Top Law Schools

San Diego - $66,000 (over 3 years, no stipulations)
Northeastern - $25,500 (over 3 years, no stipulations)

I am originally from California, but have been living in the Northeast for the past 9 years. I love Boston and was set to go to Northeastern, until San Diego offered me more money. I know I should go where I would rather work (Boston), but can you really ignore the money? I could see myself also being happy living and working in San Diego.

What should I do?

No matter which you pick, plan to be there for the next decade. That's basically your only factor. If you like them equally, take the cheaper one. Otherwise, it is very fuzzy. I would take SD probably, all things being equal. The weather is great and it is near a beach. Of course, CA is in trouble as we all know so that does not bode well.

This is simple: both of these schools are so local in their reach that you will not be able to relocate. So decide where you want to practice, and go there.

joeshmo39 wrote:No matter which you pick, plan to be there for the next decade. That's basically your only factor. If you like them equally, take the cheaper one. Otherwise, it is very fuzzy. I would take SD probably, all things being equal. The weather is great and it is near a beach. Of course, CA is in trouble as we all know so that does not bode well.

There isn't much specific to CA that makes it avoidable. The troubles of the state government are one thing, the health of its economy in general is another. The bigger problem is that it is a crowded legal market (as is Boston).

I say go USD as long as you are happy in either locale. I would say Northeastern only if you are into public interest, which I believe is one of their strong points.

General Tso wrote:

joeshmo39 wrote:No matter which you pick, plan to be there for the next decade. That's basically your only factor. If you like them equally, take the cheaper one. Otherwise, it is very fuzzy. I would take SD probably, all things being equal. The weather is great and it is near a beach. Of course, CA is in trouble as we all know so that does not bode well.

There isn't much specific to CA that makes it avoidable. The troubles of the state government are one thing, the health of its economy in general is another. The bigger problem is that it is a crowded legal market (as is Boston).

I say go USD as long as you are happy in either locale. I would say Northeastern only if you are into public interest, which I believe is one of their strong points.

--I believe NE actually places better in NLJ250 (marginally though). I think I remember hearing USD is great for tax law though. people said it above, you have to pick the school where you want to live. the only reach outside the region for either school would be top 5-10%, which is certainly not something to bank on.

She said she's indifferent as to region...the decision should be about $$. 66k guaranteed is about as good an offer as you could get from USD. I probably would have taken that offer over Hastings sticker, but they offered me 81k w/ top 33% gpa requirement.