Top Law Schools

Basically what are the best schools for the non-lucrative fields of practice? Haha I see so many threads about job placement in Vault firms, but what about those of us who are fine with 50k/year? Go as deep as you see fit, as I may end up having to choose lower on the totem pole of overall rankings as a result of scholly opportunities and debt-avoidance, even though my stats are good enough for at least a few T14s (3.85/170).

Generally: go to the highest ranked school you can get into
However: if you're set on a specific region, that rule does not apply universally. e.g. for SoCal UCLA/USC would be better than Cornell/GTown. So if you want a specific region also consider strong schools there as well as the overall rankings.

btw when i said "fine with 50k a year" i was referring to salary, NOT tuition.

so... say i get into Columbia with 0$, Berkeley with 0$, Michigan with $20k, Virginia with $50k, Duke with $60k, UCLA with $80k, WashU/GW/BU full ride, what would be the right choice?

I'd go with Columbia. Clerkships have always been pretty competitive and PI/Gov't is getting more competitive. Not knowing how you'll perform in law school, you can maximize your options and chances of getting a job where you want by going to the highest ranked school. Besides, with IBR, LRAP and getting a gov't/public job, you shouldn't worry too much about loans.

Step 1: Get into these schools.

Step 2: Research LRAP at these schools. Learn about IBR.

Step 3: Compare cost of attendance and LRAP programs.

Worrying about hypothetical situations without knowing a lot about LRAP progarms and IBR is not really productive.

worldtraveler wrote:Step 1: Get into these schools.

Step 2: Research LRAP at these schools. Learn about IBR.

Step 3: Compare cost of attendance and LRAP programs.

Worrying about hypothetical situations without knowing a lot about LRAP progarms and IBR is not really productive.

This is my plan, FWIW

step 1: get in columbia

step 2: go to columbia


if u fail either step...

step 3: get in and go to nyu

The University of New Mexico (Albuquerque) is known for its Environmental Law program, and you won't be graduating with a 6-figure loan debt, either. It will be much less.

retiree wrote:The University of New Mexico (Albuquerque) is known for its Environmental Law program, and you won't be graduating with a 6-figure loan debt, either. It will be much less.

LOLZ

retiree wrote:The University of New Mexico (Albuquerque) is known for its Environmental Law program, and you won't be graduating with a 6-figure loan debt, either. It will be much less.

Only if he/she is a new mexico resident.... otherwise it is comparable to most other schools. Also, while they have a great PI focus, you aren't leaving the area ever again either unless you get a job with the feds.

fugitivejammer wrote:step 1: get in columbia

step 2: go to columbia


if u fail either step...

step 3: get in and go to nyu

this made me laugh