Top Law Schools

Could someone tell me their thoughts on these two (instate UNC, say $15000 a year at Emory)? Maybe how you'd feel at sticker at both as well. They seem very very similar in placement outside their home regions (i.e. similar placement in the southeast and northeast).

Emory is a better school and certainly is more ambitious. Depending on what you want to do, it might make sense to stay at UNC, but Emory certainly has more reach and really wants to compete with the T14.

I'd say that's a tough call, but I don't think the rankings are really indicative of how close these two are. For one thing, UNC has to admit 75% of its class from in-state, and that is sure to have some effect on GPA and LSAT scores, which could artificially drag it down in formula-based rankings, like US News. According to rankings based on reputation with judges and lawyers, UNC is actually ahead of Emory (--LinkRemoved--). Emory is almost certain to cost you much, much more. If you want to practice in the southeast, Carolina gives you some pretty impressive bang for the buck.

Thanks to everyone so far. Yeah, I saw UNC's reputation rankings on other threads and that makes me wonder why they aren't T20, while everyone seems to think Emory is overrated which makes me wonder why they aren't closer to 30. Would I be better off looking at Wake Forest or Georgia maybe? I am interested in southeast biglaw. CHarlotte or Atlanta probably.

marshalltucker wrote:Thanks to everyone so far. Yeah, I saw UNC's reputation rankings on other threads and that makes me wonder why they aren't T20, while everyone seems to think Emory is overrated which makes me wonder why they aren't closer to 30. Would I be better off looking at Wake Forest or Georgia maybe? I am interested in southeast biglaw. CHarlotte or Atlanta probably.

Wake gives out some nice scholarships, and has a great campus. It appears to have good but not great job prospects. Georgia with a scholarship would be nice - don't know if one gets in-state in Georgia 2L and 3L, but if so, it would be a great option for Atlanta.

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marshalltucker wrote:Thanks to everyone so far. Yeah, I saw UNC's reputation rankings on other threads and that makes me wonder why they aren't T20, while everyone seems to think Emory is overrated which makes me wonder why they aren't closer to 30. Would I be better off looking at Wake Forest or Georgia maybe? I am interested in southeast biglaw. CHarlotte or Atlanta probably.

If you are interested in Atlanta specifically it is kind of a no-brainer man: Emory.

I'm interested in this also - between the four (Wake, UNC, UGA, and Emory) how do people feel they compare?! If you wanted Big Law in Charlotte or Atlanta what are the pros and cons of each school? Is there one people think lags behind the rest significantly?! I know USNWR places Wake, UNC and UGA all fairly close together 30-40 range and Emory in the T20, but when considering cost is Emory worth it's ranking of you are focused on the southeast as a region?

Definitely don't go with Wake. Lower rank, private tuition, and the scholarships typically have a rank requirement.

Atlanta: Emory would be best. UGA close behind due to low tuition and location.

Charlotte: UNC should be best for the entire state of NC.

Definitely UNC/Emory over Wake/Georgia. Keep in mind though, Charlotte's legal market is obliterated. Probably beyond hopes of recovery.

1. Emory
2. UNC
3. Georgia
4.
5. Wake

Throw in Alabama and these are the big 5 for me too. Most interested in NC but GA/VA and the whole southeast/eastcoast matter to some degree too. I feel like UNC is the right answer but it's more complicated than that.

EDIT: I'd hardly say Charlotte is broken beyond repair. That's a mighty bold statement to make.

Bankhead wrote: Charlotte's legal market is obliterated. Probably beyond hopes of recovery.

What makes you say that it is obliterated?

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The Wake Forest bashing in this thread is uncalled for.

The most recent BIGLAW numbers for the southern schools in question are: Emory (23.5% of class get njl250); WFU ([20%); UGa (15.4%); UNC (15%).

http://pdfserver.amlaw.com/nlj/law%20sc ... page12.pdf

The Zeppelin wrote:Definitely don't go with Wake. Lower rank, private tuition, and the scholarships typically have a rank requirement.

Atlanta: Emory would be best. UGA close behind due to low tuition and location.

Charlotte: UNC should be best for the entire state of NC.

Wake tends to be as mobile as UNC at the very least, and they offer more grants/aid than most schools, merit scholarships aside, so the cost is heavily mitigated there. Winston Salem isn't exactly the most fun place to live for 3 years, though.

Do we attribute UNC's fall to the Charpocaylpse?

I did UG in Charlotte, and I've spent the last 2 years in Raleigh, and while both have taken a hit, and I can't speak for the legal market in either, I most definitely wouldn't say that either one is at a Detroit level. Most of my friends live/work in the Charlotte area, and I would be too if I did something besides work in the biotech industry.

I'm in a similar situation with Wake ($$) vs. Emory. Everyone go vote on my poll and tell me why!! If I were you, I would go with Emory. I visited this weekend and it was awesome. There's no other word.