Top Law Schools

Here's my second topic about my situation. Let me set stage like so:

1. I'm ready for something different in my life -- I've worked in a few different fields ranging from government, law, hospitality, and education (although I would definitely not claim to have some sort of kick-ass resume as a result, just solid life experience).

2. I'm realistic about what it means to attend law school and attempt to work in the legal profession. Both my brother and a good friend are 1Ls and I have a handful of acquaintances ranging from older lawyers to recent grads. Plus I troll the shit out of TLS forums. Don't get me wrong - I know I don't understand the totality of the situation, however, and this is part of why I'm seeking advice from you all.

3. I've been accepted at a few okay schools, a few lower ranked schools in the T70s or so, and didn't do well at the schools I would attend no questions asked (dings and WLs across the board for dream schools).

4. I loved academics in high school, I loved academics in undergrad, and I expect to truly enjoy the academic experience of law school. People who know me suggest as much.

Now here is where I'd like some input: I'm in at places like Wake, American, Chicago-Kent, Northeastern and Villanova. I have some form of $ from all of these schools, but I have a full ride at Villanova and close to full at Northeastern. The only geographical areas where I have 'ties' (whatever that means) are NYC, Virginia, and Colorado. I didn't apply to schools in those areas for a reason, however. Assuming I have saved up enough $ to not be in deep shit financially while studying full-time, and assuming I don't necessarily mind taking 3 years of my life to get a JD, what do we think about going to a place like Villanova with a full scholarship and 'seeing how things shake out' when I'm done. Yes, I am one of those people who would be going to law school in some part because I'm unsure of what else to do in life at this point.

Worth mentioning as well that I am in a long-term relationship headed toward marriage and I've been out of undergrad for 4 years.

Thanks in advance to anyone taking the time to help -- I really appreciate it. -Ben

"T70-T90"

?

You told us you want to go to school, but you didn't tell us what the endgame is.

OP, when did you apply? With your numbers, your results should be significantly better than what you're getting. Also, you're really in the prime position for a re-take, because even a few points could look really good and should get you into schools like Northwestern, Michigan, UVA, Cornell, etc. (in fact, with an early app to those schools and maybe an ED, you'd have a chance to get in even without a re-take).

Also, I worked for 5 years after undergrad before I went to law school. Another year won't hurt you.

I think a place like Villanova would workout fine. From reading about it and speaking with students, if you do well (top 1/3 or 1/4) landing a good job in Philly should be easy. I also have a full ride and why I am considering Nova over my other higher raked offers is specifically that reason. If it turns out to not work out, at least you didn't have to pay much for it (ignoring the 3 years loss of income). I still haven't committed, but maybe I will see you there in the fall.

bne2103 wrote:Now here is where I'd like some input: I'm in at places like Wake, American, Chicago-Kent, Northeastern and Villanova. I have some form of $ from all of these schools, but I have a full ride at Villanova and close to full at Northeastern. The only geographical areas where I have 'ties' (whatever that means) are NYC, Virginia, and Colorado. I didn't apply to schools in those areas for a reason, however. Assuming I have saved up enough $ to not be in deep shit financially while studying full-time, and assuming I don't necessarily mind taking 3 years of my life to get a JD, what do we think about going to a place like Villanova with a full scholarship and 'seeing how things shake out' when I'm done. Yes, I am one of those people who would be going to law school in some part because I'm unsure of what else to do in life at this point.

Getting a job in a non-major market without ties is going to be hard, especially coming out of a regional school.

I wouldn't recommend pursuing a law degree because you're not sure of what you want to do. Do research, maybe shadow an attorney - if the work appeals to you, you might want to consider going to law school. Don't go on a whim thinking you might like it - even if you do have a full ride, you'll still be forgoing income to pursue your degree.

If you're interested in law, however, it might be worth it. Granted, you're not going to get a high paying job out of any of these schools unless you place very highly in your class, interview/network very well or have good connections, but if you'd be willing to take a job as a prosecutor for 40k/year or something of that nature, it might be worth it to you.

grovevilleroad wrote:From reading about it and speaking with students, if you do well (top 1/3 or 1/4) landing a good job in Philly should be easy.

Be very, very careful about banking on finishing at a certain ranking. If you finish around the median, there's a good chance you might struggle finding a job. Sounds like a retake might be OP's best option.

I'm also surprised that you didn't do well this cycle. I would think you could probably crack at least one T14 with your stats. I would say I did better and my LSAT isn't as good as yours. Did you apply late?

Jaeger wrote:I'm also surprised that you didn't do well this cycle. I would think you could probably crack at least one T14 with your stats. I would say I did better and my LSAT isn't as good as yours. Did you apply late?

I applied last week of Thanksgiving November. I'm WL at BU and Gtown, but doubtful I'll see any movement on either of those. I am still waiting to here from BC, but its also a reach for me.

keg411 wrote:OP, when did you apply? With your numbers, your results should be significantly better than what you're getting. Also, you're really in the prime position for a re-take, because even a few points could look really good and should get you into schools like Northwestern, Michigan, UVA, Cornell, etc. (in fact, with an early app to those schools and maybe an ED, you'd have a chance to get in even without a re-take).

Also, I worked for 5 years after undergrad before I went to law school. Another year won't hurt you.

Indeed, I did not apply ED anywhere and I am regretting that now. Regarding a retake, I know I'm a good candidate. And I know all of us (most of us, anyway) hate the LSAT, but I particularly dislike it. I studied very rigorously after my initial 162, was taking PTs at a steady 167-170, went in on test day and basically had a meltdown. Blah blah there were extenuating circumstances but end result was a candidate cancel and a truly traumatic experience. Suffice to say I'd do pretty much anything to not have to take it again. I'm also not thrilled about the idea of waiting to get on with a career for another year.

All that being said, I do give a lot of credence to the opinion that I should A.) suck it up and retake and B.) go ahead and get some more WE. I am definitely considering that path, albeit reluctantly.

Assuming, however, that I go to LS next year though, what do we think? Thanks all for the already-super-helpful advice so far.

T70-T90 is a less-than-meaningless distinction. A few schools in this range actually outplace T30s. Others are uber-egregious TTTs.

Depending on the stips, a full ride at Villanova is something work considering. You're not likely to land biglaw, but it at least (1) feeds into an actual legal market, and (2) is toward the top of the food chain in said market.