PT GW (45k) vs GULC Forum

[mraemorris]

Hi all,

I know similar topics have been posted but I haven't quite found what I need to make my decision. I could really use some insight from someone who knows more about both schools, as I've talked to people who go to each and I've talked to people who know about both undergrads, but haven't found anyone who can help me objectively compare the two law schools.

GW - received 45k
GULC - haven't heard, but TLS indicates that they don't award much in the part time program, so I'm assuming 0 for now.

Edit: GULC is slightly less expensive, so ultimately I'm talking about a 39K difference. My gut tells me GULC is the right choice, but I want to make sure I'm not just throwing away 39K!

A few considerations:
-I love the DC area, but I'm not sure that I'll stay here after graduation. My impression is that GULC has stronger national recognition, especially by non-legal folks, but if anyone can speak to GW's national reputation (non-IP), I'd appreciate it.
-My goal is to be a lawyer at a law firm, though I'd consider working as in-house counsel. I have a strong interest in litigation, but I also have work experience in the energy industry and am considering environmental/energy as a specialty. I don't know if I would combine the two, as I don't want to spend my career sitting in FERC hearings. I've also worked on civil suits, criminal defense, and in Antitrust, and I could see myself enjoying and doing well in civil and criminal. I'm hoping to decide by the end of 1L.

Any insight will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[BigZuck]

What are your numbers? What is your motivation behind keeping your current job and going part time?

[mraemorris]

What are your numbers? What is your motivation behind keeping your current job and going part time?

3.59, 169. I work in energy and the experience is too good to pass up if I stick with energy/environmental; I do a lot of writing and briefs so I think it'll be beneficial even if I choose a different type of law. Money is also a factor; I'm already paying for rent/living expenses, so not having to take loans out for that will help a lot after graduation. If I choose a different type of law, I'll likely try to find a job in a more closely related field for a year or two before graduation (may take an internship the last year if I can find one and the experience is right).

[Law Sauce]

What are your numbers? What is your motivation behind keeping your current job and going part time?

3.59, 169. I work in energy and the experience is too good to pass up if I stick with energy/environmental; I do a lot of writing and briefs so I think it'll be beneficial even if I choose a different type of law. Money is also a factor; I'm already paying for rent/living expenses, so not having to take loans out for that will help a lot after graduation. If I choose a different type of law, I'll likely try to find a job in a more closely related field for a year or two before graduation (may take an internship the last year if I can find one and the experience is right).

45k/year or total? retakes used?

[mraemorris]

What are your numbers? What is your motivation behind keeping your current job and going part time?

3.59, 169. I work in energy and the experience is too good to pass up if I stick with energy/environmental; I do a lot of writing and briefs so I think it'll be beneficial even if I choose a different type of law. Money is also a factor; I'm already paying for rent/living expenses, so not having to take loans out for that will help a lot after graduation. If I choose a different type of law, I'll likely try to find a job in a more closely related field for a year or two before graduation (may take an internship the last year if I can find one and the experience is right).

45k/year or total? retakes used?

45K total; took the LSAT twice. I'm not interested in taking it again; this was near my top practice score after taking an LSAT course and I don't think I'll improve much more.

[Law Sauce]

So COA would be $100k+ for both, depending on your current pay. If this is right, I guess I vote g-town even at 45k more. If your COA at GW would be closer to 70k. I would think that GW may then be worth it for the savings.

[Robespierre]

I can't objectively compare GULC and GW for you, and there are probably very few people out there who can. You can only go to one law school.

But I'm a PT'er at GULC, and I applied to and researched GW and know people who go there. So here goes:

GULC placed 43% of the Class of 2012 in 100+ lawyer firms and federal clerkships. GW only 31%. Is that worth 39K? I would say yes.

Given your profile, there is NO OTHER METRIC you should be considering.

[mraemorris]

Thank you both for the candid (and quick) responses! Honestly, you said what I thought, but I wanted to make sure I'm not just making that argument because it's what I want.

If anyone else has a different opinion, feel free to weigh in - I'll still keep checking this! And if anyone has a similar situation, feel free to tag on; I couldn't find anything comparing part time programs for these schools so hope this helps!

[BigZuck]

What's the difference in cost of attendance?

[kidrobotLaw]

Are there any other factors you are considering, such as location, culture, or course selection? Also, I see in your profile you got some bucks at Mason. Are you a VA resident? If so, sounds like your COA will be around $35k. Is that completely off the table?

I know one person that completed the GULC PT program, loved it, joined a large/prestigious law firm after. I know two people that completed the GW PT program -- one loved it, joined a large/prestigious law firm after; the other did not like it, and thought law school was a giant waste of time.

How many years of work experience do you have? I think that will be a major advantage in your job search and you are likely to land a great job out of either GULC or GW, and even out of Mason, though I suspect grades would come into play more via the Mason route.

Just curious, what if GW offered you $50k... $60k.... $75k?

Good luck!