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Hi guys,

any thoughts on both for entering big law?

got into both, 35k / yr scholly at Cardozo vs Loyola Chicago (waiting on scholly).

I understand its a long shot, but these are my options so far and thats my goal. I am entering with 3 years of work experience with the goal of attaining a job in a large firm.

I have family in both cities, and contacts in corporate law as well.

At first glance, NALP and LST data looks about the same (~10-20% of reported salaries entering 500+ attorney firm, cost of tuition 10k lower in chicago + living expenses should be lower).

I've applied broadly to california, texas, and florida as well but these are the offers i've got so far. Hoping to get some insight!

Thanks!

It's not even February. Why are you already throwing in the towel?

might be a miscommunication, not sure what you mean by throwing in the towel?

lymenheimer wrote:It's not even February. Why are you already throwing in the towel?

might be a miscommunication, not sure what you mean by throwing in the towel?

For big law? Neither. You have to assume you'll end up at median and getting median and either schools gives you about a 0% chance of biglaw. If you're biglaw or bust, you need to retake and get into better schools.

newyorktimes wrote:

lymenheimer wrote:It's not even February. Why are you already throwing in the towel?

might be a miscommunication, not sure what you mean by throwing in the towel?

"these are my options so far and this is my goal". Why don't you wait until you have all of your options? It may be more clear of a decision than you think, at that point.

Mullens wrote:For big law? Neither. You have to assume you'll end up at median and getting median and either schools gives you about a 0% chance of biglaw. If you're biglaw or bust, you need to retake and get into better schools.

I agree with the assumption, but as an exception to the rule I have met 3 students who were not in the top third of the class that landed biglaw jobs in NYC through networking. Good news is I have a backup which is relatively low cost factoring in scholly $

lymenheimer wrote:

newyorktimes wrote:

lymenheimer wrote:It's not even February. Why are you already throwing in the towel?

might be a miscommunication, not sure what you mean by throwing in the towel?

"these are my options so far and this is my goal". Why don't you wait until you have all of your options? It may be more clear of a decision than you think, at that point.

Ah, I see - appreciate the support...I will keep waiting of course. I guess my excitement and personality already has me analyzing what the best outcome can be..

appreciate the replies guys, I've been a silent watcher on the forum for a while. Good to know the community replies quickly with valuable feedback

newyorktimes wrote:

Mullens wrote:For big law? Neither. You have to assume you'll end up at median and getting median and either schools gives you about a 0% chance of biglaw. If you're biglaw or bust, you need to retake and get into better schools.

I agree with the assumption, but as an exception to the rule I have met 3 students who were not in the top third of the class that landed biglaw jobs in NYC through networking. Good news is I have a backup which is relatively low cost factoring in scholly $

You should not go to either school expecting biglaw. Random anecdotes are not your friend. You should also figure out where you want to live.

any feedback available from current / alumni of Cardozo and Loyola Chicago?

newyorktimes wrote:any feedback available from current / alumni of Cardozo and Loyola Chicago?

Sure: Loyola student here. listen to the people in this thread. Don't go unless you'd be OK doing PI/insurance/shitlaw. Biglaw isn't technically impossible, but you cannot go here without a realistic backup plan.

There's an 85% chance of failure at either school if biglaw is the standard for success (as you've stated it is). Nobody can suggest this is a good plan with a straight face.