How to discuss transferring during an interview Forum

[Anonymous User]

So far, all of my interviews have been with partners/associates who graduated from other law schools. However, tomorrow, I am doing an interview with two partners from my 1L school. I will be transferring to T14 this coming fall. How should I explain my reasons for transferring without insulting them? I have thus far been saying that my new school provides more resources in terms of specialized courses I'm interested in taking, a wider range of specializations, and a large, diverse faculty. Is this not appropriate for the alumni of my 1L school?

Obviously, the real answer is job prospects and prestige, but I'm not going to say that.

[bk1]

They really wouldn't be open to "job prospects" as an answers?

[monkey85]

1. Don't bash the old school - continue to say how great it was for 1L; the professors you loved - obviously they liked you since you formed good enough relationships to get LORs.

2. Say how old school continues to be great, but job prospects are not as good as they were when THEY were in school - this should be a reasonable answer as long as tactful; they are partners and hiring was much different 7-9 years ago.

[fatduck]

most lawyers (even out of touch partners) have at least heard by now that the job market for law grads is abysmal. i really doubt anyone's going to fault you for trying to improve your chances by transferring.

[Anonymous User]

Going to be in the same boat. Thinking about discussing long-term career options being better at a T6 than at a T30, have to do what's right for my career, loved the old school but just wasn't good for the long-term. Maybe using it as an opportunity to show foresight and good business sense (especially since the price is almost the same between schools).

Thoughts?

[shock259]

All this sounds fine. Just be thoughtful and genuine. I don't think this is a trick question or anything.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. The interviewers didn't seem to care. They were more interested in why I wanted to return to that city and why I chose my specific transfer school. They were pretty understanding about the economy.

[Anonymous User]

What are these interviews for? 2L summer? When are 1L summer interviews? sorry for the ignorance I'm a 0L.