Top Law Schools

I haven't looked much into any schools up there, but some of my family say I should at least look into them. They're not Tier 1 or Tier 2, but I was wondering if there was any honest feedback about the regional viability of these schools?

I'm mostly talking about the University of New Hampshire, Suffolk University, and the University of Maine. As far as law school goes, I want to go to a school that's near family, of which I have plenty in New Hampshire. I'd love to work in a state like Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine, so if those schools are viable in those states, then I wouldn't be opposed to considering them. UNH seems like it's highly patent-oriented, so I'm not sure I should be giving that much consideration. I don't know much about the other two, or any other schools in the region.

Though they may be the only law school in the state, the legal markets in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont are really small. It'd be risky. I go to BU and wouldn't recommend it, but if you were dead set on staying in New England, that might be a decent option.

Upon further investigation, it seems the only worthwhile option on that list is Suffolk. It sounds like they have a solid reputation in Massachusetts, and it looks like it extends at least partially into the rest of New England. Am I correct in this understanding?

ohwhereohwhere wrote:Upon further investigation, it seems the only worthwhile option on that list is Suffolk. It sounds like they have a solid reputation in Massachusetts, and it looks like it extends at least partially into the rest of New England. Am I correct in this understanding?

Not really. There are too many schools in Boston and Suffolk is too far down on the list of Boston schools. You'll struggle to find work out of there.

I think Suffolk is probably the worst choice on your list. I go to a second tier school, so I am hardly a rankings snob. However, it is important to understand that attending any of these schools is a huge risk. I decided to take that risk for a variety of reasons. I am not saying "don't go," but you should be informed. For the class of 2011, 9 months after graduation, Suffolk had placed about 36% of its class in full time, long term (meaning lasting at least a year), JD required jobs. The total cost of attendance is nearing $250,000.

Maine and New Hampshire placed about 41% and 43% of their classes into "real" legal jobs, respectively. They are both a bit cheaper than Suffolk, but also could leave you with more debt than you will ever repay.

Check out the numbers for yourself: http://www.lstscorereports.com/?r=schools.

It is also important to note that not everyone who gets a real legal job will be able to afford their loans. Some of those people make $40,000 and have to service $200,000+ of high interest debt. Others are doing low-level one year clerkships, which may not turn into long-term legal careers.

On the bright side: 1) a few of the graduates without legal jobs will have successful careers in other areas, but likely could have done so without the law degree. 2) 2011 was a terrible year for legal hiring; it may be a little better in 2016 when you would graduate. 3) Some of the class is employed part time, which may turn into something good in a year or two.

Yeah, I was just looking at them as possibilities. I've since talked myself into doing as well on the LSAT as I did on a lot of my preptests. I know I can swing low Tier 1/High Tier 2, so I'd be cutting myself short if I didn't at least try one more time.

Thank you for the information, though.

Cinephile, I'm curious -- why don't you recommend BU?

OP - I live in New England.. and from what I've read on TLS, and heard from local attorneys, the only schools worth going to are BU and BC. You may be able to make something work out of UConn, but I'd advise getting lots of $ out of them before going that route.

maggielizer wrote:Cinephile, I'm curious -- why don't you recommend BU?

PM'd

iMisto wrote:OP - I live in New England.. and from what I've read on TLS, and heard from local attorneys, the only schools worth going to are BU and BC. You may be able to make something work out of UConn, but I'd advise getting lots of $ out of them before going that route.

This.

I know firsthand that NH firms look for BU/BC grads and only occasionally take UNH grads (need stellar grades/LR/etc)

I don't know much about ME and absolutely nothing about VT, but just look at some of the "bigger" NH firm websites and you'll be hard pressed to find UNH/Franklin Pierce grads.

(disclosure: BU student)