Are Alumni Networks that Important? Forum

[leejh38]

Just how important is a school's alumni network in finding employment? Is it something that should be highly considered, moderately considered, or lightly considered when choosing a law school or is it just not that applicable in a real world setting? And not just in BigLaw settings, but in all levels of legal employment. All opinions are appreciated, but opinions of people who actually employ other people would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

[mrwarre85]

incredibly important for most of us. not only is it difficult to develop a skill that objectively sets you apart from the pack, its even harder to have that skill and get noticed. most of us will get our jobs/consistent work through networking and thus being apart of a large network is a bonus.

[bdubs]

Law has been inherently local in the past. Even top schools (aside from HY) tend to concentrate their alumni in a particular geographic area. As a result you should really look at the law school's network in the location that you want practice. Don't always assume that a bigger network is a better network.