W&L full ride v.s GULC sticker v.s GW 106k Forum

[MonteCristo89]

On a somewhat related note, while I was in DC I went in search of the District's best crabcake sandwich. It led me to a neighborhood where I feared for my life (the sandwich was served through a rotating window from behind bulletproof glass), and the crabcake itself ended up being a disappointment. I think this is relevant for anyone looking at Gtown.

hahahaha +1, definitely relevant

(i thought i had submitted this post but i don't see it so i'm re-posting): however tempting it sounds to be debt free after law school, i think i'm going to have to rule out W&L...i've just always been set on studying law in DC and W&L's location is just not my forte. i like networking and going out to various events that take place in the DC area and by going to W&L i definitely feel as though i would be limiting myself in that sense.

In regards to GULC being BigLaw or bust, i have what's probably a stupid question: is all NLJ250 necessarily BigLaw? Or are the smaller firms in NLJ250 different? Essentially, I'm curious about the lifestyles because i've heard horror stories of BigLaw life and even though I may not want that, I still like the idea of working for at least a decent-sized law firm

[Marionberry]

On a somewhat related note, while I was in DC I went in search of the District's best crabcake sandwich. It led me to a neighborhood where I feared for my life (the sandwich was served through a rotating window from behind bulletproof glass), and the crabcake itself ended up being a disappointment. I think this is relevant for anyone looking at Gtown.

hahahaha +1, definitely relevant

(i thought i had submitted this post but i don't see it so i'm re-posting): however tempting it sounds to be debt free after law school, i think i'm going to have to rule out W&L...i've just always been set on studying law in DC and W&L's location is just not my forte. i like networking and going out to various events that take place in the DC area and by going to W&L i definitely feel as though i would be limiting myself in that sense.

In regards to GULC being BigLaw or bust, i have what's probably a stupid question: is all NLJ250 necessarily BigLaw? Or are the smaller firms in NLJ250 different? Essentially, I'm curious about the lifestyles because i've heard horror stories of BigLaw life and even though I may not want that, I still like the idea of working for at least a decent-sized law firm

There's a lot of threads on this, and I don't have any relevant experience. I have heard that in secondary markets, even in biglaw offices, that the work/life balance is a little more attainable. NYC and DC offices have a reputation for being kind of sweatshopish, which makes sense given the general attitude and atmosphere of those cities.

[tallboone]

see if GW will let you switch to the night program and graduate in 4 years w/out debt?

[seriously????]

haha i didn't even catch that, i think i had the general gist of what you were trying to say

hypothetically speaking, if we were to take W&L out of the equation (just because i didn't feel as strong of a connection to it when i visit as i did with gtown/gw), what do you think? thanks for your helpful insightt

I'd take GW (and it is the same offer that I am considering right now).

Reason being that, for me, getting out of debt with 10 years is a huge priority. Heck I'd prefer to be out of debt within 5 years but I understand that is nigh impossible so I'll settle for 10 years or close to it. GW's $120k debt makes this possible even if one gets a low paying small firm job. GULC's $210k debt makes that impossible without biglaw or an LRAP qualifying job and a large portion of GULC grads don't get either of these.

I am not sure about being able to pay off a 120k loan in ten years with a low salary. Seems like first five years will soley be minimum payments and taking care of the interest, while the remaining five would be to put every extra penny towards paying that off. So ten years later is when you'd finally get to save money for family, house, that stuff? Id go WandL being debt averse, but all three schools are somewhat equal balancing debt with job prospects.