Top Law Schools

Short-time lurker, first time poster trying to choose between USC and Notre Dame. Both schools have really good national reputations and purportedly strong alumni networks. At the moment I would like to do something with an international focus (hopefully Asia). For what it's worth, I've visited both schools

Notre Dame
Pros: 20k/year, boasts of national job placement. Went to undergrad in Chicago and love it there. Beautiful new facilities and small student body. Conservative/Religous (its a pro for me, hahaha)
Cons: South Bend, IN. While they place people nationally, is there really a market where they are tops; it seems like they have selected firms but other than that its tougher to find work. Tour guide said a lot of people don't have jobs yet. Relatively lower ranking. Reputation for international law, but more focused on human rights/Europe.

USC
Pros: Higher ranking. SoCal prestige, connections, and location. Really enjoyed my visit, people seemed really energetic. Small student body. Overall strength of school's grad programs. Good career prospects.
Cons: Paying sticker price. Sketch neighborhood. While I wouldn't mind living in CA, I do not want to spend the rest of my life in LA. Cursory glance of courses had little on Asia/Intl Law

I am very fortunate that cost is not an overriding factor, however it is still definitely something to consider. I don't have a strong preference where I want to live/practice yet although as stated above, I don't want to be in LA long term.

ND for the scholly and the fact you don't want LA long-term. But FYI: international law from either of these schools is going to be really, really tough. I wouldn't let it be an overriding factor.

Also, great thread name.

I went to USC undergrad, so I'm a little biased. I would point out, though, that the neighborhood is not NEARLY as bad as it might seem at first glance-- I had amazing ("local," as opposed to student) neighbors, and there's great ethnic food to be had. You'll be perfectly safe as long as you're not a total idiot.

You say you don't want to be in LA...but do you want to be in South Bend? Chicago? SC has better national placement, though ND's better in the midwest.

Good luck, and go Trojans!

Just to clarify I wouldn't mind going to school in LA; however I know enough about it to know I don't want to be there long term (both parents from LA; I briefly lived there and have spent a considerable amount of time). That's not to say that I wouldn't mind being in Orange County, San Diego, etc or even other parts of CA although idk if USC has the same pull up north.

A big concern for ND for me is there doesn't seem to be a market where its the 'top dog,' just a collection of firms nationwide that have a history with the school. Any one who begs to differ feel free to correct me

Don't pick a school based on international law anything. ND has decent China connections, actually, but I don't know if they extend to the law school specifically. It also enjoys a really strong lay reputation over here.

I would pick Notre Dame just because I like ND and am biased (from the midwest) and sometimes regret not going there as an undergrad. I'd go to USC if I was planning to work on the west coast. Plus, you get a bunch of money, an equally (if not more) loyal alumni network around the world, and the ranking difference isn't that large.