Top Law Schools

For my law school decision, it has basically boiled down to going to Washington and Lee with a pretty good, 75% scholarship (but still about 30-40k in debt by graduation) versus going to West Virginia University with a full tuition scholarship (though rent, CoL still on me). While the schools are particular to me, I think this choice is really similar to one that a lot of people have to make, that is between a solid, T35 law school with debt vs. state school for free or cheap. So, I figured a lot of people would be wondering about this situation too, or have good things to say.

Anyways, for my case specifically, I'm from WV and really want to practice there when I graduate, maybe work for a firm, government agency, or get into politics. Also, I'd say about 85% of practicing lawyers in WV went there for law school. So, WVU makes some sense beyond the financials. W&L though offers much stronger academics and (at least for me) a great environment to go to school in socially and geographically. W&L also places a handful of people in WV each year (not as if that many try) and has clinical and externship opportunities that would allow me to work in WV. Also, they place pretty well in NOVA/DC, the other area I see myself in if I decide to leave WV (doubtful, but possible). I wouldn't be unhappy at WVU by any means, I think I might enjoy W&L more, though I'm not sure.

Anyone have any thoughts? Like I said, the schools are pretty specific to me, but it seems like a good proxy for a situation that a lot of other people probably find themselves in.

WVU I think. Though you could get to WV with a W&L degree, I don't think it makes sense to not go to WVU.

I disagree, 35 K isn't that much to stomach, especially when W&L is an elite school in that area, where WV isn't an elite school anywhere. As long as you do well, you can snag a great job there and pay your debt off relatively quick.

bump

the good school with debt vs. state school for free is an interesting dilemma, i think, especially in today's market.

WVU because you want WV.

W&L isn't a good enough school to turn down WV for free... it's not like they'll be fawning all over W&L grads.

I would take the first opportunity to get out of WV and stay out of WV. But hey, it's home so you love it.

havenoclue wrote: Anyways, for my case specifically, I'm from WV and really want to practice there when I graduate, maybe work for a firm, government agency, or get into politics. Also, I'd say about 85% of practicing lawyers in WV went there for law school. So, WVU makes some sense beyond the financials. W&L though offers much stronger academics and (at least for me) a great environment to go to school in socially and geographically. W&L also places a handful of people in WV each year (not as if that many try) and has clinical and externship opportunities that would allow me to work in WV. Also, they place pretty well in NOVA/DC, the other area I see myself in if I decide to leave WV (doubtful, but possible). I wouldn't be unhappy at WVU by any means, I think I might enjoy W&L more, though I'm not sure.

No offense intended, but how many firms are there, and their size, in WV? If you go to W&L, you can compete for firm jobs in all surrounding markets including WV as you mentioned.

Did you go to w&l asd? They talked a lot about black lung clinics in wv, and how students who did those often ended up working for the mining companies in wv. Plus if you change your mind about wv you have more (not tons more) options with w&ll

kch3684 wrote:Did you go to w&l asd? They talked a lot about black lung clinics in wv, and how students who did those often ended up working for the mining companies in wv. Plus if you change your mind about wv you have more (not tons more) options with w&ll

What are your #'s?

If you are 100% sure you want to live and work in WV for the rest of your life this is a no brainer and you need to go to WVU.