Northwestern (sticker) vs. Lewis & Clark PT (70% ride) Forum

[rinkrat19]

Here's the deal: I thought I was set on attending Lewis & Clark with a hefty scholarship, part time, and keeping my full-time job. (I live near Portland, obviously.) L&C offered me $20K/year, for the 4-year part-time program. Then I got accepted to Northwestern and the school and the city of Chicago really started to sound pretty awesome to me.

I'm going to request a 1-year deferral from NU, because there's just no way I'd be ready to move to Chicago in August. I work in a very small department (usually 7 people, 6 right now), already shorthanded and operating under an interim director. Telling them in April that I'm quitting in August would be a problem. It's not even clear whether the interim director has hiring power to replace me. I'd also become vested in my retirement plan if I stayed another year, so I wouldn't have to forfeit what is a pretty significant asset for me. My boss is willing to write a letter supporting my request for a deferral.

Anyway, assuming for the moment that NU thinks my request is reasonable and grants the deferral, am I crazy to think that sticker at NU would be worth it? I doubt I'll get much, if any, aid beyond loans from NU (although I will, of course, apply.)

- I'd be fine working in the PNW, but I also am not sure that's the ONLY place I ever want to work, and I'm afraid of limiting my region so much.
- I would like to attend full-time, so I can do the 'extra' stuff like clinics, clerkships, summer work (besides just my regular job), etc, which would also look better on a resume, right?
- Since the PT program at L&C is 4 years, and I'd be starting NU in 2012, either way I'd graduate in 2015.
- I've never moved away from the PNW and even if I come back, I think it'd be good for me to try a new city for a while.
- I have a mortgage on a condo that if I sold right now, I'd lose money. So it has to be rented out. My dad does live nearby to do landlord-type stuff, if needed.
- Debt: $200K vs. $15K or so.

[jonas]

What are you hoping to do with your JD?

[gbpackerbacker]

In the economy, keeping your job (remember, those are the things that everybody wants) and getting a legal education with no real risks is quite a steal. It does depend largely on what you want to do, how comfortable you are with your job, as well as other factors.

I voted for Lewis and Clark, assuming you have good ties to the region.

[rinkrat19]

What are you hoping to do with your law degree?

At first I was looking at Environmental Law, since my UG degree is Environmental Engineering. But then I decided I really just don't know enough to have much of an opinion yet. I wouldn't mind working for the government in some capacity, since I have spent much of my adult life working in the public sector for two different city governments (and enjoyed it), but in what capacity, I do not know. That's one reason why I think NU might be a better choice--I'd get to work summers, do clinics, etc, to try some things out to see if I like them. I wouldn't just graduate with a JD and no practical experience.

[Adjudicator]

It really depends on what you want to do in life. But I voted for Northwestern... you only go to law school once and Northwestern will open up so many more doors than Lewis & Clark. It could make a huge impact on the rest of your life, depending on what you want to do.

Let's be frank... what exactly are the potential jobs for a graduate of Lewis & Clark's PT program? In my view you'd better already have a law job lined up before even entering a program like that, because I'm not convinced that it will help you find one.

Northwestern, on the other hand, is an amazing school with excellent prospects.

[digitalme]

I'm in the same boat and also very confused. I've been accepted to Michigan, Northwestern, UCLA and UT. Of course that's exciting and all, but the thought of $150K debt almost kills it. Especially since I've never wanted to work at a big firm, but hope to work for an international organization. So then L&C offers me $25/yr. and Portland seems like this fairyland of happy people. Northwestern is certainly a better education, but at that expense I seriously wonder what I'll have to compromise to pay them for it. I'd love to hear what you decide and why. I'm actually surprised at how many votes NU got.

[OGR3]

The only school in the northwest worth attending at a hefty scholarship over a T14 at sticker is Washington.

[CanadianWolf]

There is no right answer nor is there a wrong choice in your situation. Hope that helps. Good luck !

P.S. I didn't vote because the poll doesn't permit one to vote for both options.

[rinkrat19]

To those who were curious...my request for a 1-year deferral at Northwestern was granted, and I've put my first seat deposit down.

No sooner had I done that than L&C released their evening class schedule for fall 2011. All classes (which used to start at 6pm) now will be starting at 5pm. I work ~45 minutes away from L&C and short of someone inventing a teleportation device and a time machine, there's no way I could get there for 5pm classes. L&C effectively removed itself from consideration, reinforcing my choice of Northwestern.

Of course, now I'm RILLY RILLY excited about NU, and I have to wait 18 months before I head to Chicago. But that year and a half will be very useful (if boring).

[OGR3]

To those who were curious...my request for a 1-year deferral at Northwestern was granted, and I've put my first seat deposit down.

No sooner had I done that than L&C released their evening class schedule for fall 2011. All classes (which used to start at 6pm) now will be starting at 5pm. I work ~45 minutes away from L&C and short of someone inventing a teleportation device and a time machine, there's no way I could get there for 5pm classes. L&C effectively removed itself from consideration, reinforcing my choice of Northwestern.

Of course, now I'm RILLY RILLY excited about NU, and I have to wait 18 months before I head to Chicago. But that year and a half will be very useful (if boring).

Congratulations. I think you definitely made the right choice. Save some money and enjoy the beautiful northwest before you move! I didn't appreciate the region's beauty enough before I left and now I live in Pittsburgh.

That's not to say I don't love Pittsburgh, but aesthetically, it's got nothing on Seattle or Portland.

[showNprove]

There is no right answer nor is there a wrong choice in your situation.

Yes there is. Northwestern is the right answer, and it's not even close. Even if they don't let you defer, you should make it work.

[CanadianWolf]

Thank you for correcting my opinion. It was foolish of me to consider the OP's situation before responding.

[FuManChusco]

It really depends on what you want to do in life. But I voted for Northwestern... you only go to law school once and Northwestern will open up so many more doors than Lewis & Clark. It could make a huge impact on the rest of your life, depending on what you want to do.

Let's be frank... what exactly are the potential jobs for a graduate of Lewis & Clark's PT program? In my view you'd better already have a law job lined up before even entering a program like that, because I'm not convinced that it will help you find one.

Northwestern, on the other hand, is an amazing school with excellent prospects.

I agree. I think this question is Northwestern vs. not going to LS rather than NU vs. L&C. I've heard terrible things about L&C's employment prospects and median salary numbers. If you really want a career in law then go NU. If this is just a flavor of the month type of idea, then bail completely and save yourself some money.

Edit: totally missed OPs post about his decision to attend NU. Congrats. I think you made the right decision. I'm sure a great career in the field is ahead for you. Good luck with everything.

[tome]

The fact that you are even asking this question just demonstrates that you don't deserve to go to Northwestern.