Attending Law School at USC but practicing in the Northeast? Forum

[jrstephens1991]

If I were to attend USC but actually practice law in say NYC, would it make much of a difference? Weird I know, but it would seem like USC's reputation would carry over relatively easy even if I wanted actally practice elsewhere correct?

[sfdreaming09]

if you want NYC, Fordham/Cornell would do better than USC.

[postitnotes]

USC is pretty regional. Not a good move.

[im_blue]

Terrible idea. With USC numbers, you should be going to Fordham/BC/BU/GW for the Northeast.

[ScaredWorkedBored]

USC has relatlvely decent total placement. Most of that comes from being one of the two major schools in the second largest city in the United States. You want a job in the first largest city that happens to be 3000 miles away.

[heyguys]

if you want NYC, Fordham/Cornell would do better than USC.

Lol @ having fordham and cornell in the same category.....

Anyway, to the OP, don't go to USC If you have to practice in NYC; however, if you go in okay with practicing in CA and have the goal of practicing in NYC, then you can go NYC if you end up at the top of your class and stay in CA if you're median.

[ScaredWorkedBored]

if you want NYC, Fordham/Cornell would do better than USC.

Lol @ having fordham and cornell in the same category.....

For a good job in NYC, Fordham is excellent. Certainly a much better option for that goal than USC.

*waits for Opera to sweep into the thread extolling the virtues of Fordham*

[heyguys]

if you want NYC, Fordham/Cornell would do better than USC.

Lol @ having fordham and cornell in the same category.....

For a good job in NYC, Fordham is excellent. Certainly a much better option for that goal than USC.

*waits for Opera to sweep into the thread extolling the virtues of Fordham*

Fordham would certainly be better for NYC--wasn't arguing that point. Nevertheless, I just don't think that Cornell and Fordham belong in the same category of schools as far as this goes (it would be like if he had said Fordham/Cornell/Columbia--three entirely different categories of schools as far as jobs go, imo).

[Big Dog]

The Trojan Family for connections is huge....in Southern California. If you want to practice in the east, an eastern law school would be much better.

[Aeon]

If you have strong ties to NYC (such as having attended high school and college there, and having family living in the area), then it might be easier to break into the market with a USC degree. Whatever the case, you would probably need to do some legwork to get that done, in addition to having top grades, etc. The fact is, USC has strong placement in southern California, and most firms at OCI will likely be from California.

If you really have your heart set on NYC, you might be better off attending a school in that region (Columbia, NYU, Cornell, Fordham, Cardozo, etc.) or one that has great placement there (like most any of the T10).

[chadwick218]

For a good job in NYC, Fordham is excellent. Certainly a much better option for that goal than USC

Yes, so long as you end up being in the top 1/3 at Fordham. Fordham grads are also a dime a dozen in NYC. It may be a better option, but I am not sure that it is quite as conclusive as you suggest. With strong ties to NYC, it will be much easier for you coming from USC.

OP, if you were admitted at USC, there is a chance that you will also be admitted at Cornell.

[sfdreaming09]

if you want NYC, Fordham/Cornell would do better than USC.

Lol @ having fordham and cornell in the same category.....

Anyway, to the OP, don't go to USC If you have to practice in NYC; however, if you go in okay with practicing in CA and have the goal of practicing in NYC, then you can go NYC if you end up at the top of your class and stay in CA if you're median.

I wasn't putting Fordham and Cornell "in the same category." I meant that EITHER choice (Fordham or Cornell) would be superior to USC. NOT that Fordham and Cornell are "in the same category."

[Borhas]

if you want NYC, Fordham/Cornell would do better than USC.

Lol @ having fordham and cornell in the same category.....

Anyway, to the OP, don't go to USC If you have to practice in NYC; however, if you go in okay with practicing in CA and have the goal of practicing in NYC, then you can go NYC if you end up at the top of your class and stay in CA if you're median.

I wasn't putting Fordham and Cornell "in the same category." I meant that EITHER choice (Fordham or Cornell) would be superior to USC. NOT that Fordham and Cornell are "in the same category."

they are obviously in many of the same catagories

[beesknees]

For a good job in NYC, Fordham is excellent. Certainly a much better option for that goal than USC

Yes, so long as you end up being in the top 1/3 at Fordham. Fordham grads are also a dime a dozen in NYC. It may be a better option, but I am not sure that it is quite as conclusive as you suggest. With strong ties to NYC, it will be much easier for you coming from USC.

OP, if you were admitted at USC, there is a chance that you will also be admitted at Cornell.

Not quite sure I agree with that. USC is a regional school. By definition, most of the class' prospects will be in USC's west coast region. I bet you most NYC firms don't know (/care?) USC is ranked in the T20, but Fordham is T30.

I'd say that either one will require top grades and networking. Since you don't have a national school on your plate (assuming, since you didn't list it), then I would go for the home court advantage because the difference in ranking won't translate into much for your situation.