Northwestern vs. Michigan for Public Interest Forum

[jadi2386]

Hello,

I am wondering what your thoughts are in terms of best employment prospects/opportunities for public interest law at Michigan or Northwestern. I'd be paying sticker at both, hope to work in PA, NY, or DE (DC also possible) and am more interested in legal aid work than government work (but flexible).

Also, as a side note I also have full tuition at Washington & Lee (won't have much debt if any because my husband would work to cover personal expenses)....anyone think the lack of debt makes it worth it to pass up the top T14s?

Thanks so much for any input!!!

[tgir]

As I understand it, Michigan has much more of a PI culture than Northwestern. If I were in your position, I'd take Michigan without hesitation--unless you have some compelling reason to live in Chicago.

No debt is tempting, but if you want to do high-quality PI, especially in NY or DC, it's pretty darn competitive, and the name on your degree does matter. Besides, Michigan has a good LRAP, so you wouldn't starve.

[CanadianWolf]

Probably Michigan, but you really need to visit all three of your options because they offer very different settings & cultures, in my opinion.

[patrickd139]

Michigan, because it's ranked higher. When you change your mind and decide you want biglaw, you'll be in a better position.

Srsly though, CW's post hit the nail on the head. Also, check out each school's LRAP. If I were serious about PI, that would be dispositive for me. Finally, if W&L placed stipulations on the scholarship, I'd get them removed, or turn it down if they won't remove them.

GL!

[cornellbeez]

I think Michigan has a better LRAP. Plus, more jobs qualify for Michigan's LRAP (any job that requires a JD, not just certain gov/PI jobs).