Oklahoma versus Tennessee Forum

[Dirt_Proct]

UGPA -3.41
Graduate GPA: 3.55
LSAT: 165

I've just been out of school and working full time as a manager in the claims dept. at a large insurance company the last two years, but have decided to go back to school and do what I had initially intended to do (become an attorney). I managed to talk myself out of it when looking at the job prospects back in 2012, but I just couldn't manage to put it to bed as while I was working I quickly found out the only aspect I enjoyed (beyond some of the project management work I did) was when I was working with counsel prepping files that were headed to suit and thinks of that ilk.

I recognize the above are not the greatest credentials, and my goal has been to AVOID law school, so please try and not talk me out of it at this point as I've committed. I got a late start in the application process, but I was thinking I'd likely end up at a school in the 40-70 range as it was, so I'm not feeling too put out at my final two options after having narrowed things down.

I do not particularly care in which area of the country I practice (though preference states not starting with an "I" or "M"), and my primary goal is to go into the USAF JAG program. If that doesn't pan out, then it seems my areas of interest center most heavily on energy law, international law, and business law.

I also lack a preference for firm size. I was an athlete through undergrad and grad school, so the competitiveness and general atmosphere of BL is appealing, but I would also enjoy a smaller setting where I may have a slightly lower blood pressure (that is if I don't make it into JAG, of course).

Costs: Over three years they are similar. I have more money at OU up front and can progress it during 1L and 2L via class rank. At UT it's easier to garner in-state tuition and would have it by the time I start 2L in addition to the bit of aid I have and that could be progressed as I hit achievement goals.

Additional info: I have transferring in the back of my mind. There is an OCI presence at OU I had not expected, so if I can get placed at a solid firm and/or into JAG, then I may actually stay - but if I attend there I will likely apply into the T14 to a) explore my options/expand my marketability and b) to attempt and pick up a bargaining chip for more financial aid. The International and Business Law options at UT seem better, so I would likely stay all 3 if I went there.

I apologize for the long post, but I'm trying to brain dump the different aspects of each that have me flip-flopping. Thanks for any input, and let me know of any further clarifications that can help you help me.

[lane]

What you have to consider is if you would be willing to live in the area if JAG does not pan out. If you want to do energy law then OU wouldn't be a bad choice considering the number of large oil and natural gas companies in the state. Also, if you are going to apply to T14 schools as a bargaining chip, I would alos recommend applying to Tulsa as well. Though OU may have a higher USNews rankings, they hold similar levels of prestige in Oklahoma. A full ride to Tulsa would definitely garner some attention from OU. Another positive aspect is that OU is the state flagship program whereas Tennessee still has Vanderbilt to contend with. However, if you don't plan on staying in Oklahoma, I would not recommend going there as JAG is never a guarantee.

[Rigo]

Two regional schools that don't provide a reliable path toward your goals. Since you said you applied late, sit out the cycle and apply early next cycle. Aim higher and strongly consider a retake. You could easily pull an Illinois fully with your current stats and are within strinking distance (+2 LSAT points) of a WUSTL fully.
If you're going to go, you have to keep costs low. Generous regionals with higher BL placement are attainable with a more strategic application strategy next cycle. Don't sell yourself short.