Top Law Schools

- Probably looking at 15k/year loans for Duke vs 33k/year for UVA.

- From NYC, looking to stay somewhere on the East Coast

- Interested in public service - thinking prosecutor's office (want to get some trial experience) and maybe government.

I really like both schools, so I'm sure I'd be very happy either way. But, UVA has a reputation for being more public service oriented than Duke. I'd love to hear thoughts on if public service opportunities coming from UVA (NYC DA's office, for example) are that much better than Duke. Also how much that slight rankings difference really matters when it comes to hiring.

Thanks!

This is relevant to my interests.

Peer schools, but Duke is half the price. Should be a really easy decision. Did you try negotiating with UVA using Duke's offer? If this is the final cost for each, Duke wins.

envisciguy wrote:Peer schools, but Duke is half the price. Should be a really easy decision. Did you try negotiating with UVA using Duke's offer? If this is the final cost for each, Duke wins.

Exactly. At these prices, Duke and its not even close.

My one regret is that I have but 1 vote to give for Duke. Slam dunk here.

Is everyone voting / commenting just based on $?

Any insights into the public service strengths of each school?

Thanks!

callipygian wrote:Is everyone voting / commenting just based on $?

Any insights into the public service strengths of each school?

Thanks!

Don't think either one is going to be better or worse. I have heard that UVA has a relatively high number of people interested in prosecution, but that's anecdotal. I would think either one would be more "law and order" oriented than, say, NYU or Michigan. Keep in mind the very high probability that you will end up wanting to do a biglaw stint given the abysmal market for government jobs.