TTT (tiny tuition) vs. Hastings (LEOP; near-sticker) Forum

[organic muskrat]

I'd like to practice law in Northern California, but then again I'd also like to graduate quasi-debt free.

I'd like to graduate quasi-debt free, but then again LEOP's support will help me do VERY well in law school.

Also am waiting on another school, and I know I should go there if I get in - even if it means I will be a lonely professional (getting a nice job should help me get over that [ha]).

Considering SF's shipwreck economy for 07-present grads, would you go for a very inexpensive and friendly out-of-state TTT or Hastings? I am just not sure. I am only 60-70% sure I want to do Public Interest, so relying on PICAP and/or Hastings version of it doesn't factor in very much to my decision whether to amass corpulent debt.

Thanks; all feedback is appreciated.

[calawdude]

I'd like to practice law in Northern California, but then again I'd also like to graduate quasi-debt free.

I'd like to graduate quasi-debt free, but then again LEOP's support will help me do VERY well in law school.

Also am waiting on another school, and I know I should go there if I get in - even if it means I will be a lonely professional (getting a nice job should help me get over that [ha]).

Considering SF's shipwreck economy for 07-present grads, would you go for a very inexpensive and friendly out-of-state TTT or Hastings? I am just not sure. I am only 60-70% sure I want to do Public Interest, so relying on PICAP and/or Hastings version of it doesn't factor in very much to my decision whether to amass corpulent debt.

Thanks; all feedback is appreciated.

I also got in through LEOP. I think graduating from a lesser known school can be detrimental to your career. Also, there are so many opportunities to get involved and gain experience at Hastings. The fact that the school is literally across the street from major courts is great. Whether you go into public interest or private practice, I think Hastings has opportunities for you to do work in both, which will make you look good to prospective employers. If you end up doing public interest work and make little, there's PICAP. If you want to work for a big firm, the Hastings name will be better for job prospects and the type of job you get. This will cover the difference in debt, and then some.

Keep in mind, though, that to get a good job out of Hastings, and out of any school outside of the top 14, you have to do things aside from getting good grades that's relevant to the type of law you want to practice and you have to make good use of the career center.

I haven't started at Hastings, yet, but have been doing some research on my own and this was the conclusion I came to. Hope this helps!

[apollo2015]

Since you want to practice in California, definitely go with Hastings.

Remember, even when the tuition is low elsewhere, you are still paying your Cost Of Living expenses and using up 3 years of your life.