Top Law Schools

So, up until yesterday I thought I was going to Case Western because it seemed like the only option for me. Then I received an email from Pitt saying I was admitted. Also, I'm waitlisted at Maryland. Now I'm kind of having second thoughts about where I would like to go. I would like to practice somewhere in the DC area and possibly try to do JAG. (I would like a fed. government job but I know how difficult that would be coming out of any of these schools, so I thought JAG would be a good way to earn some experience and get a foot in the door.)

Case gave me a 10k scholarship, which isn't much consider the high sticker price. Also they're in Cleveland, regionally that's not very helpful. They do have a decent program for what I would like to do, though.

Pitt. is closer to the area I'd like to work eventually. Also, they're not a bad school. If my plan fell I would rather work in PA than OH, as well.

Option 3, take the June LSAT and try to get off the waitlist at Maryland. I scored a 160 the first time I took, and I was so sick I had to leave the test room at one point. So, I'm fairly certain I could do better. Maryland I would ideally would have the most DC connections to help me with my goal.


Just curious what everyone thinks I should do? How important is location if you want to work for the gov.?

Since you want to do JAG in DC (or work for the Feds), it would be best to ride the waitlist for Maryland. But, in the meanwhile, ride with the school that offers you the most money or is in a location you wouldn't mind living in.

I'd go with Pittsburgh though....until I get off the Maryland WL.

I'd still go with Case, as year after year they have a much more portable degree than Pitt. I've argued before, and I'll argue again - it's the most portable degree outside the T30 (excepting Tulane....maybe). Now, both schools actually place surprisingly well in DC, but Pitt appears to place in Pittsburgh and DC and that is about it. Case places well into both NYC and DC of the major markets, and also places much better than Pitt in Chicago and LA. Now, I love Pittsburgh, so if you have a top two markets ranking of DC then Pittsburgh, this is a no-brainer for Pitt.

I have to say, though, that is a lot of money you'll be taking out at either school.

What about Catholic or Howard? They're not as highly ranked as the three you mentioned, but they're DC schools and either would be fine for JAG.