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Just looking to get some other opinions on the table:

My number 1 choice for law school was (is) UW-Madison however, I was waitlisted and even after a LOCI I think the chances of getting in are pretty slim...so I have to assume its not going to happen. That being said, I have been accepted to both Penn. State and Marquette University and am having a hard time getting any objective opinions on which to choose.

What do you guys think?

Here are some points I'm considering:
1. I studied International Business\International Studies in undergrad and want to pursue a career focusing on International Law.
2. Both Penn. and Marquette have joint degree programs in similar areas....but Penn. State is better known for their international programs\focus.
3. Tuition is equal more or less with the scholarships I've received....
4. Marquette DOES NOT require that I sit for the bar in Wisconsin...(practicing in WI is not a necessity for me)
5. I'd like to eventually go into private practice still focusing on International Law -- where? It doesn't really matter...but I figure the east coast would provide more opportunities.

Anyone accepted at both places? Anyone have any opinions on either school?

Thanks in advance! I appreciate any insight you can offer.

1. Pick what state you want to practice and go to school there. If you're fine with WI and Milwaukee then go to Marquette.
2. International law is largely non-existent from schools outside the T30 so try and find another interest.
3. Is Marquette at sticker? If so I would heavily suggest retaking because coming out of that school with 150k in debt is going to be beyond difficult if not impossible.

Basically both Penn and Marquette end up being the same:

$21,000 total in scholarships from Marquette (7K\yr)
$30,000 total from Penn. State (10K\yr)

....so debt is in my future either way.

Want to practice in Wisconsin? Go to Marquette.
Want to practice in Pittsburg or Philadelphia? Go to Penn State.

Obligatory LoL at international law. You're a hoot.

...first off -- love your avatar...its Captain Kirk's B-Day today...so I can only hope that you already knew that...

Ok guys you got me -- "International Law" - I was misusing it..I currently work with companies attempting to export their products, customs, bills of lading...etc..etc..etc...so....any disputes are usually handled through arbitration and mediation....thats what I'd like to concentrate on...not diplomacy between nations...my bad.

SkyDive1986 wrote:...first off -- love your avatar...its Captain Kirk's B-Day today...so I can only hope that you already knew that...

Ok guys you got me -- "International Law" - I was misusing it..I currently work with companies attempting to export their products, customs, bills of lading...etc..etc..etc...so....any disputes are usually handled through arbitration and mediation....thats what I'd like to concentrate on...not diplomacy between nations...my bad.

More Denny Crane than Captain Kirk, but thanks!

Glad you realize the import of international law v. practicing law/mediation in international contexts. Not sure if either school is a good entré to that type of practice. From my anecdotal experience, those jobs are usually handled in house or by large firms. The quickest, most sure route to in house or a large firm is biglaw experience right after law school. Neither school places well in biglaw.

However, if you've got contacts in the industry, tap them and see what you can learn. It's very possible I don't know what the hell I'm talking about and everything I've heard is wrong.