Duke vs. GULC vs. UCLA vs. UC Irvine vs. NYU Forum

[lionLawyer]

I've already sort of decided, but was curious to see what the TLS community posted. I have little preference to location, am from east coast, but would like to check out west coast. I'm interested in litigation, and am looking for strong trial ad. Gpa/LSAT are 3.95/169. School details are:

NYU - sticker
Duke - 60k over 3 years
GULC - 60k over 3 years
UCLA - 90k over 3 years
UC Irvine - 165k over 3 years (full tuition)

Also, my dad's giving me 15k a year for COL, so I'm not QUITE as debt averse

[Blindmelon]

I'd instantly knock out Gtown/Irvine.

[top30man]

I'd instantly knock out Gtown/Irvine.

Agreed. Where on the east coast do you want to work? Where are you from?

[Nelson]

I'd say Duke of your current options, but retaking to a 170+ is probably worth it with your GPA.

[de5igual]

I've already sort of decided, but was curious to see what the TLS community posted. I have little preference to location, am from east coast, but would like to check out west coast. I'm interested in litigation, and am looking for strong trial ad. Gpa/LSAT are 3.95/169. School details are:

Chances are, though, that without ties to the west coast, you're not likely to get there absent awesome grades that'll make firms overlook your lack of ties. UCLA mitigates this a little, but given how much smaller west coast markets are relative to NYC, it's risky since you probably won't have NYC as a backup. Between NYU and Duke, NYU obviously places better, but it's probably not worth 60K + COL difference premium.

TL;DR - Go to Duke.