Top Law Schools

My lovely TLS'ers,

Do what you do best. Bestow upon me your wonderful wisdom. I know Cornell places particularly well for NYC Biglaw, and insofar as I know Michigan holds it's own in that department as well. I'm far more interested in a career in either public service (DA's office) or BigGov (which isn't hiring, I know! But who knows what the case will be several years down the line.) I would also be very interested in securing a federal clerkship (who wouldn't be, amirite?) and am fairly certain that Michigan does a little better in that department.

That being said, cost is certainly going to be a huge factor. Nobody wants to feel indentured to Biglaw 200k in the hole. However, assuming the same price, which school comes out ahead for what I'm looking for?

I've looked over Cornell's public interest LRAP in detail, but I need to look at Michigan's. Off the top of your head can anyone give me a breakdown of the strength relative to Cornell's? As for where I'd like to end up location wise after law school, I'm open. I originate from California, but am eager to move to the east coast. As far as I know Michigan still places strongly there as well. Is this mainly true only for Biglaw or does this extend to DA jobs etc.

Thanks in advance.

michigan.

/thread

Well. I know which one I'd pick, but...

Is there really going to be a substantial difference in your prospects coming out of these schools? Have you considered visiting them to see which one you like better? I'd go with the one you feel best about attending.

Tadatsune wrote:Have you considered visiting them to see which one you like better? I'd go with the one you feel best about attending.

Environment makes a bigger difference than it's often given credit for.

koalatriste wrote:michigan.

/thread

But seriously... go to Cornell. I need the spot at Michigan, ha

1) Do you want NYC big law?

If yes, Cornell. If no, Michigan.

Therefore, Michigan.

koalatriste wrote:michigan.

/thread

Much better opportunities, a strong sense of PI, and a much better LRAP.

I would be careful. Many people who enter law school with the intent of doing public interest/government change their minds if they are offered $40,000 over the summer for an SA or $160,000 post graduation. Given that the largest market for those jobs is NYC, I wouldn't necessarily rule out Cornell.

Like all of the other posters have noted, visit both.

sach1282 wrote:

Tadatsune wrote:Have you considered visiting them to see which one you like better? I'd go with the one you feel best about attending.

Environment makes a bigger difference than it's often given credit for.

I'm inclined to believe this.

I'd prefer to live in Ithaca to Ann Arbor for proximity to NYC, and am a big fan of Cornell, but if you have no preference as to location, and you are set on public interest, Michigan is the best option.

sach1282 wrote:

Tadatsune wrote:Have you considered visiting them to see which one you like better? I'd go with the one you feel best about attending.

Environment makes a bigger difference than it's often given credit for.

I've got a visit scheduled to Cornell, and I'm going to make one for Michigan. I think that's very true - and honestly, without yet visiting, I prefer the smaller class size and more rural location of Ithaca. However, as many posters have noted, for PI Michigan wins out.

blowhard wrote:

koalatriste wrote:michigan.

/thread

Much better opportunities, a strong sense of PI, and a much better LRAP.

Thanks blowhard for giving reason to your answer.

Doorkeeper wrote:1) Do you want NYC big law?

If yes, Cornell. If no, Michigan.

Therefore, Michigan.

More or less what I expected. Thanks for the input so far guys, keep it coming!