Tulane or Miami for Chance at Big Law in South Florida? Forum

[DeSilentio2728]

This is my dilemma: I wish to practice law in South Florida after law school, and as such, Miami is the obvious choice, but I am concerned with the relatively low regard the U of Miami is held in nationally (in case I decide during law school that I want to practice elsewhere), and I am also concerned with the quality of Miami's curriculum. If both Miami and Tulane give me significant scholarship money (equivalent amounts), which do you suggest I attend?

[deadpanic]

I'd say take the U. If you practiced in South Florida for awhile you could probably go elsewhere anyway. Since the only thing you are sure on, as of now, is practicing Big Law in S. FL, again, take Miami.

[GATORTIM]

my understanding, based on limited research on FL schools, is that Miami dominates in S Florida.

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[Grizz]

This is my dilemma: I wish to practice law in South Florida after law school, and as such, Miami is the obvious choice, but I am concerned with the relatively low regard the U of Miami is held in nationally (in case I decide during law school that I want to practice elsewhere), and I am also concerned with the quality of Miami's curriculum. If both Miami and Tulane give me significant scholarship money (equivalent amounts), which do you suggest I attend?

Given your career aspirations, Miami every day of the week.

[whuts4lunch]

you get 23k/year with 3.2 stipulation from Miami?

[Aberzombie1892]

This is my dilemma: I wish to practice law in South Florida after law school, and as such, Miami is the obvious choice, but I am concerned with the relatively low regard the U of Miami is held in nationally (in case I decide during law school that I want to practice elsewhere), and I am also concerned with the quality of Miami's curriculum. If both Miami and Tulane give me significant scholarship money (equivalent amounts), which do you suggest I attend?

Miami does seem to suit your needs.

For anyone else who did not know south FL for certain, I would be saying Tulane (no brainer - especially if the scholarships made them cost the same)

But your worries are significant.

I would suggest visiting both.

Tulane will help pay for a flight/gas.

Can you persuade Miami to offer you more?

[chadwick218]

Assuming that costs are the same, go to Miami. However, be leary of Miami's scholarship offers ... some come with rather high grade stipulations.

[DeSilentio2728]

you get 23k/year with 3.2 stipulation from Miami?

I actually just went complete for both schools a couple of weeks ago, and thus have not heard back from either, but I am assuming that if I get into both schools, the offers will probably be about the same. Above medians on both.

I am just thinking that my choices might come down to just these two in the end.

[whuts4lunch]

you might have applied too late for money at miami

[chadwick218]

you might have applied too late for money at miami

This is a very good point. If you really like Miami, it may also be worth waiting a year and applying next cycle. I only say this b/c anyone with a 162 or higher is seemingly assured $23k / year.

[DeSilentio2728]

you might have applied too late for money at miami

If that be the case, then I would much rather pay full price at Tulane than Miami, but at full price, I would probably have to turn down both schools for higher ranked admittances.

[WashingtonJew]

Starting this thread up again - was looking at NALP, anot not just limited to South Florida, looks like Miami had three times as many firms at OCI. Was I sorting wrong or is this true? Is Miami a better option?

[Aberzombie1892]

Starting this thread up again - was looking at NALP, anot not just limited to South Florida, looks like Miami had three times as many firms at OCI. Was I sorting wrong or is this true? Is Miami a better option?

I don't know how many employers interviewed at U of Miami last fall. Tulane had about 90 (including off-campus interview programs). After removing multiple offices, that number is around 60-80.

[Grizz]

Incidentally, I changed my opinion. I wouldn't go to Miami without a full scholarship.

[bradleydee16]

Grizz,

I see you post on everything florida. Do work or live in the area? It seems like you know a lot about job prospects. You have made me officially terrified of UM.

[deadpanic]

You have made me officially terrified of UM.

If you are going to UM at sticker, you should be terrified.

[bradleydee16]

You have made me officially terrified of UM.

If you are going to UM at sticker, you should be terrified.

Only way I think I'll touch UM is significant $$$

[ggibelli]

You have made me officially terrified of UM.

If you are going to UM at sticker, you should be terrified.

Only way I think I'll touch UM is significant $$$

+1

the high risk that comes with sticker-price just isn't worth it

[biglaw$]

You have a 5% chance (maybe less) of biglaw at either school.

[pugilistjd]

You have a 5% chance (maybe less) of biglaw at either school.

http://www.law.com/jsp/nlj/PubArticleNL ... hbxlogin=1

Tulane placed more than double that in big law last year.

[20130312]

FWIW, this thread is from last cycle, and OP has most likely already made a decision.