How much of a relative bump to the really good cal schools does USD get in San Diego?

I can't answer this question by the way it is stated, but I can offer this statistic: According to the USD website, one in four law firm attorneys in San Diego has their JD from USD.

-HL

I would take any statistic on a law school website with a grain of salt. I suggest doing some research and seeing where lawyers in SD got their JD. I think (but don't know for sure- just common sense) that a Berkeley/UCLA degree will place better in SD than a USD degree.

edit: spelling...

I would think that UCLA or USC would definitely put you in a more competitive position in SD as long as you sought out those connections.

I am from San Diego, and am toying with the idea of applying to USD and seeing if I get enough money offered, but it seems from their employment data and cost that it is somewhat risky. I guess SD does not have a large law market.


I just can't imagine that as long as you do well at UCLA/USC/Boalt that you would be over-stepped by USD grads, all other things being equal.

for biglaw i think you definitely have an advantage coming from UCLA or USC.

That's the main issue. For SD, I would imagine USD is like Loyola is for LA - you will place decently behind the T14's and T1's - probably top honors after them. In a good economy in a large market, that's good enough. If a small market in a terrible economy, UCLA/USC (never mind Boalt) would not only put you ahead in the food chain in SD, but give you fall back markets throughout the state (and in other areas of the the country) in case SD is dried out.

There's no bump, at least from my vantage point (patent agent at law firm in SD). Its just that its different pools of talent competing. Top grads from UCLA, Berkeley, and USC don't usually look for work in San Diego. USD's top graduates do. If there's a bump its that employers are more confident that USD grads they hire will stay in the region long term and not waste the 1-3 years spent training them. Hope that helps.

I think the best bet is to go to the best law school and make sure you make clear your connection to SD to prospective employers (family, went to college there, etc....).