point but I'm hoping not to be locked into one specific region for the rest of my life (trickier when dealing with T2s I know). I am interested in child advocacy, domestic violence, and family law; I'm hoping that will give me some regional freedom but that could just be a pipe dream. I don't know all of my other options yet since I'm still waiting to hear from most of the schools I applied to. Lawyers I've spoken to up here in the Northeast where I live have all told me that Miami is a great bet because the school has big name recognition, but that completely contradicts everything on this forum, hence my confusion. Thanks for your input.

You recognize that not pressing her on the issue was a mistake, which is good. Its ok; many of us likely wouldn't do so either in that situation. Jobs, as you know, is a very broad term. You cannot be too sure of who is actually practicing law. Anyways, its tough not to be locked into a specific region once you leave the T20. If regional portability is of utmost importance to you, I suggest doing everything you can to crack the T20. I think your point about name recognition is not particularly representative; I venture to guess the lawyers you talked to have some connection to the school via through location or growing up in the 80s and 90s when they were a dominant football program.

To the point, have they offered you a scholarship? If you can get tuition down to $14k/year you should be in decent shape, but I really don't think you will have nearly the portability you are looking for, regardless of career interests.

[adt231]

I would press for specific information regarding the placement of these scholars and then compare that with the specific info regarding the placement with your other options. Also, it would be very helpful for you to talk to 3Ls and very recent alum (i.e. one or two years out max) from your options doing exactly what you want to do. If Miami wants you, they should provide some of this info or the contact info of some alums that you can contact.

Good luck!