Top Law Schools

I'm on the waitlist at a few middle-tier T14s, but assuming these are my options and I do not get off any waitlists, which one is the better choice given the following criteria:

1) 100% certain that I want to work in SoCal
2) Aiming for Biglaw

*Side Question: Is the current California budget crisis affecting UCLA's law school substantially?*

Any $ involved at either?

Largo219 wrote:I'm on the waitlist at a few middle-tier T14s, but assuming these are my options and I do not get off any waitlists, which one is the better choice given the following criteria:

1) 100% certain that I want to work in SoCal
2) Aiming for Biglaw

*Side Question: Is the current California budget crisis affecting UCLA's law school substantially?*

For what it's worth, the Dean at UCLA said they reached their $100 million fundraising goal two years early.

nailglue wrote:Any $ involved at either?

Both at sticker, but I am blessed/fortunate enough to be able to graduate without debt from either.

Largo219 wrote: 1) 100% certain that I want to work in SoCal

UCLA

Largo219 wrote: 2) Aiming for Biglaw

GULC

Ultimately, I vote UCLA, but it's not so clear cut. Any personal preference?

I voted UCLA since you want to work in Southern California.

woeisme wrote:

Largo219 wrote: 1) 100% certain that I want to work in SoCal

UCLA

Largo219 wrote: 2) Aiming for Biglaw

GULC

Ultimately, I vote UCLA, but it's not so clear cut. Any personal preference?

No personal preference one way or the other, which is why I am so torn....though there seems to be an overwhelming opinion (at least judging from the current voting) that UCLA is the better option.

UCLA since you want to practice in Southern California. Your classmates at UCLA will become your professional peers whereas Georgetown grads are likely to remain on the East Coast.

CanadianWolf wrote:UCLA since you want to practice in Southern California. Your classmates at UCLA will become your professional peers whereas Georgetown grads are likely to remain on the East Coast.

This.

woeisme wrote:

Largo219 wrote: 2) Aiming for Biglaw

GULC

Ultimately, I vote UCLA, but it's not so clear cut. Any personal preference?

But also this. WIM wasn't referring to your preference of school, but your preference between SoCal and biglaw. SoCal->UCLA & biglaw->GULC

moneybagsphd wrote:

CanadianWolf wrote:UCLA since you want to practice in Southern California. Your classmates at UCLA will become your professional peers whereas Georgetown grads are likely to remain on the East Coast.

This.

woeisme wrote:

Largo219 wrote: 2) Aiming for Biglaw

GULC

Ultimately, I vote UCLA, but it's not so clear cut. Any personal preference?

But also this. WIM wasn't referring to your preference of school, but your preference between SoCal and biglaw. SoCal->UCLA & biglaw->GULC

Oh, completely misread that portion. I definitely want to practice in SoCal, so that would be my top criteria. And judging from people's comments/votes, that means that UCLA definitely seems like the route to go barring any waitlist movement.

Largo219 wrote:

moneybagsphd wrote:

CanadianWolf wrote:UCLA since you want to practice in Southern California. Your classmates at UCLA will become your professional peers whereas Georgetown grads are likely to remain on the East Coast.

This.

woeisme wrote:

Largo219 wrote: 2) Aiming for Biglaw

GULC

Ultimately, I vote UCLA, but it's not so clear cut. Any personal preference?

But also this. WIM wasn't referring to your preference of school, but your preference between SoCal and biglaw. SoCal->UCLA & biglaw->GULC

Oh, completely misread that portion. I definitely want to practice in SoCal, so that would be my top criteria. And judging from people's comments/votes, that means that UCLA definitely seems like the route to go barring any waitlist movement.

yes, if you want SoCal go to UCLA and don't think twice.