Southern Law Schools Forum

[lawschoolie1]

I'm a law school hopeful, and I was just wondering if anyone would be willing to comment with knowledge of Bama, Kentucky, and TN law schools. I really would like to attend law school in the South, however, I'm not from the South. In the future, I'd like to live there but I'd also like to know that my degree will be valued in other parts of the country (in case I move).

Can anyone provide some insight to how either Bama, KY or TN fare in that aspect?

Thanks

[WanderingPondering]

I really would like to attend law school in the South, however, I'm not from the South.

Then the only real options are UVA or Vanderbilt. Southern markets tend to be very insular and wary of outsiders. Even Atlanta firms will look suspiciously at Emory grads who came from the northeast.

EDIT: And Duke, of course.

[Stupe]

Vanderbilt or bust, if you have no ties to the South. Even if you got into a super regional like Alabama, you could still be left out to dry in the employment market with no ties or connections to the local scene. With Vandy you've at least got a shot at Nashville or Atlanta.

Duke may also be an option. I think most Duke students shoot for DC/NYC, but I'd imagine you'd still place well in the South if you chose to.

[Jredelman15]

Does anyone know about LSU and the prospects there? I would be looking at a big scholly if I applied.

[WhiteyCakes]

Duke should undoubtedly be included

[Stupe]

Does anyone know about LSU and the prospects there? I would be looking at a big scholly if I applied.

LA is pretty insolated so LSU probably holds down the state (assuming you have ties for later employment). That said, I'd rather go to UTexas and shoot for LA if I was from the state.

[lawschoolie1]

Hmm.
I'm assuming then, it's kind of like this all throughout the country?

I'm only a junior, but realistically, I know that my GPA will be nowhere near Vandy, Duke, or UVA.

I guess I'm outta luck then.

[Stupe]

Hmm.
I'm assuming then, it's kind of like this all throughout the country?

I'm only a junior, but realistically, I know that my GPA will be nowhere near Vandy, Duke, or UVA.

I guess I'm outta luck then.

The Southern job market is really insulated so yeah, if you want to go to a TT+ regional school in KY,TN, AL, then find a Southern girl to marry. Preferably one whose dad is a partner somewhere.

[lawschoolie1]

Awkward 'cause I am a girl, but I see your point.

[WanderingPondering]

Hmm.
I'm assuming then, it's kind of like this all throughout the country?

I'm only a junior, but realistically, I know that my GPA will be nowhere near Vandy, Duke, or UVA.

I guess I'm outta luck then.

A good LSAT cures all.

[rad lulz]

Don't go to any of the Southern state schools if you're not from that state. Southern markets are just too insular.

[JamMasterJ]

These are the options in the south for non-southerners:
Texas, Duke, UVA (sorta), Vandy.

[lawschoolie1]

I'm assuming the answer is no, but I figure I'll ask anyways:

Does it matter if I'm planning on doing a dual JD/MBA degree? Also, in anyone's opinion, is that degree realistically worth it?

[JamMasterJ]

I'm assuming the answer is no, but I figure I'll ask anyways:

Does it matter if I'm planning on doing a dual JD/MBA degree? Also, in anyone's opinion, is that degree realistically worth it?

only at a couple schools. Not sure how Duke's and UVA's JD/MBAs are, but they'd be the only worthwhile ones in the south.

[jms1987]

Don't go to any of the Southern state schools if you're not from that state. Southern markets are just too insular.

I keep hearing mixed things wrt to the insularity of Southern markets. I currently live in SW Ohio, but have previously lived in SE Tennessee and want to go back to a southern state for law school and for my eventual career. Would I be screwed by choosing a school like UTK, Bama, or UGA?

[rad lulz]

Don't go to any of the Southern state schools if you're not from that state. Southern markets are just too insular.

I keep hearing mixed things wrt to the insularity of Southern markets. I currently live in SW Ohio, but have previously lived in SE Tennessee and want to go back to a southern state for law school and for my eventual career. Would I be screwed by choosing a school like UTK, Bama, or UGA?

UTK maybe not but I wouldn't go to Bama or UGA. Atlanta's not that insular, but everyone wants to be there. If you can't pull ATL, I don't like your chances with small firms in Resaca/Macon/Warner Robbins/Augusta/Rome etc.

[WanderingPondering]

If you can't pull ATL, I don't like your chances with small firms in Resaca/Macon/Warner Robbins/Augusta/Rome etc.

I'm originally from Resaca, and I can tell you that it is very difficult to land a job with a firm if you weren't born AND raised there.

[jms1987]

Don't go to any of the Southern state schools if you're not from that state. Southern markets are just too insular.

I keep hearing mixed things wrt to the insularity of Southern markets. I currently live in SW Ohio, but have previously lived in SE Tennessee and want to go back to a southern state for law school and for my eventual career. Would I be screwed by choosing a school like UTK, Bama, or UGA?

UTK maybe not but I wouldn't go to Bama or UGA. Atlanta's not that insular, but everyone wants to be there. If you can't pull ATL, I don't like your chances with small firms in Resaca/Macon/Warner Robbins/Augusta/Rome etc.

Thanks for the reply. I assumed UTK would be a safer bet than the others. I can honestly say that I'd be happy in the Alabama market as well, but if it is that insular then it's likely a bad bet.

[moandersen]

It's not impossible to get a job in the south if you dont have ties. Myself and two other "northerners" (at a southern T1) received SA/permanent offers from southern firms/offices. But we all were also 4+ years out of ug, had good work experience, had well thought out reasons to stay in the south, and had good grades. We also had better luck with the larger firms than the smaller (<100 atty) firms. So can you find a job? yup. Likely? probably not, especially if you miss out on the large firm boat.

edit: 1000th post.